Why You Should Exfoliate from Head to Toe + How To Do It Right

How to Exfoliate Properly

Before we jump into the benefits of exfoliating, you want to make sure you’re doing it correctly. Exfoliating is more than just rubbing a scrub onto your body before you get into the shower. When you’re exfoliating from head to toe, each part of your body will need its own routine. Whether it’s your lips or in between your legs, your exfoliating ritual will depend on where you’re treating.

Whatever area you’re exfoliating, there are a few things to keep in mind. You want to follow up with a moisturiser. When you’re cleansing the body of its dead skin cells, you are opening the pores, which can make them prone to dryness. You want to seal your skin with a moisturiser to close your pores and keep the skin hydrated.

Ideally, you should have three exfoliating products. Exfoliating is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment. You should have a separate product for your face, body, and scalp. You might want to pick up an extra exfoliate for your lips or hands, although most gentle body scrubs will work.

When you’re exfoliating, move your fingers in a circular motion to help stimulate your skin cells. This motion will stop you from pulling on your skin. Circular motions will make it easier to get off the dead skin cells and help you achieve ultimate smoothness.

If you’re exfoliating before a trip to the beer garden or after your morning shower, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing an SPF. When your skin is freshly exfoliated, it’s more vulnerable to sun damage, so you won’t want to skip your daily sunscreen.

5 Reasons to Exfoliate from Head to Toe

1. We Really Mean from Head to Toe

Often, we get so caught up in one area of our body, that we forget about the rest. Your scalp needs a little extra TLC as well. If you suffer from dandruff or have a dry scalp, exfoliating is a must-do. Exfoliating helps to get rid of dandruff and any excess product that has stuck to your scalp. You can find specialist shampoos with exfoliating properties (look for shampoos with salicylic acid!), or you can make a DIY hair scrub with Epsom salts.

2. Scrub Your Face!

The area you are most likely to spot dry skin is your face. When dead skin cells are allowed to build up in your pores, you can start to suffer from blackheads and acne. Even with daily cleansing or doubling cleansing, it can be virtually impossible to remove all the residue from your face. When you exfoliate, you kick-start the skin renewal process and bring new skin cells to the surface to create a smoother texture. You can use a chemical peel like a BHA or retinol to help exfoliate your face.

3. All Over Your Body

The skin on your face is thinner than that on your arms or legs, so you can have fun exfoliating the rest of your body. Get into the habit of exfoliating your body at least once a week with a scrub. Our ‘Ruff Stuff’ body scrub in pure lavender is the perfect add-on to your self-care routine and will help relax you after your evening bath or shower. The coconut oil base keeps your skin hydrated while the vitamin E and lauric acid cleanse your skin.

4. Between Your Legs

Ingrown hairs are something we all deal with from time to time. Did you know that exfoliating is the best way to prevent and treat ingrown hairs? If you’re looking to get a smooth bikini area, you’ll want to exfoliate before shaving between your legs. Ingrown hairs happen when your hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, giving you those unwanted bumps on your skin. Exfoliating once a week can help remove dead skin cells and allow you to get a cleaner shave. If you’re looking to tackle your ingrown hairs, you can add our Aloe Clear Bikini Saver to your exfoliating routine. It’ll soothe your skin while helping to prevent any more ingrown hairs.

5. It’s a Tanning Essential

If you like to get your tan from a bottle, you need to have a consistent exfoliating routine. Black exfoliating cloths are ideal as they’re easier to clean between applications, making them perfect for when you’re taking off your fake tan. An exfoliating cloth is an easy way to clean your whole body and back by helping you exfoliate hard to reach areas. Look for an exfoliating cloth made from a material like plant fibres, so it’s biodegradable and eco-friendly. Regularly exfoliating your skin can help it better absorb your tanning products to keep you looking sun-kissed for longer.

What Exfoliating Can Help With

Exfoliating has many benefits, and it can help every part of your body. There are a few specific skin issues where exfoliating can be a game-changer. If you suffer from dry skin or live in a cold climate where your skin suffers from harsh weather, exfoliating is a must-do. Anywhere on your body that suffers from dryness can benefit from the extra TLC of exfoliating. Keeping a lip scrub in your handbag can help you keep your lips feeling soft and kissable.

Everyone can benefit from regularly exfoliating their skin. On your face, it’ll help tackle acne and breakouts by clearing your pores. If anti-ageing is a concern, exfoliating can help diminish the appearance of fine lines. Exfoliating will leave your skin feeling smoother and looking visibly brighter. It’ll also help your skin better absorb the active ingredients in your skincare products.

Adding an exfoliator to your weekly routine can prevent calluses from developing on your hands and feet and prevent ingrown hairs. Your skin will be smooth to the touch, and it’ll prevent future issues with your skin. It’s a win-win!

You can purchase my must-have, tried, tested and loved exfoliating body products here.