Is your body scrub causing more harm than good?
These top buys have your back
Lifestyle
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In this article:
The truth about body exfoliators
Scrub or swipe: which body exfoliator is best?
5 winter heroes to keep your skin happy
There’s plenty of things to love about winter but dry, itchy skin all over isn’t one of them. But before you grab a scrub and get buffing, read our expert-backed guide to better body exfoliation – and happier skin to boot
The fact our face benefits from exfoliation has long been beauty lore. So why the confusion when it comes to our bodies? Doesn’t the rest of our dermis deserve the same TLC, especially in winter?
Cold air, indoor heating and extra layers – especially scratchy ones like wool – can strip our surface of moisture, leading to flakey, cracked and irritated skin. But that doesn’t mean your body needs a 10-step skincare routine, or even regular exfoliation. That’s according to Dr Anita Patel from the Australasian College of Dermatologists.
“We do need to moisturise our bodies in winter, but we don’t need to exfoliate most areas,” she explains. “Surface dead skin cells make up a crucial barrier around the body called the stratum corneum, which locks in moisture and blocks out irritants.” Once that barrier is compromised – by cold winds, harsh scrubs, hot water or overzealous buffing – it’s a fast track to inflammation and sensitivity. “So if your skin is already dry or cracked, exfoliating will only make things worse,” Dr Patel explains.
Unlike our faces, which have lots of sebaceous glands to protect and restore the natural barrier, most of our bodies have no oil glands at all. That’s not to say we should never exfoliate there; the key is knowing the right where and what. “If you have issues with blocked pores or acne on your chest and upper back, where some oil glands do exist, a chemical exfoliant can be useful,” says Dr Patel. “A body product with chemical exfoliant in it can also help your fake tan go on more evenly if used for a few weeks before.”
Gritty scrubs, brushes and loofahs? Steer clear, Dr Patel says. “Mechanical exfoliators create microfriction that just worsens dryness, redness, irritability and acne lesions.” Instead, opt for chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, glycolic acid (GAs), alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs/BHAs), lactic or retinoic acid, which all have different effects on the skin surface but do the job, she adds.
“On normal skin, chemical exfoliants can help unblock pores and restore a glow. Some, like AHAs and GAs, even increase the skin’s water-holding capacity. But they’re not suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.”
If your body is just a little parched, your better bet is to skip the exfoliant altogether and slather on a fragrance-free, barrier restoring moisturiser – ideally while skin is still a bit damp after the shower so it locks moisture in, says Dr Patel. “Look for pharmacy brands designed for eczema. If your skin’s dry and irritated, a rich moisturiser – and some time – usually does the trick.”
5 winter heroes to keep your skin happy
From gentle cleansers to barrier-building hydrators, these top buys have your back:
The daily cleanser:
Epzen Clearing AHA & Salicylic Acid Body Wash, $11 for 400ml from Chemist Warehouse
Gentle enough for day and night use on even sensitive skin, this budget body wash exfoliates without stripping. Its blend of alpha hydroxy and salicylic acids cleanse away dirt and pore-clogging impurities, treat body acne and calm irritated skin.
The spot treatment:
Murad Retexturizing Body Face Pads, $74 for 45 pads from Sephora
Brand new, these smoothing wipes are designed to swiftly treat breakouts, keratosis pilaris and ingrown hairs, all while soothing inflamed skin. Max-strength salicylic acid is paired with exfoliating glycolic acid, along with calming azelaic acid to rebalance and address itch.
The texture treatment:
Paula’s Choice Skin Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment, $49 for 118ml from Amazon
Perfect for acne-prone zones like the shoulders, back and chest, this body lotion with texture-balancing 0.1% pure retinol is also a rich but lightweight moisturiser containing natural plant butters and oils to nourish and antioxidants for brighter skin.
The daily moisturiser:
DermaVeen Daily Nourish Moisturising Lotion, $25 for 1L from Priceline
Don’t let the price – or the jumbo size – put you off. This scent-free cream is dermatologist-approved and contains 100 percent natural Colloidal Oatmeal to hydrate, soothe and restore the skin barrier. Perfect for day and night, all year round.
The multipurpose tool
Foreo Luna 4 Body Massaging Body Brush, $249 from Shaver Shop
This handy, bacteria-resistant silicone body brush uses sonic waves to remove up to 99 percent of dirt and oil on the skin. It’s waterproof (perfect for the shower) boosts circulation and is perfect for a little DIY massage before you moisturise. Win, win!
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