Virtually every beauty regimen emphasizes the importance of exfoliation for your facial skin. Removing dead skin cells from your face is vital for a fresh, clear complexion -- but what about the rest of your body? Here are some of the perks of using a good body exfoliator and tips on how to exfoliate skin naturally.

Benefits of Skin Exfoliation

Exfoliation, the process of removing dead cells and debris from the surface of your skin, has a long and celebrated history. Many cultures around the world have used exfoliation to keep their skin looking healthy and fresh.

If you allow dead skin cells to build up on your skin, it can start to look dull and lack radiance. Dead skin cells can create an ashy or grimy look. Failing to get rid of dead skin cells discourages the production of new, fresh skin cells, slowing down the renewal process. Dead skin cells can clog pores and hair follicles, encouraging acne and ingrown hairs.

Most people are aware of the need to exfoliate the face and neck, but not everyone regards a good body exfoliator as an essential part of their beauty regimen. Exfoliating your body has several benefits. It prevents your skin from looking dull, protects against blemishes, and allows skin treatments, such as moisturizers, to penetrate more deeply.

How to Exfoliate Skin 

There are two main ways to exfoliate skin: physical and chemical. Chemical exfoliants include acids like glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Physical exfoliants use slightly abrasive materials to scrub away dead skin cells. The best skin exfoliator for you will depend on your specific skin type. Many people prefer a physical exfoliant for everyday use, with chemical exfoliants being used less frequently.

If you are looking for a physical exfoliant, look for one that isn't too harsh. Some physical exfoliants are too abrasive, leaving micro-abrasions, or microtears, on the skin that can become infected.  Come Clean uses Dead Sea salt dissolving crystalline beads to remove dead cells and brighten the skin gently. It also contains bee propolis. Bee propolis benefits include a natural antibacterial action that helps prevent acne and blemishes.

For your face, it's fine to apply an exfoliant with your fingers. For the rest of your body, you might want to use an exfoliating mitt or a firm sponge or loofah to boost the effectiveness of your scrub. Use firm but gentle strokes, working towards your heart.

As for a chemical exfoliator, we recommend I Peel Good. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Honey and Linoleic Acid, I Peel Good exfoliates deeply and moisturizes at the same time. A biomimetic Honey peel cream, I Peel Good will not irritate the skin but work with the skin. In a consumer study 90% of participants agreed this provided a deep and intense exfoliation but was not irritating*.

Once you've exfoliated your face and body, it's imperative to ensure that you replenish the moisture barrier. While it can be preferable to use a light moisturizer on your face, your body might need a richer formulation. Hey Honey's Love Your Body is a good choice. It contains Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, as well as nourishing Shea Butter. Pay special attention to areas that quickly become dry, such as elbows, knees, and heels. For problem areas like these, it can be useful to apply lotion multiple times throughout the day.

Exfoliation and moisturizers are key elements of a good skin-care regimen. Besides external treatments, you can support healthy skin by staying hydrated and avoiding excessive sun exposure. Serious skin issues should be discussed with a qualified professional.

*Consumer study conducted over a period of 14 days on 77 participants (between the ages of 40 and 77). Study was performed by an independent research center in 2017.