Exfoliating is an essential part of any good skincare routine and can really make a dramatic difference to the look and feel of your skin. Both face and body scrubs work by removing impurities and sebum that mere cleansing alone doesn't achieve. In addition they assist in removing the top layer of dead skin cells that are responsible for that all too familiar dull, lackluster look. So by just spending a few minutes a week you can instantly revive tired looking skin, proving that looking great doesn't have to be hard work.
A word of warning though when using scrubs is that once or twice a week is enough. Any more than that and you risk damaging the skin and causing it to become red and oversensitive. You'll find that formulas can vary considerably, for example face scrubs are made using much finer particles to suit the more delicate skin. Therefore you should never use a body scrub on your face as you'll find it too abrasive and end up doing more harm than good. Likewise a face scrub used on your body will not only work out more expensive in most cases, but the fine texture will be less efficient on areas of hard skin such as your knees and elbows.
Other physical exfoliators like loofahs and wash mitts are also a highly effective way to banish dull skin. Their massaging action benefits the skin by boosting the circulation that in turn helps to improve both texture and appearance. You can also get skin glowing by using a body brush on dry skin, like the Elemis Body Brush (£14.50), in light strokes and always working towards the heart.
Four i4beauty Favourite Body ScrubsEstee Lauder Private Spa Body Collection Crystal Glow Sugar Rub (£23)
The wonderful smell of this product alone makes it feel like a real treat and the moisturising properties of the natural oils, such as olive and sunflower, leave your skin feeling really soft as well as smooth.
E'SPA Exfoliating Body Polish (£25.50)
This body polish is rather unusual in that it is applied to dry skin and massaged until the nourishing gel is absorbed and the granular particles can simply be brushed off the skin.
Boots Body Botanics Rough-Skin Scrub (£3.29)
The menthol smell of this scrub makes it the perfect wake-up call for your skin and the action of walnut shells and crushed apricot stones soon whisk away dull looking skin to reveal a more radiant you.
Elemis Devils Body Scrub (£19.50)
This light gel formula is easy to use and contains silicon-rich seaplant particles to exfoliate the skin giving it a healthy glow. It also claims to have a slight slimming and toning effect too.
Four i4beauty Favourite Face ScrubsClarins Gentle Exfoliating Refiner (£19)
When looking at the price tag of this product remember that a little goes a long way. The light creamy texture is suitable for even sensitive skin and it rinses easily away with warm water.
Superdrug Vitamin E Gentle Facial Scrub (£1.89)
The moisturising and protecting qualities of Vitamin E make this scrub suitable for all skin types and the gentle exfoliating action gives radiant skin in no time.
Decleor Purete Exfoliante (£20.25)
This ultra fine face scrub is gentle enough to use twice a week and you'll certainly see a difference in your skin thanks to ingredients like papaya extracts and sweet almond oil.
Body Shop Peachy Clean Exfoliating Face Wash (£6)
After only one application of this face wash come scrub, skin feels really soft, even-textured and exceptionally clean.
