The best body scrubs are like the decadent dessert of the skin-care world. Hear me out — they shouldn’t replace your go-to body wash, but you’re missing out on a major treat if you skip a body scrub in your showering routine altogether. For the sake of this cheeky analogy, may we point out that many of the best body scrubs feature the same ingredients as your favorite baked goods, including, but not limited to, brown sugar and coconut oil.
Not only do physical body exfoliators feel — and often smell — like an indulgent treat, but they’re a vital part of taking care of your skin, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, previously told Allure. Scrubs “rid the skin of buildup and dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking brighter, smoother, and healthier.”
The only catch? Figure out the frequency that works best for your skin — and don’t go overboard. Board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD, told Allure that she advises patients to exfoliate regularly, anywhere “from once a week for everyone to once or twice a day if you have issues such as acne, rough elbows, and dry skin.” You’ll also want to follow up with a rich lotion or cream to seal in moisture post-exfoliation.
Keep scrolling to check out 13 of the best body scrubs to add to your tub (or shower) time from brands such as Herbivore Botanicals, Dove, and Nécessaire, and wave goodbye to dull skin. By the way, some of these picks are so coveted they even won Best of Beauty Awards and Readers’ Choice Awards.
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