Winter-Proof Your Skin: The Best Body Scrubs for Dry, Flaky Skin

Revitalize Rough, Dull Skin with These Expert-Recommended Body Scrubs

Cold weather can be incredibly harsh on the skin, leaving it dry, rough, and even flaky. The chilly air robs your skin of moisture, leading to the appearance of dry, scaly patches. To combat this, exfoliation is key. Body scrubs help to shed the layer of dead skin cells and reveal the fresh, smoother skin underneath. However, it’s essential to choose the right scrub for your skin to avoid irritation or further damage. So, let’s dive into the best body scrubs for a rejuvenating experience and how to use them effectively.

Why Exfoliate?

Exfoliating dead skin cells is essential for a healthy-looking and feeling complexion. Regular exfoliation helps the skin to regenerate by removing the buildup of dead skin and environmental impurities. This process can make your skin feel smoother, look brighter, and allow your other skincare products to work more effectively.

However, over-exfoliating can actually damage your skin. It’s important to strike a balance: excessive scrubbing or using overly abrasive scrubs can strip away natural oils and irritate the skin, leaving it more susceptible to dryness and sensitivity.

According to Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist from New York City, “Physical exfoliation can remove dry patches caused by cold air and dramatically improve skin texture. But overusing body scrubs can leave skin feeling rough and impair the skin’s protective barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.” For the best results, exfoliation should be gentle and done in moderation.

How to Choose the Best Body Scrub for Your Skin

When selecting a body scrub, it’s crucial to consider several factors: whether you prefer a chemical or physical exfoliant, the type of exfoliant particles, and the needs of your skin type. Here’s a breakdown of different types of exfoliants:

Chemical Exfoliants: These scrubs use acids like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid to dissolve dead skin cells. They are less abrasive and often gentler on the skin. Dr. Engelman prefers chemical peels because they exfoliate the skin effectively without risking irritation from harsh scrubbing.

Physical Exfoliants: These scrubs use particles (e.g., sugar, salt, or plant-based beads) to manually slough off dead skin cells. While these can be effective, it’s important to choose products with smaller, finer particles to avoid abrasive damage to the skin.

Micro-Peels: Some scrubs combine both physical and chemical exfoliants to provide gentle but effective exfoliation. These scrubs use smaller particles for a smoother texture and may include mild acids for deeper exfoliation without causing damage.

How Much to Use?

You don’t need to overdo it. Dr. Engelman suggests using only a cherry-sized amount of scrub for each body area. Gently massage the scrub into the skin, avoiding harsh scrubbing, as this could lead to irritation. After exfoliating, always follow up with a moisturizing lotion or cream to lock in moisture and prevent further dryness.

The Best Dermatologist-Approved Body Scrubs to Add to Your Routine

Here’s a list of the best body scrubs that will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized, according to dermatologists:

1. Dove Exfoliating Body Scrub

This scrub is a favorite of Dr. Shari Marchbein, a New York City-based dermatologist and American Academy of Dermatology member. The Dove Exfoliating Body Scrub features fine exfoliating particles that are less abrasive on the skin, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. It contains glycerin and shea butter, which help to nourish and moisturize the skin while exfoliating. The scrub leaves the skin feeling silky and smooth without causing irritation, making it an excellent choice for regular use.

2. ASUTRA Energizing Eucalyptus Body Scrub

For those looking to indulge in a bit of aromatherapy while exfoliating, the ASUTRA Energizing Eucalyptus Body Scrub is a great option. It’s made with finely milled Dead Sea salt, which acts as the exfoliant, along with soothing Aloe Vera, nourishing Jojoba and Argan Oils, and invigorating Eucalyptus Oil. Reviewers rave about the product’s ability to help with skin conditions such as psoriasis, with one reviewer noting that the product improved their psoriasis patches in just four days. This scrub provides gentle exfoliation while hydrating the skin, leaving it soft and free of scales.

3. DERMDoctor KP Dermatologist On Duty Formula Body Scrub

For mature skin or those dealing with conditions like keratosis pilaris (KP), the DERMDoctor KP Body Scrub is a fantastic choice. This scrub combines glycolic acid, lactic acid, and green tea extract with botanical granules to exfoliate the skin while restoring its radiance. The combination of chemical exfoliants and antioxidants works to smooth and brighten the skin. However, this product may be too potent for sensitive areas, so always do a patch test before use.

4. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

This scrub combines pumice beads, glycolic acid, and lactic acid to provide both physical and chemical exfoliation, making it highly effective for those struggling with KP or bumpy skin. The inclusion of licorice root extract and willow bark extract helps to soothe the skin, leaving it smoother and calmer. It’s a great choice for those looking to tackle textured skin while also improving skin tone.

5. Avene Gentle Body Scrub

For a more gentle exfoliating experience, Avene’s Gentle Body Scrub is a top contender. It contains Camelina oil, Thermal Spring Water, and shea butter to nourish and moisturize the skin while exfoliating. The scrub features non-abrasive cellulose and jojoba wax beads in two sizes, which gently buff away dead skin while preserving the skin’s natural barrier. The formula is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin, offering hydration and a soft, smooth finish.

6. Paula’s Choice Lightweight Body Treatment 2% BHA

For those dealing with clogged pores, uneven texture, or body acne, the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Body Treatment can help. This lightweight treatment contains 2% salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which works to exfoliate the skin by deeply penetrating the pores and clearing away dead skin cells. The formula also includes nourishing botanical extracts, leaving the skin soft and smooth without irritation. It’s perfect for those who want a chemical exfoliant that can work on both the surface and within the pores.

7. OSEA Earth Salt Body Scrub

If you prefer a natural, sea salt-based exfoliant, the OSEA Earth Salt Body Scrub is an excellent option. This scrub uses sea salt to exfoliate, which is perfect for normal, combination, and oily skin types. The scrub also contains shea butter and avocado oil to hydrate the skin after exfoliating. It’s ideal for those who want a scrub that smooths the skin and adds nourishment without leaving it dry.

Final Thoughts: Find the Best Scrub for Your Skin

When it comes to exfoliating your skin, moderation and gentleness are key. Choose a body scrub that suits your skin type and concerns, whether you need something hydrating, soothing, or specifically for skin conditions like KP. Always remember to follow exfoliation with a moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin feeling soft and smooth.

By incorporating the right scrub into your routine, you can reveal skin that looks refreshed, revitalized, and healthy, no matter the season. Whether you go for a gentle scrub or one with more exfoliating power, your skin will thank you for the attention and care!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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