Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from your face and body and the key to smooth, glowy, and healthy-looking skin.
Physical exfoliation involves buffing away dead skin cells mechanically. It can be harsh or gentle, depending on the tools or scrubbing particles you are using as well as how hard you press.
Some tools and particles used for physical exfoliation are brushes, sponges, loofah, nut kernels, gritty paste, crushed coffee beans, sugar and salt granules, and even konjac sponges.
Physical exfoliation isn’t the recommended option for facial skin as this area is more delicate and can get damaged easily, however, it is a great option for the body because it helps reveal ingrown hairs from under the superficial layer of dead skin cells so that they can be removed afterward.
The skin on the body is also thicker, tougher, and more resistant.
Here are my favorite physical exfoliation tools for legs:
Brushes
Body brushes are excellent for brushing away dead skin cells and are best used on dry skin before you go in the shower.
Brush the leg from groin to ankle using circular motions and exert enough pressure so that you can feel it, but not so much that it hurts, scratches, and leaves your skin red.
Also, note that I personally am against using brushes on the face because I find them too abrasive, so stick to using my recommendation only on the body.
Here are my choices:
- Electric body brush
- Manual body brush
Sponges/loofahs
These are amazing for shower use and I find them especially useful for scrubbing away layers of dead skin cells in the groin area.
Most people that shave know the groin area is a hot spot for ingrown hairs and by removing a few layers of dead skin cells, you will help the hair protrude from underneath so that you can remove it afterward.
Also, be careful when using these because they can be quite harsh if you put too much pressure.
Use them only in the opposite direction from the hair growth instead of scrubbing vigorously back and forth.
Chemical exfoliation involves applying a product that contains hydroxy acids or enzymes to help dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together and encourage them to shed naturally.
This is a gentler form of exfoliation that is appropriate and preferred for facial use, but it can also be used on the legs because it helps lighten dark spots caused by pimples, ingrown hairs, etc.
Chemical exfoliation can also contribute to smoother and glowier legs with smaller chances of irritation due to the resilience of the skin in that area.
Here are some chemical exfoliating products I use on my legs:
Exfoliating wash
If you’ve been on my blog before, you may know I advise against using cleansers that contain exfoliating acids on the face.
This is because exfoliating acids work much better in leave-on products and can potentially cause irritation on the delicate facial skin.