Exfoliating sounds simple enough, scrub, rinse, done, but getting it right (and choosing the right scrub for the right area) makes a bigger difference than most people realise.
What exfoliating does to your skin
Why exfoliate your face?
Clears away dead skin cells that build up and make skin look dull or tired
Helps other products absorb better, so your serum or moisturiser isn't sitting on top of dead skin instead of sinking in
Can help with clogged pores, particularly with purifying options like clay-based scrubs
Boosts radiance almost instantly, one of the few skincare steps with a visible result straight away
Why exfoliate your body?
Smooths rough patches like elbows, knees and heels, areas that tend to get overlooked in the shower
Helps prevent ingrown hairs, particularly useful after shaving or waxing. Discover Aroma-Zone's homemade scalp scrub.
Improves how other products work, body lotion or oil glides on and absorbs better over smoother skin
Feels genuinely good, a proper moment of self-care, not just a chore before bed
Face and body aren't the same job
What works beautifully on the body can be far too harsh for the face.
Facial skin is thinner and more reactive, so it calls for something gentler and finer, think the Pomegranate Enzyme & Rice Pearls Face Scrub or the Papaya & Vitamin C Enzyme Cleansing Powder, both formulated with a finer, more delicate texture.
For the body, you can afford to go a bit more textured, the Organic Sugar Body Scrub or Epsom Salt are perfect for that.
Face and body scrub: How often?
Less than you'd think, in most cases.
Face: once or twice a week is plenty, more than that and you risk irritating the skin barrier rather than helping it.
Body: two to three times a week works well for most people, though rougher areas like elbows and knees can take a bit more frequent attention.
A few tips worth knowing when scrubbing
Damp skin, not soaking wet: scrubs tend to grip and work better on skin that's slightly damp rather than dripping under the shower.
Go easy, not hard: gentle, circular motions do the job; pressing hard just irritates the skin without exfoliating any better.
Pair with the right tool: Loofah sponges are a great everyday companion for the body, adding a bit of mechanical action alongside your scrub.
Clay isn't just for masks: Clay can double up as a purifying scrub base, especially useful if you're prone to blemishes.
Don't skip moisturiser afterwards: exfoliating removes the surface layer of dead skin, which means skin is more receptive (and more in need of) hydration straight after.
Turn face and body scrub into a full body care ritual
A scrub doesn't have to be a standalone step, it works best as part of a proper routine.
Once you've exfoliated, skin is more receptive than usual, so it's the perfect moment to follow up with something nourishing. Reach for a rich body oil or body butter while skin's still slightly damp, or a lighter body lotion if you'd rather keep things fast and fuss-free.
Fancy taking it further? Our hammam ritual guide walks you through the traditional black soap and kessa glove method, a proper deep-clean tradition rather than just a quick scrub in the shower.
