Smooth Skin Starts Here: The Best Body Exfoliators for Spring

Spring is here and it’s time to start showing a little skin! But, bundling up during the winter months can often cause skin to dry out, itch and even develop small, irritating bumps. If you are in the habit of  using  an exfoliating body wash or a weekly body scrub/exfoiliant, you probably have pretty smooth skin. However, if you your skin is dry, itchy and bumpy, more than likely you are suffering from Keratosis Pilaris.

What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a benign (not harmful) skin condition that looks like small bumps. If you have this condition, you may notice small, painless bumps on your skin around hair follicles. The bumps consist of excess keratin, which is a protein that helps form your hair, nails and skin’s outer layer (epidermis). Keratosis pilaris bumps may look red, brown or white, or they may look the same color as your skin. Other names for keratosis pilaris include KP or “chicken skin” because it looks like goose bumps. Cleveland Clinic

What is the Best Way to Treat Keratosis Pilaris?

How Topical Exfoliants Help

Products containing urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid  help dissolve the keratin plugs. Body exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the body’s surface using physical scrubs (salt, sugar, coffee) or chemical agents (AHAs/BHAs). It improves skin texture, unclogs pores, increases circulation, and promotes a smoother, more radiant appearance. Key techniques include manual scrubbing, dry brushing, and applying exfoliating acids.

Our Topical Exfoliant Picks:

EDITOR’S NOTE: When using a topical exfoliant, let the product do the work. Treat your skin like  you are rubbing a baby’s bottom.