Safe and Effective Exfoliators (for face and body)

There’s nothing like a full body exfoliation after I’ve been slathering on sunblock all day. Afterwards, my skin feels refreshed and squeaky clean (no seriously, it squeaks). I started exfoliating my skin at least once a week when I lived in Washington D.C. – the practice has stuck with me over the years and gives my skin a quick reset. There is something relaxing and cathartic about taking the time to exfoliate your body, an intimate moment for relaxation and renewal.

Disclaimer: This post contains some Amazon affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I earn a (very) small commission, at no extra cost to you. 

My favorite ways to exfoliate:

Exfoliating Gloves ~$5 a pair

Exfoliating gloves are an important part of my shower and bath routine. They provide an easy way to get a full body exfoliation and can be washed with the rest of your laundry. I recommend using the gloves at the end of your shower or bath for maximum exfoliation.

Gentle Exfoliator Polishing Cream – $34

This cream face cleanser has natural jojoba esters to exfoliate your skin, rather than pollution-causing plastic microbeads. The best part of this face wash is it works triple time: as a gentle exfoliator, toner and make up remover. This tube lasts a long time, I have had mine for four months and it’s still going strong!

Glow Sugar Scrub – $40

Beautycounter’s Glow Sugar Scrub is like going to the spa, but it’s Tuesday and you’re in your bathtub. When I take a bath this is my go-to body exfoliator. You’ll be impressed by the exfoliation from the organic sugar and the wonderful citrus smell of the oil. HINT: Men love this just as much (or more) than women.

DIY Body Scrub ~ $10

Check out this amazing DIY cinnamon coffee scrub from Carissa at Creative Green Living. I would recommend using this in the morning for a pre-work pick me up. Other recipes include a pomegranate body scrub from Dr. Karen Lee and a collection of 15 sugar scrub recipes from Turning Back the Clock.

Exfoliators I Don’t Like:

• Chemical Peels: These are questionably effective and simultaneously very bad for your health (read more from the New York Times on the links to cancer here.)
• Dry Brushing: Many of my friends swear by this but it’s just not for me. I like more of a thorough exfoliation, this is too gentle for my taste.
• Exfoliators with Plastic Microbeads: Many companies are (still!) using plastic in face and body washes which are not effective exfoliators and are also a major source of pollution in our oceans, Great Lakes and rivers.

Post-Exfoliation Treatment:

After exfoliating, I like to let my skin just be for a few hours. And then I moisturize using pure, oil-based products.

• Organic Coconut Oil ~$10: This is an affordable, safe moisturizer for your whole body. This can be a little messy and stain clothing however. If you do not want the strong coconut smell, opt for refined coconut oil. Try Nutiva’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil – 2 Pack for $20.

• Lustro Body Oil Rosemary Citrus – $68: A luxurious and safe body oil that absorbs quickly into the skin leaving it moisturized but not greasy.

• Lustro Face Oil Ylang Ylang and Chamomile – $64: According to Beautycounter this Lustro Face Oil is,

A luxurious blend of seven radiance-boosting oils—including organic argan nut, organic grapeseed, organic marula, meadowfoam seed, rosehip, rose otto and sea buckthorn—deeply nourishes skin with antioxidants and vitamins.”

• Egyptian Magic ~ $37: A wonderful all purpose skin creamthat can be used for dry hands, knees or elbows, or a hydrating night cream.

And remember, healthy skin is about taking care of your whole body. Be sure to get adequate sleep, regular exercise, healthy foods, and drink plenty filtered water.

Never miss a post and join my mailing list.