What Are Exfoliating Body Products and Are They Essential? 🧼

Your skin naturally sheds dead cells, but this process slows down over time due to age, dry weather, or clogged pores. That buildup can lead to dullness, rough patches, bumps, and ingrown hairs. This is where exfoliating body products — both chemical (like AHAs and BHAs) and physical (like scrubs, loofahs, and ubtans) — come in.

While exfoliation isn’t essential for everyone, it can be helpful for certain skin concerns like keratosis pilaris (KP), body acne, or pigmentation. Chemical exfoliants offer a more targeted and often gentler approach for deeper concerns, while physical exfoliants can provide instant smoothness and a more tactile, ritual-like experience.

🧴 AHAs (like glycolic/lactic acid) and BHAs (like salicylic acid)

→ Loosen dead skin cells

→ Clear clogged pores

→ Work without the harsh grit of scrubs

🧽 Physical exfoliants (like scrubs, loofahs, and ubtans)

→ Manually buff away dead skin with texture or friction

→ Offer instant smoothness, especially on rough areas

Benefits of AHA and BHA for skin: Are they worth it?

AHAs and BHAs are two major players in the chemical exfoliant category, and they work differently on your skin:

• AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid loosen bonds between dead skin cells, helping them slough off more easily.

• BHAs like salicylic acid go deeper — into your pores — to clear out oil and debris.

Both help improve skin texture, unclog pores, and encourage more even tone over time.

Pros and cons of body exfoliants

✅ Pros

🧴 Can improve rough skin (think: KP or “strawberry legs”)
Whether it's chemical exfoliants clearing clogged follicles or scrubs physically smoothing bumpy skin, exfoliation can help with texture.

✨ Help fade pigmentation and marks from body acne
Acids like glycolic and lactic speed up skin cell turnover, while physical exfoliants can help slough off dull, uneven surface layers.

💧 Boost the absorption of moisturisers
Both types of exfoliation remove buildup that blocks hydration — meaning your body lotion works harder.

🌿 Can feel ritualistic or sensory
Scrubs and ubtans can make for a satisfying, spa-like experience; chemical exfoliants feel lighter and gentler over time, especially if you're avoiding grit.

🚫 Cons

💥 Overuse can cause redness and irritation
Strong acids or overly abrasive scrubs can damage the skin barrier. Less is more — especially for sensitive skin.

🌞 Many exfoliating products increase sun sensitivity
Particularly with AHAs and BHAs — daily SPF is a must, even on cloudy days.

⚠️ Not one-size-fits-all
People with eczema, broken skin, or very sensitive skin should be cautious with both types. Scrubs can cause micro-tears; acids can sting.

Do all skin types need body exfoliation? Final take

Exfoliating your body isn’t a must for everyone. But if you’re dealing with body acne, uneven tone, keratin buildup, or dullness, it can help.

The key:

• Start with a gentle formula or soft-grain scrub

• Limit to 1–2 times per week

• Always moisturise after

• And don’t skip sunscreen — especially if using chemical exfoliants