scrubs for face and body

Face scrubs are an excellent way to remove dead skin cells, deep clean pores, increase circulation, improve cell turnover and rejuvenate skin, but as with any exfoliant, the key is to not overdo it. A good facial scrub used one to two times a week will be sufficient to reveal fresher skin and give you a rosy glow. Pay attention to your skin: If it starts to feel overly tight or sensitive, or gets red or irritated, you may be over-exfoliating. If that happens, give your skin a break and then re-introduce your scrub less frequently.

Since dry, oily and sensitive skin have specific needs, read on for recommended face scrubs by skin type. The ideal time to apply further facial products such as masks, serums and moisturizers is after you've finished exfoliating, since products will penetrate more easily into the skin.

Our bodies can also benefit from an exfoliating scrub two to three times a week. Since the skin on our bodies is not as delicate as the skin on our faces, body scrubs usually contain larger exfoliating particles to slough off dead skin cells and grime and increase blood flow. Our recommended body scrubs contain ingredients such as salt, sugar and coffee grains to invigorate the skin, along with nourishing and hydrating ingredients to leave it soft and glowing. Plus, the floral and botanical aromas are a great way to transform your shower into a spa-like experience. As with face scrubs, you'll want to ease up or take a break if your skin is sensitive from rashes, sunburn or other conditions. Also, it's probably best not to use a body scrub — especially one containing salt — on freshly shaved skin.

For Face

Scrubs for Dry Skin

Arcona Golden Grain Gommage ($44) is an exfoliating cleanser with natural yellow corn and oatmeal to help even out uneven skin tone. This refining scrub also clarifies pores with retinol and glycolic acid and strengths skin's natural protective barrier with aloe and vitamin E. Read Marta's full review

Stemulation Micro Derm Scrub ($28 in the shop) is a daily exfoliant for face and body that renews skin's texture, removes impurities and gives skin a fresh, healthy glow. This scrub brightens and energizes skin by removing dull, dead cells. Read Nisha's full review

PureCeuticals KuKui Nut Mineral Scrub ($40) is a creamy scrub that helps to renew and refine skin's texture and appearance. Pineapple enzymes also aid in gentle exfoliation for smooth, rejuvenated skin. Read Jeanne's full review

Scrubs for Oily Skin

Skinfinite Micro Derma Scrub ($35) is an exfoliating face scrub that is excellent for congested, breakout prone skin and has anti-aging benefits. This resurfacing polish uses a combination of bamboo, lactic acid and passionflower to removes surface debris, lift impurities and detoxify the skin without stripping natural oils. Read Mark's full review

Arcona Cranberry Gommage ($44) is an exfoliating cleanser that clarifies the complexion, helps decongest enlarged pores and reduces free radical damage. This antioxidant-packed scrub refines pores with cranberry and raspberry enzymes and purifies with salicylic acid and diatomaceous earth. Read Beth's full review

Eslor Replenishing Scrub ($28 in the shop) cleans and smooths skin by removing dead skin cells with almond paste, honey, apricot kernel powder and peach kernel powder. Read Sophie's full review

Scrubs for Sensitive Skin

Hyalogic Episilk Facial Scrub ($19.95) gently exfoliates with exfo-amber, a fossilized plant resin, while moisturizing and soothing skin with hyaluronic acid. Read Imelda's full review

Michael Todd True Organics Tropical Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant Scrub ($18 in the shop) uses papaya and pineapple enzymes to remove dead skin, unclog pores without irritation and moisturize skin. Read Roisin's full review

Amarte Daily Exfolipowder ($35 in the shop) is a refined, plant seed-based exfoliant that removes dry skin to reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion and is delicate enough for daily use. Read Linda's full review

For Body

Red Flower Lemon Coffee Blossom Olive Stone Scrub ($66) is an invigorating scrub with coffee grains that exfoliate, but also stimulate making it a treatment for cellulite and for contracting broken veins. Various oils along with shea butter leave skin feeling nourished. Read Marta's full review

Astara Citrus Lavender Sea Salt Scrub ($39 in the shop) uses Dead Sea salts and papaya enzymes for dual-action exfoliation and skin softening. Nourishing botanicals leave skin hydrated without an oily residue. Read Elizabeth's full review

Kat Burki Raw Sugar Body Scrub ($48 in the shop) polishes away dry, dead cells for skin that's smooth and radiant. Saturated with coconut and kukui oils, this organic body exfoliant also restores moisture and softens skin. Read Dawn's full review

S.W. Basics Body Scrub ($22) sloughs off dull, dead skin cells for softer, smoother skin. Demerara sugar and organic shredded coconut gently exfoliate while coconut oil moisturizes. Read Alyson's full review