The best body scrub for your smoothest skin ever

Dead skin, be gone...

best body scrub
(Image credit: WWD/REX/Shutterstock)

Dead skin, be gone...

Chance are you probably exfoliate your face on the regular, but we bet there’s a few of you who are guilty of neglecting to use the best body scrub for your skin on a frequent basis.

As it turns out, your body needs just as much TLC as your face does. Exfoliating the skin on your body can help prevent ingrown hairs, reduce the appearance of hyper pigmentation, eliminate dry skin on your knees and elbows and even de-stress you, if you pick the right scent.

And because the skin on your body isn’t as sensitive as the skin on your face, you can experiment with different elements, such as sugar, salt, lemon juice and pumpkin skin.

But how can you be sure what the best body scrub for your skin type is? Well, we've done the hard work for you and picked out the best body scrub depending on your skin type.

PS: For best results, start at your toes and work your way up your body in circular motions. Not only will this ensure you don't miss a spot, but it will also increase your blood circulation and help make your skin glow naturally.

Best body scrub for dry skin

Ren Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish, £28.05, Fabled

best body scrub REN

This is a thick, dense sugar scrub enriched with oils that'll polish your skin to perfection, but doesn't leave a slippery mess behind in your shower. Follow up with the Moroccan Rose Otto Body Oil for the ultimate nourishing treat. Another key ingredient to look out for is shea butter, a wonder balm for dry skin.

Looking for a less expensive option? The Sanctuary's Moisturising Butter Scrub, £7, Boots, will be right up your street. Packed with shea butter and sweet almond oil, it not only buffs away those pesky dead skin cells, but leaves your skin super soft and smooth.

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Best body scrub for oily skin

Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment, £31, paulaschoice.co.uk

best body scrub Paula's Choice

If you struggle with oily skin and back acne, you'll want an exfoliant that's going to help to unclog your pores and rid bacne for good; look for something containing salicylic acid, a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that's a miracle ingredient for breaking down dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Allow us to introduce you to Paula's Choice Weightless 2% BHA Body Treatment, a winner when it comes to getting rid of dreaded bacne. Technically an exfoliating lotion rather than a body scrub, it also works to treat skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris and eczema and reduce the signs of ageing. If you're wary about trying it, you can pick up a couple of sample sizes for just 70p each (but we're pretty sure you'll love it).

Alternatively, try all-natural Alba Acne Face & Body Scrub, £7.99, Holland and Barrett – made with non-comedogenic ingredients and a high concentration of salicylic acid to decongest those clogged pores, walnut kernels are your natural scrub here. It's gentle enough to use on your face, too, if you struggle with a spot-prone complexion.

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Best body scrub for combination skin

Molton Brown Ylang-Ylang Comforting Body Polish, £34, Fabled

best body scrub Molton Brown

A great buy is Molton Brown's Ylang-Ylang body polish. Natural black vanilla grains will gently buff away the old skin to reveal smoother new skin, while the calming scent of Ylang-Ylang helps make everything feel ten times more bearable. This one feels like a real indulgent treat that's great for winding down in the evenings – think hot bubble bath and a glass of wine.

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Best body scrub for sensitive skin

The Body Shop Almond Milk and Honey Gently Exfoliating Cream Scrub, £15, thebodyshop.com

best body scrub Body Shop

You may think that if you have sensitive skin an exfoliator is an absolute no-no. But you couldn't be more wrong – there are some great body scrubs out there that can get rid of any dead skin without feeling too harsh or abrasive. Specifically designed for those with dry and sensitive skin, The Body Shop's gentle cream scrub gets rid of any sore dryness without irritating your skin further. Be sure to follow up with your favourite soothing moisturiser to calm your skin post-exfoliating.

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Homemade body scrubs

Of course, if you don't want to spend money on a body scrub, you can easily make your own. We love the below Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub recipe from Wellness Mama.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup almond oil
  • 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Mix the ingredients together, storing your scrub in an air-tight jar
  • Use about 1 tablespoon or small handful to scrub your skin and rinse well

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