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Oftentimes, a basic body cleanser isn’t strong enough to remove the dry, dead cells that can leave skin looking dull and lifeless, especially during the colder months. That’s where a body polish comes in. It's is an exfoliator that buffs away dead skin cells, promotes circulation, and helps hydrate the skin.
“Body polish typically includes a combination of physical granular ingredients such as salt or sugar in a moisturizing oil base,” says Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified New York City dermatologist and co-founder of TRNR Skin. “In some cases, it may also contain chemical exfoliators such as alpha hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids or fruit enzymes.”
Meet the expert
- Ryan Turner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of TRNR Skin. Joshua Zeichner, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Emer Gillian is an esthetician at Elemis Skincare.
A body polish isn't as harsh as a scrub. “Both have the same goal—to remove dead skin cells," says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. "However, a body polish’s grain is often finer and suspended in an oil base, making it more nourishing to the skin while a scrub is formulated with coarser granules in a base comprised of lathering cleansing ingredients."
The result? A fresh glow. Ahead, expert advice on how to use a body polish to achieve its maximum potential.
Benefits of Using a Body Polish
Exfoliates
“Using a body polish will improve the skin’s texture by removing dead skin cells that can dull the complexion, making it look ashy and grey,” says Emer Gillian, an esthetician at Elemis Skincare.
Cleanses
The physical ingredients in a body polish help remove dirt, debris, and oil that can clog pores.
Aids Moisture Absorption
Polishing your skin leaves it more receptive to the subsequent products in your routine. “If you’re applying treatment products or self-tanner to skin that hasn’t been exfoliated, you’re wasting those product’s ingredients on dead skin cells,” says Dr. Turner. “Once the dead skin cells are removed, the fresh skin underneath can absorb ingredients better.”
Prevents Ingrown Hairs
A good body polish will help slough away dead skin cell buildup, allowing ingrown hairs to emerge from the skin, resulting in a better shave,” says Dr. Turner. They’re also ideal for areas of the skin where dryness and bumps appear due to keratosis pilaris, like the backs of the arms.
Reduces Inflammation
“The massaging action stimulates blood circulation, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the area and encouraging the production of collagen and elastin, while the oils contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to help reduce inflammation,” says Gillian.
Ingredients to Look For
Sugar, salt and oils such as coconut, jojoba, almond, olive, and argan are the most common ingredients found in physical body polishes. “Salt, rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium, helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, while the oils, which make up the polish’s base, feature antifungal and antibacterial properties along with the ability to reduce inflammation,” says DR. Zeichner. You can look for additional ingredients on the label such as honey to attract and retain moisture and aloe vera to hydrate.
“As for chemical exfoliants, I recommend products that contain glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid to help break down the dead skin cells that can cause pore congestion, along with fruit enzymes, such as pumpkin, papaya, pineapple, or pomegranate, which slough cells from the skin’s surface,” says Dr. Turner.
How to Use
1. Wet the Skin
Applying a body polish in a warm shower will open up the pores and allow for better penetration of the ingredients. Start by wetting the skin with warm water.
2. Massage it in
Then, using your hands or an exfoliating tool such as a loofah, sea sponge, or pumice stone, apply the body polish to the upper body and arms, making your way to the torso, legs and feet. “Massage the polish in circular motions to facilitate the formula’s exfoliating properties, paying attention to areas that are more susceptible to dryness like the elbows, knees, and backs of arms,” says Dr. Turner.
3. Let it Sit, Rinse, and Dry
Leave the polish on for a few minutes, rinse with warm water, then pat the skin dry.
4. Hydrate the Skin
Seal in hydration with a body oil, lotion, or cream.
5. Repeat in a Week
A once-a-week application in the shower is ideal for most skin types. “If you continue with a weekly program of a body polish and a moisturizer, your results will be ongoing,” says Gillian. “If not, you’ll probably see the buildup of dead skin cells return in two to three weeks.”
Who Should Be Cautious With Body Polish
“Since the exfoliators in polishes tend to be on the gentle side, it’s unlikely that over-rubbing the skin will cause irritation,” says Dr. Zeichner. That said, some of the physical exfoliants in these products, such as crushed walnut shells or apricot kernels, can be abrasive on some skins. “Sometimes these large, jagged shaped granules can lead to skin redness and irritation,” says Gillian.
To avoid issues, Dr. Turner recommends a polish containing “ultra fine” or “microfine” exfoliant granules, like salt or sugar (which dissolve upon contact with water), jojoba beads (that melt as they’re massaged into the skin), or naturally derived cellulose or pumice (which can be processed into very fine granules).
“If you’re using a chemical exfoliant, look for one that’s formulated for sensitive skins and contains an AHA or BHA,” he says. “And it goes without saying, if your skin becomes inflamed, itchy, or otherwise irritated, discontinue use of the product.” There’s also the possibility of a skin reaction if you expose your skin to the sun immediately following a body polish. “Be sure to apply a sunscreen as the skin will be in a more sensitive state at this time,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Best Store-Bought Finds
Isle of Paradise Body Polish, $28.00 Shop Now
This is filled with vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to brighten, smooth and hydrate the skin.
Clarins Comfort Scrub Nourishing Oil Scrub, $32.00 Shop Now
The Clarins scrub contains a blend of sugar microcrystals (extracted from beetroot) and mango butter to gently exfoliate dirt and dead skin cells.
Dermalogica Mini Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator, $66.00 Shop Now
This is a is a gentle rice-based powder that helps clear pores and exfoliate dry skin.
Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow Body Scrub, $72.00 Shop Now
This scrub is rich in mineral salts and hibiscus to help cleanse and exfoliate, along with Tahitian Monoi oil to seal in moisture.
Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub,, $42.00 Shop Now
The Bum Bum scrub uses crushed cupuacu and sugar crystals in a coconut base to exfoliate and hydrate tough, dry patches.
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish, $69.00 Shop Now
Brown sugar in this formula provides a gentle manual exfoliation while a base of apricot kernel and camelia seed oils moisturize the skin.