The Surprising Fix for Itchy Winter Skin Is Something You Already Use on Your Face

If there’s one habit we’re carrying with us into 2019 and beyond, it’s a skin care routine that doesn’t skimp on exfoliation. This probably isn’t the first or last time you’ll hear about the benefits of chemical exfoliation, but it may be an introduction to body exfoliation that goes beyond your standard loofah or body brush. Because while physical scrubbing does your arms, legs and everything in between a whole lot of good, it needs a more clarifying cleanse, just like your face.

The good news is there isn’t much new information to take in here. According to Dr. Ellen Marmur, dermatologist and founder of Marmur Metamorphosis Skincare, chemical exfoliation for the body is an often-overlooked but necessary part of ensuring your knees and elbows don’t get scaly and flaky.

“Chemical exfoliations go deeper within the skin than scrubs do. They tend to produce desired results with fewer problems,” she says. As you probably know, these fall into two major categories. Alpha-hydroxy acids or fruit-derived, water-soluble molecules that slough away top layers of dead skin. The most popular ones are lactic acid (derived from fermented fruits and veggies), citric acid (derived from citrus fruits), glycolic acid (derived from sugarcane), malic acid (derived from apples) and tartaric acid (derived from grapes and apricots).

Beta-hydroxy acids are the ones that penetrate deeper, eliminating debris from our pores, which in turn treats breakouts and prevents future ones. You’ve probably seen this in the form of salicylic acid, a popular ingredient in acne products. There are also enzymes, which are simply gentler versions of AHAs. The most popular types are pumpkin and papain (derived from pineapple). You’ll find these in a lot of body scrubs and polishes.

So, which ones are best for your body specifically? Marmur recommends salicylic acid and glycolic acid, especially for back acne and chest acne, because they “work to exfoliate the skin plus dissolve the proteins that clog pores and lead to acne.” She adds, “We also love lactic acid for dry skin.”

With that being said, here are some top-rated body exfoliators to get started with.

Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Body Treatment

This silky lotion packs way more punch than meets the eye. Infused with 2 percent salicylic acid, it refines rough skin in addition to moisturizing. A dose of antioxidants also coats the skin in an effort to ward off future dryness.

Resist Weightless Body Treatment, $28 at Paula’s Choice

REN AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum

Skin looking dull or feeling like it needs to be revived? This pre-SPF moisturizer includes lactic acid to exfoliate and brighten the top layer of skin. Probiotic extracts are also included to help shed dead skin, while xylitol reduces dehydration.

REN AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum, $42 at Sephora

DERMAdoctor KP Duty body scrub

Consider this physical exfoliator a microdermabrasion and chemical peel in one, as glycolic acid, lactic acid and algae extract work to soften skin and remove dead layers.

DERMAdoctor KP Duty body scrub, $46 at Sephora

Cane + Austin Retexturizing Body Pads

Made with 10 percent glycolic acid, these presoaked pads work to reverse discoloration and dry patches over time (and with consistent use).

Cane + Austin Retexturizing Body Pads, $70 at Amazon

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub

This drugstore fave contains salicylic acid for the prevention and treatment of pesky breakouts on your body.

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub, $13.94 at Amazon

Amlactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

Made with a whopping 12 percent lactic acid, this daily moisturizer is key to warding off itchiness and rough patches through the winter season and beyond.

Amlactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion, $23.93 at Amazon

Skinfix Renewing Scrub

This post-cleansing and pre-moisturizing treatment activates and accelerates your skin’s exfoliation process with 7 percent glycolic acid and 6 percent lactic acid.

Skinfix Renewing Scrub, $30 at Ulta

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

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