Beauty Of 5: Exfoliators That Are Better Than Walnut Scrubs

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Summer is swiftly approaching and that means it’s time to get that body in gear. No, I’m not talking about hitting the gym—I’m talking skincare. While our faces are usually the stars of the show when it comes to skincare, it’s crucial not to forget the skin all over your body.

During the winter months, most of us tend to neglect the skin on our extremities. Once summertime hits, though, it’s a mad rush to get the dry elbows and alligator scales under control. That’s where a good scrub comes in to save the day. Exfoliating body washes are a perfect solution to get rid of dry and flaky skin, but not all exfoliators are created equal. Just ask Kylie Jenner, currently under social media attack for a new walnut scrub in her upcoming skincare line. Walnut scrubs have been long discredited by dermatologists as too abrasive for the skin, even causing micro-tears and leading to long term damage and aging effects. Cult-favorite skincare brand St. Ives fell from grace just a few years ago after a customer infamously sued the brand for their marketing of an exfoliator containing walnut shells. Not to worry, though—we’ve weeded out the walnuts to round up five of the best and gentlest exfoliators on the market. Check out our exfoliating body wash picks for soft, supple summertime skin!

Source: Caress / Courtesy of Caress

CARESS TAHITIAN RENEWAL EXFOLIATING BODY WASH

For a gentle exfoliation experience with an intoxicating fragrance, try the Caress Tahitian Renewal Pomegranate Seeds & Coconut Milk Body Wash ($3.99, target.com). This wash is infused with a unique blend of floral oils for moisture that penetrates into the skin. Gentle exfoliating particles slough off dead skin without damaging the epidermis, making this a great choice to recover after a day out in the sun.

FRESH COCOA EXFOLIATING BODY SOAP

The Fresh Cocoa Exfoliating Body Soap ($16.50, sephora.com) is your traditional bar soap, but with a twist. Natural coconut shell powders work to buff away dead and flaky skin but unlike walnut shells, this scrub won’t harm your skin. The coconut shells are milled three times just to ensure that the fragments are safe enough for use on even your most delicate areas. Plus, the paraben and sulfate free formula contains cocoa and shea butters to leave you soft and smelling like chocolate. Who doesn’t want that?

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TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL COCONUT MILKY BODY SCRUB

The Too Cool For School Coconut Milky Body Scrub ($20.00, sephora.com) continues the coconut craze. This time the coconut shells are ground into a paste-like formula to really help you work it in and smooth out those hard to polish areas—think elbows and heels. Brazilian coconut water aids in hydrating the skin, combatting dryness, dullness, and uneven texture with rich minerals and vitamins. Lauric acid from the coconut even helps to naturally combat acne with its antibacterial properties.

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MARIO BADESCU A.H.A. BOTANICAL BODY SOAP

If physical exfoliant particles are not your thing, try the Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap ($8.00, ulta.com). This pure liquid formula contains fruit extracts—papaya and grapefruit—that serve as natural exfoliators by breaking down dead skin cells. Oat protein then helps to calm irritation for those with flareups. This is the perfect exfoliating wash for those whose skin is too sensitive for traditional manual scrubs.

TATCHA PURE EXFOLIATING CAMELLIA SOAP

Lastly is the Tatcha Pure Exfoliating Camellia Soap ($15.00, tatcha.com). Another bar soap, this one contains cold-pressed Camellia oil to nourish and soften the skin. As for the exfoliant particles, finely-milled rice bran provides gentle but effective scrub action leaving behind a soft and bouncy finish.

Have you tried any of these exfoliating body washes? Let us know in the comments section.

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