How to Gently Exfoliate Skin for That Clean, Nourished & Radiant Touch
If you’re wondering how to exfoliate skin in a way that feels fun & luxurious, you’re in the right place. This isn’t about scrubbing your skin into perfection. It’s about loving it, clearing away a layer that may be keeping you hidden & making space for glowy, healthy skin you already have.
Your body care routine is a celebration—one that prioritizes what you & your skin need. Exfoliation is just the opening act in your self-care ritual: prepping your skin to receive all that nourishment that follows.
Let’s break down how to exfoliate your skin at home, the difference between dry & wet exfoliating & why it matters for that luxurious, enriching energy.
Why Regular Exfoliation Matters in a Body Care Routine
Think of exfoliating as a skin reset button. Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells. But sometimes those cells like to hang around after closing time—which can lead to dullness, rough skin texture or blocked moisture.
That’s where regular exfoliation steps in, gently sweeping away buildup & dead skin cells to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath. But here’s the deal: Skin exfoliation isn’t about scrubbing away “imperfections.” It’s about making more room for the good stuff, like hydration.
When your skin is free of surface debris, it’s more able to drink up all that lotion, body oil (like the PATTERN Nourishing Body Oil) or cream you lovingly apply afterward. This means that gentle exfoliation sets the stage for deeper nourishment & radiant results that last.
Dry vs. Wet Exfoliation: What’s the Difference?
Okay, let’s talk methods: How to exfoliate skin in the shower vs. before you hop in. Wet exfoliation usually happens mid-shower or mid-bath with scrubs that activate with water.
Our recommended approach is a little different. The PATTERN Dry Exfoliating Scrub is designed to be used before water touches your skin (when it’s still dry). This exfoliation method allows the scrub to grip better to the skin’s surface, giving you more control with less pressure.
That means a gentler, more effective buffing experience that won’t overdo it. Plus, applying our scrub pre-shower lets you rinse everything away clearly when you step into the water. It’s a quick grounding ritual that feels just as good as it looks.
How to Exfoliate Skin Without Stripping It
Still curious how to exfoliate your skin at home without going too hard or causing irritation? It’s all about technique & taking your time with the right exfoliation method.
Here’s your step-by-step guide for a gentle, feel-good exfoliation session:
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Start on dry skin – Before you turn on the water, take a few deep breaths & check in with your body. Where does your skin feel rough or textured? Start there.
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Grab your exfoliating scrub – Scoop a small amount of scrub into your hand. You don’t need much with high-quality formulas, so a little goes a long way.
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Massage in gentle circles – Use a light touch & massage in small, circular motions. No need to scrub aggressively, the sugar crystals & nourishing oils will do the work for you.
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Listen to your body – Focus on what your skin needs. You may want to apply the scrub to high-texture areas like elbows, heels & the backs of your arms. If you have sensitive skin, go extra gentle or skip exfoliating that day.
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Rinse off in the shower – Once you’re exfoliated your whole body (or just the spots you’re focusing on today), rinse off in the shower. Let the warm water melt the scrub away, leaving behind silky, prepped skin.
The result? Skin that feels soft, renewed & ready to soak up whatever moisture you’re about to layer on next.
When (& How Often) to Exfoliate for the Best Results
Now that you have a step-by-step guide, you may be wondering how often to exfoliate skin for the best results. Typically, one to three times a week is the sweet spot.
If your skin tends to be dry or flaky (especially in colder months), you might lean toward more frequent exfoliation. If it’s feeling a bit sensitive or sun-kissed? Exfoliate less & give your skin time to rest. Here’s the key: Exfoliating skin should feel refreshing, not like a chore.
Use it as a check-in moment with yourself. Curious about “How to exfoliate my skin?” The key is to listen to your body. When your skin’s craving a little reset or your energy needs a shift, that’s your cue. Remember, this is a ritual, not a rulebook. Exfoliate when it feels right for you, not because someone told you to do it daily.
What to Use After Exfoliating for Softer, Nourished Skin
Now for the good stuff: sealing in hydration. Once you’ve exfoliated, your skin is open & ready to drink in all that moisture. This is your chance to follow up with products that nourish & soften. Reach for:
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A rich body cream or butter (like the PATTERN Moisture Rich Body Cream) to lock in long-lasting moisture
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A hydrating body oil to add glow & restore suppleness
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Or both: Layer oil first, then body cream or lotion (including the PATTERN Hydrating Body Lotion) to double up on hydration (a pro tip from us to you)
Even though the PATTERN Dry Exfoliating Scrub already features moisturizing oils, you don’t want to skip this step. Hydration is what takes your glow from good to next-level nourishment.
Create a Body Care Routine Rooted in Radiance with PATTERN
Learning how to properly exfoliate is about showing up for yourself, honoring the skin you’re in & creating little moments that make you feel more at home in your body.
So, whether you’re standing barefoot in your bathroom or winding down after a long week, let this be your reminder: You don’t need flawless skin to deserve care. You don’t need a reason to feel luxurious. You already are.
At PATTERN, we’re passionate about helping you embrace your natural beauty, including everything from your skin to your curls. We’re here to help you treat yourself like the work of art you are, with texture & beauty in every inch.
Sources:
Healthline. What Does It Mean to Exfoliate? Plus Why You Should and How to Start. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/meaning-of-exfoliating
Vogue. The Correct Skin Care Order for Layering Your Products. https://www.vogue.com/article/all-your-questions-about-skin-care-layering-answered
Reviewed by Ashley Ludgood
With over 12 years of experience in the beauty and fashion industry, Ashley Ludgood brings a wealth of expertise to her current role at PATTERN. Her insights have been featured in reputable publications like American Salon Magazine, American Spa Magazine, and Skin, Inc. Ashley has also shared her knowledge at conferences, including Face & Body, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to contributing to the industry. Having been an integral part of the team at PATTERN for nearly 4 years, Ashley continues to make significant contributions. Holding a degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, she remains passionate about her field. Among her favorite products, Ashley turns to the PATTERN Styling Cream, Moisture Milk, and the Cleansing Shampoo as her go-to essentials.
