8 Best Full-Body Exfoliation Tools and Scrubs for Sloughing Off Dry Winter Skin

Cool winter air means my already dry skin is even dryer. And sometimes, lotions and oils just won’t cut it—it feels like they evaporate within minutes leaving behind thirsty skin. Courtney Chiusano, a holistic facialist and owner of Courtney Chiusano Skincare in Los Angeles, says that when that’s the case you’re in need of some body exfoliating tools.

“Winter can be extremely depleting to the skin, leaving it dry and sensitized,” says Chiusano. “So gentle, yet effective exfoliation is essential for removing that dead layer, which allows for your moisturizer to penetrate more effectively.”

Although the concept is the same, exfoliating your body is a bit different than exfoliating your face, explains Dennis Gross, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. “The body skin is two to three times thicker than the facial skin,” says Dr. Gross. Meaning the products that work wonders on exfoliating your face may not be rigorous enough for your body. “Also, notice that the body has fewer pores and fewer oil glands, so the body skin is more prone to drying.”

To revive dry winter skin, shop the body exfoliating tools and scrubs below.

8 body exfoliating tools and scrubs to beat dry winter skin

1. Esker Body Plane, $45

The Greco-Roman Esker Body Plane uses oil to scrape off your dead skin. It’s wildly satisfying and leaves your skin feeling baby smooth. After a bath or shower and before you towel off, rub an Esker oil into damp skin and then scrape with the plane. The oil is moisturizing but lightweight, so you won’t feel greasy when you’re done.

To see the Esker Body Plane in action, watch this episode of What the Wellness:

Shop now: Esker Body Plane, $45

2.  Dr. Dennis Gross Skin Care Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Body Peel Pads, $58

Following the success of the Dr. Dennis Gross’ face peel pad, Dr. Gross launched a version for the body. Each box comes with eight pads that are packed with Alpha Beta acids, enzymes, and bakuchiol to give the outer layer of the skin a chemical exfoliant. When I use the facial peel pads, they sting a teensy bit—but I didn’t notice this at all with the body pads. They’re effective but gentle enough to use after shaving or around the pubic area.

Shop now:   Dr. Dennis Gross Skin Care Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Body Peel Pads, $58

3. 54 Thrones Duafe Hibiscus Polish Bar, $16

This bar is infused with hibiscus, which is loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and natural alpha-hydroxy acids that help gently exfoliate your skin. The bar aids with collagen production, free-radical fighting, and hyperpigmentation.

Shop now: 54 Thrones Duafe Hibiscus Polish Bar, $16

4. Grown Alchemist Purifying Body Exfoliant—Pearl Peppermint & Ylang Ylang, $34

This scrub combines pearl-proteins as a physical exfoliant and ylang-ylang and geranium oil to remove excess sebum, visibly improve skin texture and appearance, and reduce skin discoloration. It also has a fresh and relaxing scent to help you wind down.

Shop now: Grown Alchemist Purifying Body Exfoliant, $34

5. Joanna Vargas Ritual Brush, $30

Celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas is a huge fan of dry brushing—so much, that she added one to her eponymous skin-care line. “I love dry brushing—it’s my favorite method of body exfoliation because it’s multitasking. I recommend it all the time,” says Vargas. “It stimulates your lymphatic system to help move out toxins and bring in good nutrients to every cell in the body.”

Shop now:Joanna Vargas Ritual Brush, $30

6. Meow Meow Tweet Tangarine Basil Body Soap, $10

Loaded with poppy seeds, this tangerine-scented soap bar massages stimulates circulation, and exfoliates. It also includes basil to cool and relax your skin. As a plastic-free alternative to body wash, this soap comes in a paper box that’s reusable, recyclable, and compostable.

Shop now: Meow Meow Tweet Tangarine Basil Body Soap, $10

7. Public Goods Ayate Bath Strip, $11

Made from 100 percent natural agave fiber, this ayate bath strip has a naturally coarse texture that’s perfect for gentle exfoliation. You also hang it to dry, helping to prevent mold and mildew. But to prevent germ buildup, you can chuck it in the washing machine.

Shop now:Public Goods Ayate Bath Strip, $11

8. The Future Method Butt and Body Scrub, $35

This scrub uses naturally derived chia powder and jojoba beads to slough off dead skin cells all over your body—specially designed to be used between the cheeks. “Our butt has several parts, with the least hygienic—and hardest to reach—being your inner butt cheeks and your actual external hole,” says anal surgeon and Future Method founder Evan Goldstein, DO. Get ready for your butt to feel cleaner than ever before.

Shop now: The Future Method Butt and Body Scrub, $35