Want a quick fix for softer, smoother skin? Aside from your day-to-day maintenance use of an Alpha Hydroxy Acid body cream such as DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Moisturizing Therapy For Dry Skin or PRIORI Advanced AHA Hand & Body Revitalizing Lotion, a sure-fire way to achieve baby soft skin is to indulge in a body scrub, followed by the application of an ultra-rich moisturizing agent.

Dry skin is the result of dead cells from abnormal natural exfoliation. These cells build up, forming a barrier, keeping moisture out. In the meantime, your skin will be flaky, dull, lifeless, unattractive, and may itch. This creates skin that looks far older than it should.

Body scrubs contain small beads that gently slough away these cells, unveiling skin that is more uniform in texture, and looks more youthful and vibrant. Removing undesirable dead skin allows for more effective absorption of your moisturizer. Notice the key word here is gently. Harsh scrubbing, use of ragged loufas or scratchy body scrubs can cause skin trauma, irritation, and flare acne or folliculitis. Apply your body scrub with your hands, soft hand mitt or cloth. Concentrate on areas where you are extremely dry and flaky, but be sure not to overdo it or you may be left with reddened skin instead!

Though you will not want to use a body scrub daily, a weekly treatment can do wonders to get rid of ashy skin, rough elbows and knees, cuticles, and other problem areas.

The ingredients in scrubs can do more than exfoliate dead skin cells leaving skin smooth and radiant. Scrubs can awaken your senses with aromatherapy and botanicals, give your skin care routine a pick-me-up, and can help control blemishes or ingrown hairs. Self-tanners will be darker on skin that is rough. You can look your best in your bathing suit next summer by starting a body scrub routine now. For those who want a year-round tan, don't forget that exfoliation is mandatory for achieving a great self-tan! Don't overlook the knees, elbows and feet.

What is in a scrub?

Here are some of our most popular scrubs and their exfoliating agents:

• DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Body Scrub with Chemical + Physical Medi-Exfoliation: Dermatologist-recommended chemical exfoliants glycolic and lactic acid dissolve the glue that cements epidermal cells together. Smooth, non-abrasive synthetic beads lift away dead skin cells without inflicting trauma to the epidermis.
• Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser: Micro-fine polyethylene granules with AHAs and salicylic acid effectively open clogged pores and improving acne and oily skin.
• Neova Body Smoother: Polyethylene beads help exfoliate while Spiraea & Clematis Extracts calm and revive the skin.
• Ole Henriksen Loofah Body Scrub: Natural loofah and jojoba beads & botanical nutrients. This aromatic scrub will energize and cleanse your entire body.
• Peter Thomas Roth Blemish Buffing Beads: Gentle jojoba beads exfoliate & draw out stubborn blackheads and ingrown hairs; salicylic acid helps fight acne. Excellent for the chest, back and bikini area!
• Peter Thomas Roth Botanical Buffing Beads: A non-abrasive scrub for all skin types containing soft, ultra-fine jojoba beads and botanical nutrients.
• MD Formulations Face & Body Scrub: Contains polyethylene granules with a 15% glycolic compound in a light-lathering crme base.
• Microdermabrasion: A home microdermabrasion system with Aluminum oxide (corundum) crystals. DermaNew Total Body Experience Kit, Crystalift At-Home Resurfacing System, Neutrogena Ageless Restoratives Total Skin Renewal Starter Kit & DermaNew Facial Rejuvenation System are excellent in achieving that "fresh from the spa" skin texture.
• Whish Sugar Scrub - Almond: Bio-Maple Sugar and pure vegetable oils blend to exfoliate and improve mircocircution to the skin's surface.
• California North Gelskin Scrub: A Walnut Shell based scrub. Added astringents also aid in releasing stubborn ingrown hairs.

California North Gelskin Scrub, Peter Thomas Roth Botanical Buffing Beads and Neova Body Smoother are ideal if your skin is a little more sensitive yet could use an exfoliating scrub treatment.

Scrubs shed unwanted cells, which will allow the skin to absorb moisture more easily. After rinsing away your scrub and gently toweling dry, you will want to protect the skin you have uncovered and use a moisture-rich cream to keep the skin smooth and supple. A favorite is the AHAVA DERMUD Intensive Nourishing Body Cream for dry skin, and for those with eczema or sensitive skin conditions, Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream, 4 oz. B. Kamins Elbow, Knee & Foot Treatment Kit is a two-step treatment including a scrub and intense moisturizer for the elbows, hands and feet. Be sure to apply a generous amount while the skin is damp so the product may penetrate and hold in moisture. Keep you feet pedicure perfect after scrubbing them with DERMAdoctor Feet Accompli Ultimate Antifungal Pedicure Cream.

Although dry flaky skin is so much more obvious during the winter, your skin needs these helpful treatments year-round to keep it silky smooth.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I hope you have found it informative.

Audrey Kunin, M.D.

(Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)

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