Scrub your way to softer skin

By: Julia McEwen

Chances are you probably exfoliate your face regularly, but you might be guilty of neglecting to use a body scrub on an equally frequent basis. Your body needs just as much TLC as your face, especially as hemlines start to rise along with the temperature. Scrub away your problems (back and chest acne, sore muscles and dry skin) with a luxurious body scrub. Exfoliating once or twice a week in the bath or shower can also help prevent ingrown hairs, lighten the appearance of hyperpigmentation and help you destress, if you pick the scent that speaks to you.

Application tip: Place a small amount on wet skin and lightly massage in an upward, circular motion.

For the sweet tooth

Inspired by a secret family cocktail recipe, this sugar scrub combines pure honey (for its moisturizing properties), almond extract (to seal in moisture) and vanilla (just because it smells so good).

Island Joy Antiguan Honey Sugar Scrub, $39, islandjoy.ca.

For toning and tightening

This sugar scrub helps stimulate circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite. It uses a combo of grapefruit and juniper berry essential oils to help tone the skin and give it a glowing look.

Escents Detoxify Sugar Scrub, $23, escents.ca.

For added moisture

If you want to feel extra clean with smooth skin, to boot, this microbead-free grapefruit, aloe vera and chamomile blend is an exfoliant with skin-enriching emollients to help leave skin silky, soft and primed for moisturization.

Kiehl’s Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub Grapefruit, $42, kiehls.ca.