To remove dead skin from your body, exfoliate two to three times a week in the shower with an African net or a sugar scrub, using light pressure on wet skin. Rinse, then apply lotion and oil while your skin is still damp. Scrubbing harder or daily usually irritates skin rather than smoothing it.
How do you remove dead skin from your body at home?
Soften it, lift it, rinse it, then seal. Warm water loosens dead skin, a net or sugar scrub lifts it with light circular pressure, a lukewarm rinse carries it away, and lotion then oil on damp skin keeps the fresh layer soft. Done right, it is the "brand new skin" feeling customers describe.
- Soften. Let warm, not hot, water run over your skin for a few minutes before you exfoliate.
- Lather. Work a body wash such as our Cocoa Moringa Body Wash ($15 for 4 fl oz) into an African exfoliating net - also called an African net sponge or sapo - like our African Exfoliating Net ($17.99). Or scoop a little Sugar Body Scrub ($25) onto damp skin.
- Go gently. Small circles, light pressure, shoulders down, about 30 seconds per area. Let the tool do the work.
- Reach your back. Hold the net by both ends, stretch it behind you and pull it side to side across your shoulders and lower back.
- Rinse. Use lukewarm water and rinse until your skin feels clean, not squeaky.
- Seal. Pat partly dry, smooth Body Silk onto damp skin, then press dry body oil on top. Oil always goes last.
These steps follow the American Academy of Dermatology's advice on how to safely exfoliate at home: consider your skin type first, use small, circular motions for about 30 seconds, rinse with lukewarm water, and moisturize right after. For the full net technique, read how to use an African exfoliating net, step by step.
What is the best tool to remove dead skin?
For most bodies, an African net. It turns your body wash into exfoliation, reaches your whole back, and dries in minutes between showers. A sugar scrub is the better pick when you want to buff and soften in one step. A washcloth is the gentlest, but does the least.
| Tool | How it works | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| African net | Stretchy knotted nylon mesh lifts dead skin as you wash and makes body wash lather | All-over exfoliation, including your back; lasts 2+ years with care | Pressing too hard; using it the same day as a scrub |
| Sugar scrub | Fine sugar in a whipped butter base buffs while it softens | Rough spots like elbows, knees and legs | Open cuts, sunburn, freshly shaved skin |
| Washcloth | Soft woven cotton gives light surface friction | Very gentle everyday washing | Stays damp; can't reach your back |
The net rinses clean, air dries in minutes and goes through the washing machine, which is why one lasts years. The Sugar Body Scrub pairs fine sugar crystals with a whipped body butter base, apricot kernel oil and vitamin E, in scents including Pink Champagne, Black Jasmine, Pink Amber Vanilla, Lavender Vanilla and Seychelles. See every color and weave in our African Exfoliating Nets collection.
How often should you remove dead skin?
Two to three times a week for most skin types. Daily use is fine on oily or acne-prone body skin. If your skin is sensitive or you are new to exfoliating, start once a week with our Sensitive net and build up.
The AAD puts it simply: the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often it needs to be done, and over-exfoliating can leave skin red and irritated. Never exfoliate over open cuts or sunburn. The African Exfoliating Net - Sensitive ($14) has a softer weave for skin that reacts easily. For a full frequency guide by skin type, read how often you should exfoliate your body.
Why does dead skin build up?
Your skin sheds dead cells all the time. When skin is dry, from cold weather, hot water or long showers, those cells cling to the surface instead of rinsing away. That is the dull, ashy, rough layer you see on legs and arms, and it tends to show most in the colder months.
The fix starts in the shower. The AAD's dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin recommend keeping baths and showers to five to ten minutes in warm water and putting on moisturizer while skin is still damp. Regular, gentle exfoliation then clears what has already built up.
What should you do after exfoliating?
Seal in the water while your skin is still damp. Pat partly dry, smooth on Body Silk first, then press a dry body oil on top so it locks everything in. Freshly exfoliated skin takes in what you put on it, so this is the step that keeps the smoothness from fading by the afternoon.
Lotion brings water to the skin; oil seals it there. That is why the order matters, and why oil always goes last. Our dry body oils sink in within a minute or two, so you can get dressed without waiting. Find your scent in the Dry Body Oils collection.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my skin roll off when I scrub?
Those gray rolls are a mix of loosened dead skin, leftover product, and the oils and sweat on your skin. It is common the first few times, especially if you have not exfoliated in a while. If it happens every time, or your skin turns red or stings, ease up on pressure or frequency.
Should I use hot water?
No. Hot water dries skin out, which makes buildup worse. The AAD recommends warm water and showers of five to ten minutes, and a lukewarm rinse after you exfoliate.
Is a net or scrub better?
They do different jobs. The net works with your body wash, reaches your back and lasts years; a scrub buffs and softens in one step. Many people alternate days. Never use both on the same day.
How often should I exfoliate?
Two to three times a week for most skin types. Daily use is fine on oily or acne-prone body skin. If your skin is sensitive or you are new to exfoliating, start once a week with our Sensitive net and build up.
