Glow & Grow: Black Beauty, Haircare, and Skincare Tips
- Body scrubs remove dead skin, boost circulation, improve moisturizer efficacy; use two to three times weekly per Dr. Moy, sensitive skin once weekly.
- For KP, pair physical granules with chemical exfoliants like lactic or glycolic acid; dry skin benefits from shea butter, ceramides, squalane.
- Choose based on skin tolerance: chemical exfoliation offers gentler long-term benefits; physical provides immediate polish, per Dr. Moy and Dr. LoGerfo.
When using on the scalp, section wet hair, apply a quarter-size amount directly, and massage in circular motions before rinsing and following with conditioner. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, and dermatology practitioner based in New York City, loves that it leaves her skin feeling “unbelievably soft and smooth” and leaves a nice dewy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a body scrub, and how often should you use them?
Body scrubs physically accelerate the removal of dead skin cells, which Dr. Moy explains “can help reveal smoother skin and improve the efficacy of post-shower moisturizers.” Regular exfoliation also helps stimulate blood circulation and, as Dr. LoGerfo points out, can “help reduce ingrown hairs by keeping pores and follicles clear.” As for frequency, Dr. Moy recommends two to three times per week as the sweet spot, though those with sensitive skin should limit use to once weekly, since over-exfoliating can compromise the skin barrier and lead to water loss and inflammation.
What ingredients should you look for, depending on skin concerns such as keratosis pilaris (KP), dry skin, and clogged pores?
For KP, Dr. Moy recommends scrubs that “pair physical granules with chemical exfoliants like lactic or glycolic acid,” as this dual-action approach provides “instant smoothing while significantly improving skin texture over time.” Dr. LoGerfo also points to urea and sugar as effective options for KP. For dry skin, both experts point to oil-rich, nourishing formulas. Dr. Moy specifically calls out “shea butter, ceramides, or squalane to replenish lipids,” while Dr. LoGerfo highlights hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and glycerin. When it comes to clogged pores or body acne, Dr. Moy recommends “formulas featuring salicylic acid (BHA), which is oil-soluble and can penetrate deep into the pores to clear out sebum,” a recommendation Dr. LoGerfo echoes, also adding tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide to the mix.
Is chemical or physical exfoliation better for the skin?
It depends on your skin type and sensitivity level. Chemical exfoliation can offer a physically gentler and long-term benefit, while physical exfoliation provides immediate tactile change,” explains Dr. Moy, with the best choice ultimately depending on “your skin’s tolerance and the specific thickness of the skin in the area you are treating.” Dr. LoGerfo leans toward physical exfoliation “for more immediate results,” noting it delivers “instantaneous polishing, smoothness, and improvements,” but acknowledges that chemical exfoliants like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids are effective options as well for improving skin over time with prolonged use.
Meet the experts
- Lauren Moy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago
- Jodi LoGerfo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York
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When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of best body scrubs, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists we interviewed for the piece. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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