A good scrub down is satisfying in more ways than one. It flakes away dead and old skin, it sloughs away itty-bitty bits of grime you never knew were lurking on your back, it turns your elbows from reptile to human. The chunky bits also feel so good against the skin after a long, hard day, therapeutic almost. Both your mind and your skin come out soothed.

Like the skin on your face, exfoliation everywhere else is just one of the benefits amongst many others that come with scrubs, like reducing the chance of ingrown hair, acne and help your moisturiser be more effective. Don’t be so ready to use scrubs for your face, though – unless it’s for your lips – since the skin on it is much thinner than that of of your body. Acids are okay.

The most common types of scrubs are sugar and coffee scrubs, though salt, herbs, sand and *dramatic gasps* plastic. Now, word of caution: micro-beads are minuscule plastic balls that you should avoid at all costs, for both the environment and yourself. Also, don’t listen to coffee scrubs that promise cellulite reduction. These only reduce the appearance of cellulites because of the increase in blood circulation. You’re good with salt and sugar, with the latter providing more sloughing action because of its coarser particles. Use both if you want, like this one from Tata Harper.

Because of how it makes you feel, we’ll be the first to admit that scrubs – like face peels – can get a little addicting. Who doesn’t love smooth skin, right? It is important to remember not to exfoliate too much, even if the instructions say it is okay to “use it daily”. Keep it to once a week if yo have dry skin, twice if you have oily skin as it traps more dirt. Combine it with a moisturiser and you’re ready for a new you in the new year.

Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub

Bamford Botanic Sugar Polish

African Botanics Marula Detoxifying Salt and Sugar Body Scrub

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Scrub

Oribe Côte d’Azur Polishing Body Scrub

Tata Harper Smoothing Body Scrub

Lancer The Method: Body Polish

What To Read Next: The Gel Eye Patches That Made Me Ditch Eye Creams For Good, Toners Are More Than An Extra Step In Your Skincare Routine and What A Jet Setter With Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin Carries In Her Cabin Bag | Cover Image: Natalyn Chan, with Soap & Glory’s Flake Away Body Polish