Exfoliating is the key to soft, fresh skin. Body scrubs have long been the go-to way to exfoliate, but the beauty industry game is always changing. Now we've got body polishes, and the age-old practice of dry brushing has hit the mainstream in recent years. Here's what you need to know about body scrubs, body polishes, and dry brushes.

Body Scrub vs. Body Polish

The difference between body scrubs and body polishes comes down to one thing. "Both exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells and smooth however a body scrub also cleanses skin while a body polish is for exfoliating and moisturizing and not for cleansing," explains Murphy-Rose.

Body scrubs use grainy ingredients like sugar or oats to slough off dead skin and reveal the smoothness and radiance beneath. They're popular for a reason—you can see and feel the results immediately. Fine, soft grains are better than anything too sharp or jagged, as the latter may leave little tears in the skin. "It is best to avoid harsh or abrasive scrubs that contain large, irregularly shaped or jagged granules which may lead to microtears in the skin and can lead to redness, irritation and sensitivity," Garshick notes. Microbeads are also on their way out since they're notorious for polluting the oceans and rivers.

Body polishes are relatively new to the market. They're pretty much the same as body scrubs, but some formulations are gentler, like Dove's Exfoliating Body Polish, since the beauty industry is trending toward nourishing ingredients like oils, clays, and coffee grounds. "Body polish" is mostly a marketing term, but it can feel brand new. And anything that gets you excited about skincare and self-care is a good thing.

How to Apply a Body Scrub

For the best results, make sure you're scrubbing correctly. Garshick recommends to "First dampen your skin with water, apply a small amount of body scrub to the body, rub it in using small circular motions and then rinse it off using lukewarm water. After, it is best to pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer to the skin."

Here are some additional tips tips: 

• Use your hands. No need to use a brush; your hands will do the best work. If you feel wary about dipping your fingers into the container, use a clean wooden spoon to scoop out the product, then apply the scrub to your body with your hands.
• Scrub toward your heart. This is a spa secret, and the claim is that it's best for circulation. Start at your feet and massage the scrub in a circular motion up the legs and the torso. Continue at your fingertips and massage up the arm.
• Don't scrub every day. It's tempting to scrub daily since the results feel so good, but over-exfoliating can be harsh on your skin. Do it only a couple of times a week. If you have sensitive skin, do it even less frequently, and be gentle with yourself.
• Follow up with a body oil or moisturizer. Since scrubbing can strip your skin of moisture, make sure to restore it every time.