Exfoliating Tools

There are two main types of exfoliating tools: chemical and mechanical. For a chemical treatment -- also called a chemical peel -- a solution is applied to the skin that peels off the top layer of skin. Chemical exfoliants contain alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and enzymes that help loosen skin cells so they're easier to remove [source: Rubin]. Weak solutions that contain chemical exfoliating properties are available over the counter, but you'll need to see a dermatologist for a stronger one.

Mechanical exfoliating tools, on the other hand, require a little manual labor. These tools are abrasives -- such as body scrubs and loofahs -- that remove unwanted skin. However, although they're abrasive, mechanical exfoliating tools should be gentle enough not to irritate your skin. If a tool leaves your skin feeling raw, it may be too harsh.

Regardless of whether you use an exfoliating scrub or just a facial cleanser, you'll need something to help loosen that dead skin. One option is a tightly woven nylon mesh, which will remove more dead skin from your face than a sponge. A loofah is another great exfoliating tool, and while it's too harsh for your face, it can be used to scrub the skin of your torso and back. Exfoliating gloves are another option with abrasive qualities, or you could try exfoliating pouches, porous cloths that contain facial cleanser. For a gentle exfoliating experience, there are micro-exfoliating cloths, which are made from fibers 100 times thinner than a human hair [source: Elle]. And if you're a power tool lover, there's also the electric face brush, a tool that's similar to an electric toothbrush [source: Pack]. But you don't have to buy a special tool just to exfoliate -- even common household items like a towel or washcloth can help loosen dead skin [source: Parker]

Now that you're familiar with different exfoliating tools, check out the following page for tips on choosing the best ones for your skin.

There are a variety of exfoliating tools on the market, but you need to pick the right one for your skin. Here's a head-to-toe rundown on the tools you can use.

The best tool for your face is either a micro-exfoliating cloth or a pair of soft exfoliating gloves. Pouches are also a good idea, but they may be too gentle to exfoliate as well as a cloth or gloves. The electric face brush is another option, but its effectiveness depends on bristle type, pressure applied, and type of cleanser -- just like a toothbrush [source: Pack].

For larger parts of your body, such as your torso, use a loofah or mesh sponge because they're more abrasive -- but be sure to keep your loofahs and sponges clean and germ-free by air-drying them after each use [source: MSNBC]. You may have to get a pumice stone for the really thick skin on your elbows, knees and feet. Pumice is lava that's hardened into porous rock, and it works like sandpaper on really rough skin. For tough calluses on your feet, soak your feet in warm water to soften the skin and then exfoliate several times to reach that fresh, soft skin.

Now that you're armed with information on the proper exfoliating tools, you can buff and scrub your way to smooth skin without risking skin damage. For more helpful hints on exfoliating tools and how to use them, visit the links on the following page.