For the longest time, I hated exfoliating my body. I would begrudgingly do it whenever it was absolutely necessary—like when my skin felt dry and rough or I was prepping for self-tanner application. Aside from those occasional scenarios, though, I always avoided it. I know that might sound blasphemous coming from a beauty editor, but it’s true. There’s just so much area to cover when it comes to body exfoliation; it requires a lot of time and effort. Plus, some of the most popular methods leave much to be desired.
Salt- and sugar-based body exfoliators often dissolve in my hands before I can even get them on my skin. Exfoliating body serums are nice, but some of them leave my skin uncomfortably sticky. Then there are exfoliating mitts. They speed up the process and are pretty fail-safe in theory, but many of them just don’t work for me. They’re either too grainy and harsh, leaving my skin red and irritated, or too soft and flimsy, leaving my skin no smoother or softer than when I started.
I had all but given up on finding the perfect body exfoliator until I tried a special exfoliating mitt. It hits the sweet spot between too rough and too soft, and it sheds away every last inch of dead skin. It’s gross but in a good way.
While you can snag the mitt all by itself, it also comes as part of a four-step bodycare ritual. The ritual includes a pre-exfoliating foam (more on that in a minute), the exfoliating mitt, a bodywash, and a body oil. Inspired by ancient Mediterranean bathing practices, it combines age-old efficacy with a modern sensibility. Scroll on to learn why it’s a must for your next “everything shower.”
Nerra
The Bathhouse Ritual
Here is the full ritual. Personally, I think all four products are necessary to get the best results. When I use each one in order, the way they’re designed to be used, they make my skin look and feel so soft, smooth, and bright. Seriously, though. Think soft marshmallows, expensive silk, or any other incredibly soft and smooth thing you can think of.
Plus, thanks to chic packaging and luxe formulas, they turn my shower into a spa-like experience. Every time I run through the full ritual, it feels like a treat—like sumptuous self-care. Let’s go over each one and why it’s an in-shower necessity.
Nerra
Body Pre-Exfoliating Foam
This unique product preps the skin for the exfoliation mitt by increasing the mitt’s efficacy and minimizing its potential for irritation. It’s all thanks to a formula that’s one part dead skin–lifting soap and one part moisturizer. The former lifts dead skin cells so they’re more easily swept away by the mitt. The latter protects the new layers of skin that are yet to be revealed. The product itself is inspired by the olive oil–based “green soap” found in Mediterranean bathhouses. Although, it’s been modernized into a more lightweight, easy-to-apply foam.
To use, apply it to damp skin. The brand recommends soaking your skin before applying it for best results. I usually stand in the shower, shampooing and conditioning my hair for a few minutes before I apply it. Once it’s on, wait at least 15 seconds for it to work its magic. (I usually wait a while longer.) Then, it’s time to reach for the exfoliating mitt.
Nerra
Exfoliating Body Glove Set
Here it is—the exfoliating mitt to end all exfoliating mitts. Even though just one is pictured here, it actually comes as part of a set containing two mitts. One is beige, and one is black. The beige one offers a gentler exfoliation, while the black one offers a deeper exfoliation. Both are made from 100% biodegradable plant fabric.
This might be gross, but I’m going to say it anyway. Whenever I use this, I can literally see the dead skin roll off of me. It balls up and rinses away—particularly on areas where I have dry, rough skin, like my elbows, knees, ankles, and upper arms (thanks to keratosis pilaris). I’m not kidding when I say it’s the most effective form of exfoliation I’ve ever tried. Touching my skin before and after using this should be a case study to prove just how well it works. Invariably, I start with dry, rough skin and end with smooth, petal-soft skin. I’m obsessed.
To use, soak the mitt in warm water for a few minutes. (I usually soak it for about five minutes.) This softens the fabric for proper exfoliation. Then, rinse off the Pre-Exfoliating Foam, and pull the mitt over one hand. The brand recommends working in long, firm strokes up and down, one body part at a time. You can rinse it as needed. When done, use bodywash to remove any remaining dead skin or debris.
Sure, you could use any old bodywash after the exfoliating mitt, but I recommend sticking with Nerra. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen, pink clay, and algae probiotics. Together, these ingredients hydrate, plump, firm, detox, and strengthen the skin. I love that it contains pink clay specifically, as this ingredient offers the same benefits of a traditional hammam clay body mask, drawing out impurities and boosting the skin’s glow.
It’s available in a fragrance-free formula or in the brand’s signature Jasmine Wood scent. Usually, I’m a fragrance-free girl, but there’s something about the notes of jasmine, freesia, rose, and wood that feels so fresh and luxe. It contributes to that spa-like feel I was talking about earlier.
Even though I can’t stop talking about the exfoliation mitt, the fourth and final product just might be my favorite one. This dry body oil is divine. Inspired by the “prized Mediterranean oils used for millennia,” it contains rich, skin-loving ingredients like argan oil, hibiscus oil, and macadamia seed oil. Yet it feels lightweight and silky on the skin, never leaving an oil-slick residue behind.
This is the cherry on top of the whole ritual. This oil sinks into my skin and makes it feel incredibly smooth and soft. In fact, after I used it, my skin felt so smooth that I excitedly asked my boyfriend to feel my forearm. He did, and asked, “How is it possible to have skin this soft?” Yep, that’s a direct quote. Enough said.
8 More Editor-Approved Bodycare Products
Nécessaire
The Body Lotion Firming Moisturizer With 5 Peptides and 2.5% Niacinamide
I love this jumbo-size version of Nécessaire’s cult-favorite body lotion. With peptides, niacinamide, and a whole host of other vitamins, the formula moisturizes, soothes, brightens, and firms my skin.
Wholesome Beauty
Dry Skin Body Brush
I try to dry-brush before every shower. It exfoliates the skin, improves lymphatic flow, and boosts blood circulation for a full-body glow.
Kosas
Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash
This is my secret weapon for erasing body breakouts.
Naturium
The Energizer Cooling Body Wash
A bodywash I’m most certainly investing in for summer, this has a cooling formula that’s good for overheated, sun-soaked skin.
Sol de Janeiro
Brazilian Bum Bum Visibly Firming Refillable Body Cream
I can’t refrain from mentioning this iconic, deliciously scented body cream from Sol de Janeiro. It’s so thick and buttery and luxurious.
The INKEY List
PHA Exfoliating and Hydrating Body Water Cream
This budget-friendly body cream contains 3% PHA, which hydrates and exfoliates at the same time.
Supergoop!
Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Body & Face Sunscreen
This body sunscreen offers broad spectrum SPF 50, is water- and sweat-resistant, and comes in a jumbo-size bottle so you don’t have to skimp on sun protection.
TRONQUE
Vitamin C Body Oil
This body oil is expensive, but it’s so effective and luxurious thanks to a silky-smooth texture and a formula that’s spiked with skin-brightening vitamin C.
