Exfoliation removes the layer of outermost, oldest, dead skin cells. It can be done manually (cloths, brushes, sponges, scrubs, masks) or chemically (via scrubs and masks containing certain acids). This keeps your pores clear, and keeps your skin from looking dull. Depending on what method you use, the additional blood circulation caused by mild rubbing also helps promote skin health.

Currently, I use a loofah daily, and a body scrub once a week, and a much finer scrub once a week on my neck and face. I like the Bath and Body Works' Malibu Heat body scrub, because it's low-grit enough to use on my face and neck without causing damage. I'll use Bath and Body Works' Super Exfoliant scrub on my elbows, knees, and feet. The skin on my heels is thicker and can develop into calluses in just a few days, if I don't both regularly exfoliate and apply pure lanolin to keep it from toughening up.

I used to use salicylic acid pads daily on my face when I was a teen, to help control oil and acne; but I haven't used those in years. I've also tried and decided against Alpha Hydrox, both because of the cost and because of the very faint chemical smell - though I know many people who swear by it, and it actually does make their skin look better.

One bit of my routine that doesn't follow the outline for The Skin Project: moisturizing. This topic isn't going to be addressed for another four weeks. But I always moisturize right after I get out of the shower and dry off, to make sure that my skin absorbs the maximum amount of moisturizer. I think that moisturizing right after exfoliating can increase skin flexibility and promote healing, which means healthier, better-looking skin.

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