Because exfoliating your face helps removes dead cells from the skin’s surface that can lead to clogged pores and a dull complexion, the best way to get glowing skin is to exfoliate your skin regularly.

The same goes for your body, which is why using body exfoliators and shaving scrubs regularly is a key step in your body care routine in the bath or shower. That’s why we’re here to break down everything you need to know about exfoliating and shaving with body scrubs, including:

• What are the benefits of exfoliating with a body scrub?

• Do you use a body scrub before or after shaving?

• What are the best exfoliating body scrubs to try at home?

The benefits of exfoliating body scrubs

Ever notice small, dark spots on your legs? This is often called “strawberry legs,” and they actually aren’t spots at all but rather open pores on the skin’s surface clogged with dirt, oil and bacteria. “These impurities then mix with air and melanin, causing them to oxidize and appear dark, like the seeds on the outside of a strawberry,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. Regularly exfoliating legs prior to shaving can help minimize these dark spots. “Exfoliation also promotes younger-looking skin by increasing circulation and delivering vital oxygen to nourish skin cells,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “It can also help minimize the look of cellulite by removing the top layer of dead skin and promoting smoother texture.”

Do you use an exfoliating body scrub before or after shaving?

If you plan to shave, you’ll want to use your body scrub first and shave second. Exfoliating before shaving your skin with your favorite body scrub will help remove built-up dead skin cells, which allows your to achieve a closer shave. Exfoliating regularly can also help prevent ingrown hairs, which can be painful. By sloughing away the debris that clogs hair follicles, pores can then open and release the trapped hair. Body hair is then in prime condition to be shaved and has a better chance of growing back normally post-shave.

“Ingrown hair ranges from small and unnoticeable to large, red and quite painful," Dr. Schlessinger says. "Don’t pick at an ingrown hair or try to tweeze it out, as that will only make it worse and likely leave it infected."

Instead, Dr. Schlessinger recommends applying an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin. If you have an ingrown hair that seems infected or just won't go away, he recommends scheduling an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist to have it checked out.

The best body scrubs to try:

Are you looking for a new body scrub to add to your bath or shower routine? Here are four of our favorite body scrubs to try at home.

LALICIOUS Extraordinary Whipped Sugar Scrub

Pure sugar cane crystals are the star of this body scrub, as they work to gently and effectively slough away dead skin cells to reveal the fresh skin underneath. Cold-pressed coconut oil and sweet almond oil ensure skin feels soft and supple. This deliciously scented scrub is available in eleven unique aromas, from lavender to coffee and just about everything in between.

Céla Seed To Skin Scrub Natural Grain Polish

Indulge in a multisensory body care ritual with a polishing body scrub that features an invigorating blend of orange peel, cedarwood and patchouli. It promotes toxin elimination to encourage a slimmer silhouette and dislodges surface impurities with finely milled Amazonian cupuaçu seeds. Abyssinian oil and shea butter also help to replenish skin’s moisture.

Eminence Organics Coconut Sugar Scrub

This body scrub contains raw sugar cane, a natural alpha hydroxy acid, to provide both physical and chemical exfoliation. Formulated with coconut oil, coconut pulp, coconut milk and coconut water, this body treatment whisks you away to your favorite tropical locale with every use. Botanical-based antioxidants protect skin from free radical damage, revealing more radiant skin.

Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow

With rich Tahitian Monoi oil and Frangipani flower extract to moisturize and mineral-rich salt to help buff away dull skin, this body scrub adds a bit of spa-quality pampering to your shower or bath. Pro tip: Salt scrubs and freshly shaven skin don’t mix well—it’s literally like pouring salt into a wound! If you plan to use a salt-based scrub, we recommend using it before you shave, not after, as salt can sting freshly shaven skin.