Get Glowing

"The key thing to remember is that exfoliating shouldn't hurt," says Newburger. "If your skin stings, burns or feels raw, use that product with less frequency or try a milder one." But if you incorporate the right exfoliators into your daily skin-care regimen, your skin will look brighter, smoother and less scaly--guaranteed.

Editors' Picks FOR SCALP

* Aveda Scalp Remedy: (800) 283-3224; www.aveda.com

* Origins' Snow Removal dandruff shampoo: (800) 674-4467

FOR FACE

* Aubrey Organics' Apricot and Amidroxy Exfoliation Mask: (800) 282-7394; www.aubreyorganics.com

* Aveda's Exfoliant Fluid

* Better Botanicals' Clarifying Facial Scrub: (888) 224-3727; www.betterbotanicals.com

* Farmer's Market Citrus Facial Scrub: (800) 849-7112; www.burtsbees.com

* Jurlique's Exfoliating Face Wash Cream: (800) 854-1110; www.jurlique.com

* Kiss My Face's Alpha Aloe Oil moisturizer or Alpha Aloe Oil-Free Vanilla moisturizer: (800) 262-KISS; www.kissmyface.com

* Naturopathica's Pumpkin Enzyme Peel: (800) 669-7618; www.naturopathica.com

* Origins' Starting Over

* Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream: (904) 254-1967; www.pevonia.com

FOR BODY

* Aveda's Ali-Sensitive Smoothing Body Polish

* Better Botanicals' Honey Scrub Soap Hemp Works' Exfoliating Scrub: (888) 436-7362; www.hempworks.com

* Naturopathica's Walnut Scrub

RELATED ARTICLE: No More Rough Stuff

These tips will help prevent red, irritated skin when exfoliating:

* Don't use too much pressure when using grainy scrubs or loofahs. Rubbing rough, harsh exfoliators on the skin on a regular basis may result in broken capillaries (small blood vessels in the skin) and red, raw skin.

* When using a grainy scrub, particularly in the morning, skip the cleanser.

* If you have acne, don't use grainy scrubs or facial loofah puffs. These abrasives can further inflame pores and aggravate acne.

* Use loofahs on the body and feet but not the face, which is more sensitive.

* If using an AHA or BHA product, look for concentrations of less than 10 percent, and use them once a day. If using any other type of exfoliator, use it every other day, up to three times weekly.

* Wait 10 minutes after cleansing to apply an AHA or salicyclic acid. Moisture on the face can dilute the effects of the acid.

* Don't use an AHA- or BHA-based moisturizer immediately after shaving. Your skin will be sensitive and the acids in the moisturizer will cause it to sting. Instead, use the sloughing moisturizer at night.

* Look for loofahs made from natural fibers, which are gentler on the skin than artificial materials like plastics.

* Keep loofahs, brushes and other exfoliating tools clean and dry when not in use as bacteria can easily grow among the wet fibers. To be safe, soak loofahs in a solution of one part bleach to three parts water every two weeks.

Valerie Latona is beauty editor of Allure magazine.

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