and serums penetrate. If you find your most potent potions don’t hydrate like they should, try exfoliating more often. Mild scrubs like oatmeal or almond meal soaked in green tea or water can help calm skin as well as moisturize. Those looking for a more intense exfoliation can try ground seaweed, cranberry seeds, or walnut shells.
Frequency: One to two times a week

Nose to the Grindstone
When using a scrub, start at the center of your face and work outward toward the ears and down the throat. Massage the granules following this pattern for 30 to 60 seconds and then rinse off with cool water. This method helps stimulate lymphatic drainage and encourage new cell growth. “While some may prefer to stay away from the eye area, rubbing a scrub gently at the corners can help smooth down fine lines,” says Thompson. No matter what your skin type, remember to moisturize immediately after exfoliating because scrubs can dry out the skin.

Ay, There’s the Scrub
For Sensitive Skin
Lotus Moon Adzuki Bean & Rose Petal Polishing Powder
A finely ground blend of adzuki beans and rice bran gently exfoliates without over-abrading sensitive skin. This simple formula (its four ingredients ensure a lesser chance for an allergic reaction) can be used directly on a moist face or mixed with a liquid cleanser. ($22, 4 oz; lotusmoon.biz)

For Oily Skin
Tea Naturals Face Scrub and Mask
This thick paste, infused with red, green, and white tea, makes a versatile treatment. Use it as a quick exfoliant or a 10-minute mask. Kaolin clay helps absorb oil and rounded jojoba beads don’t tear at the edges of your pores. ($11.95, 2.25 oz; teanaturals.com)

For Dry Skin
Pangea Facial Scrub
Fine organic cranberry seeds and crushed adzuki beans work gently with shea butter and almond oil to smooth and soften skin. ($33, 3.8 oz; pangeaorganics.com)

For All Skin Types
NaturOli Walnut Scrub
Crushed walnut shells rub off dull, dry layers of skin, while a base of olive oil and aloe vera helps keep skin hydrated. ($33, 6.7 oz; naturoli.com)
Stem Organics Facial Exfoliant
Bamboo grows quickly, making it one of the most sustainable exfoliant choices. Along with Australian Kakadu Plum, which is high in vitamin C, bamboo brightens and soothes the skin. ($39, 0.5 oz; stemorganics.com)