How to Skin Polish

Co-authored by Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD

Last Updated: September 7, 2022 References

Skin polishing generally refers to any form of exfoliation which removes the uppermost layer of skin, but can specifically refer to "microdermabrasion," a cosmetic procedure intended to diminish aging and blemishes to the skin. As with all medical treatment, please consult a dermatologist before beginning this or any other skin polishing regimen. ^{[1]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting Your Skin in Top Shape

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It's important your skin is as hydrated and healthy as possible when you go into the polishing process. To help with this, up your water intake. Aim to drink anywhere between 10 to 12 glasses of water a day. Do this for about a week before you plan to polish your skin. ^{[2]
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Vitamin E and A can help with your overall skin health. While you work your way up to the skin polishing, eat things like wheat germ, soy, nuts, eggs, and yellow, orange, and dark green vegetables. ^{[3]
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Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist

Expert Interview. 08 October 2020.} This will help your skin tolerate the polishing well. ^{[4]
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3
Moisturize daily. In order to keep your skin healthy and also diminish signs of wear or aging, it is important to moisturize each day immediately following your shower or bath. This helps keep your skin extra smooth and in optimal condition for polishing. Be sure to use a body oil or lotion daily that is dermatologist recommended. ^{[5]
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Expert Source

Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist

Expert Interview. 08 October 2020.} If you would prefer something less processed, try some of the following:
- Olive oil
- Unpasteurized and unfiltered coconut oil
- Shea Butter
Soap is alkaline in nature and, especially for sensitive skin, can cause irritation, flaking, and cracking of the skin. To prime your skin for polishing, avoid soap. Go for non-soap cleansers instead or simply rinse off unwanted dirt and debris with water. ^{[6]
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DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health
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Part 2

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Selecting a Polish

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1
Choose a store bought polish. You can use a skin polish from a beauty salon or buy one online. Store bought polishes tend to be pricey, and they may not work for all skin tones, but it can save you the hassle of making one yourself.
- As some polishes may irritate some skin types, try buying a sample size first and testing it on a small patch of skin to make sure you react to it properly. If you have a bad reaction, try a different polish or make one at home from natural ingredients.
Mix one part baking soda with one part of your regular face wash to make a baking soda rub. The natural grains in baking soda help remove dead skin cells and replenish and polish your skin. Use enough baking soda/face wash to form a thick paste that can be applied all over your body. ^{[7]
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3
Use sea salt, olive oil, lemon juice, and lavender oil. Mix four tablespoons of sea salt, two tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and half a teaspoon of lavender oil. This mixture can help cleanse the skin and also has a pleasant odor. ^{[8]
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- Avoid using this mixture if your skin is sensitive to essential oils.
Mix a cup of brown sugar with half a cup of jojoba oil. Also, add in a tablespoon or orange juice and five vitamin E capsules. This mixture is great if your skin is dry, as jojoba oil is a natural moisturizer. ^{[9]
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Mix two tablespoons of granulated and brown sugar together. Then, add about a tablespoon of apple pulp and a quarter tablespoon of cinnamon. Apples provide a great source of vitamin A and B, which are great for skin health. ^{[10]
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Part 3

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Applying Your Polish

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1
Open your pores with a hot bath. Before you apply your skin polish, a nice bath is necessary. This helps relax you and open up your pores, allowing your skin to be adequately cleansed and polished. ^{[11]
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- There is no precise time frame for you to be in the bathtub, but 20 minutes should be adequate.
Dab the polish onto your face, focusing on the cheeks, chin, elbows, and nose. Use your fingers to rub the polish into your face in circular motions until the polish is distributed evenly throughout your face. ^{[12]
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Research source} Rinse your face off with warm water before proceeding.
Before applying your polish to rough areas, you should remove callouses and dead skin. This can be done with the assistance of a pumice stone, which you can purchase at most department stores. Gently rub the stone against rough areas, like the heels and elbows. Apply enough pressure to wear down callouses and rough skin, but not so much pressure that you feel in pain. ^{[13]
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4
Apply polish all over the body in gentle, circular motions. You want to make sure all your skin is targeted during the skin polishing process. Work the polish in throughout your body. It can help to move from head to toes or vice vera. When applying your circular motions, use some force so you can lift dead skin. However, do not push to the point you feel pain. ^{[14]
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- If you have any areas on your body that are extra sensitive, avoid applying skin polish here.
EXPERT TIP

“Body polishing is used to give the skin a fresh, smooth appearance. It can improve sun damage, dryness, and skin texture.”

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
After polishing your full body once, revisit the areas you treated earlier with the pumice stone. Apply a bit more polish here, just to exfoliate and moisturize the skin a bit more. Rough areas tend to need a little more care during the skin polishing process. ^{[15]
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You can rinse in the bath or shower, using warm water. Make sure you get any traces of polish off your skin. When you're done, gently pat your body dry with a towel. ^{[16]
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7
Moisturize your body. Skin polish can help remove dead skin cells, but it can also leave your skin feeling a little dry. Apply your regular moisturizer all over your body after skin polishing. ^{[17]
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- If you have body-specific moisturizers, such as moisturizers for your feet and face, use these after polishing.
As skin polishing is an intense form of exfoliation, it should not be done every day. Exfoliation is generally recommended to be done only once a week. ^{[18]
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Research source} If your skin reacts negatively to polishing, cut back that amount further.

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Question

What is the use of body polishing?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Body polishing is used to give the skin a fresh, smooth appearance. It can improve sun damage, dryness, and skin texture.

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What is a skin peel treatment?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A peel is type of chemical exfoliant that loosens the top layer of skin. The skin peels off, leaving a fresh layer of skin exposed. This reduces fine lines, acne scars, and other skin imperfections.

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What is done in skin polishing?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Skin polishing is a term for exfoliation. Usually "polishing" refers to microdermabrasion where the skin surface is blasted with micro particles to remove dead skin. However, home treatments are also sometimes referred to as "polishing."

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Tips

Use the pumice only on the soles of your feet.

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For first-time and novice polishers, it is recommended that you work quickly and err on the side of less pressure and vigor as opposed to more. In time, you'll learn what's the right amount of pressure and friction without causing painful abrasions.

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How to Skin Polish

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Getting Your Skin in Top Shape

Selecting a Polish

Applying Your Polish

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