Skip to content
Dove
Men+Care
Baby Dove
Meet NEW Dove Whole Body Deo: 72h odor control, all over
Find Dove Near You
Sign Up & Save

Welcome to Dove

Dove - Let’s Change Beauty logo
  • See All

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Beauty Bar
      • Body Wash
      • Body Polish & Scrub
      • Hand Wash
      • Body Care
      • See All Bath & Body
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Moisturize & Hydrate
      • Eczema
      • Acne
      • Exfoliate
    • BROWSE INGREDIENTS
      • Shea Butter
      • Coconut
      • Lavender
      • Vanilla
      • Cucumber
      • Mango
      • Pomegranate
    • Image of Dove Pampering Care Hand Wash on top of a white countertop

      Rebuild your routine for softer, healthier skin.

      Take the Self-Care Quiz
    • Discover Body Washes
    • Discover Body Shower Serums
    • Discover Body Scrubs
    • Discover Beauty Bars
    • Discover Plant Milk Collection
    • Discover Hand Washes
    • Discover Cream Body Serums

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Shampoo
      • Conditioner
      • Dry Shampoo
      • Hair Styling
      • Hair Masks
      • Hair Serum
      • See All Hair
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Hair
      • Fine Hair
      • Damaged Hair Repair
      • Color-Treated Hair
      • Curly & Textured Hair
      • Silver Hair
      • Voluminizing
      • Dandruff & Dry Scalp
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Care Between Washes
      • Love Your Hair Collection
      • DermaCare Scalp
      • Bond Strength
      • Kids Hair Care Collection
    • Enter Dove Hair Damage AI Lab

      The future of hair damage analysis starts here

      Enter Dove Hair Damage AI Lab
    • Discover Hair Damage Therapy Collection
    • Discover Intensive Repair Products
    • Discover Bond Strength Products
    • Discover Scalp Hair Therapy Products

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Spray Antiperspirant
      • Spray Deodorant
      • Stick Antiperspirant
      • Stick Deodorant
      • Cream Deodorant
      • See All Deodorant
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Even Skin Tone
      • Clinical Strength
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Whole Body
      • VitaminCare+
      • Advanced Care
      • Aluminum Free
      • Even Tone
      • Clinical Protection
      • Dove Ultimate
    • Women with arms up in the arm

      Take our quiz to discover the ideal deodorant tailored to your specific skin needs.

      Discover Your Signature Deodorant
    • Discover VitaminCare+ Deodorants
    • Discover Aluminum Free Deodorants
    • Discover Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorants
    • Discover Whole Body Deodorants

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Body Wash
      • Body & Face Bars
      • Deodorant
      • Hair Care
      • See All Men
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Post Workout
      • Aluminum-Free Deodorant
      • Whole Body Deodorant
      • Exfoliating
      • Dandruff
      • Relaxing
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Active Naturals Body Wash
      • Advanced Care Face + Body Wash
    • Image of man combing hair

      Find out the latest from Dove Men + Care, all in one place.

      Explore Dove Men + Care
    • Discover Plant Based Cleansers
    • Discover Whole Body Deodorants
    • Discover Micromoisture Body Washes
    • Discover Body Wash and Cleansing Bars
    • Discover Antiperspirants & Deodorants

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Bathing
      • Skin Care
      • Hair Care
      • See All Baby
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Eczema
      • Hypoallergenic
      • Fragrance Free
      • Curly Hair
      • Bedtime
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Rich Moisture
      • Fragrance-Free Moisture
      • Calming Moisture
      • Derma Care
      • Melanin-Rich Skin
      • Caring By Nature
    • Baby in bath with hands up next to a bottle of Baby Dove foaming wash

      Care for baby's sensitive skin and hair.

      Explore Baby Dove
    • Discover Bubble Bath Collection
    • 5 tips for healthy, soft baby skin
    • The secret to tear-free bathtime
    • Discover Rich Moisture Collection
    • Discover Melanin Rich Skin Collections

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Body Wash
      • Bubble Bath
      • Conditioner
      • Hair Spray
      • Styling Cream
      • Deodorant
      • See All Kids & Teens
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Curly & Textured Hair
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Dove Kids Care
      • Dove Teens Deodorant
    • Mother and daughter reading

      Kids deserve skin care just for them.

      Hypoallergenic skin care for kids
    • Self-care and confidence for kids
    • The Power of Positive Affirmations

    Bath & Body

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Beauty Bar
      • Body Wash
      • Body Polish & Scrub
      • Hand Wash
      • Body Care
      • See All Bath & Body
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Moisturize & Hydrate
      • Eczema
      • Acne
      • Exfoliate
    • BROWSE INGREDIENTS
      • Shea Butter
      • Coconut
      • Lavender
      • Vanilla
      • Cucumber
      • Mango
      • Pomegranate
    • Image of Dove Pampering Care Hand Wash on top of a white countertop

      Rebuild your routine for softer, healthier skin.

      Take the Self-Care Quiz
    • Discover Body Washes
    • Discover Body Shower Serums
    • Discover Body Scrubs
    • Discover Beauty Bars
    • Discover Plant Milk Collection
    • Discover Hand Washes
    • Discover Cream Body Serums

    Hair

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Shampoo
      • Conditioner
      • Dry Shampoo
      • Hair Styling
      • Hair Masks
      • Hair Serum
      • See All Hair
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Hair
      • Fine Hair
      • Damaged Hair Repair
      • Color-Treated Hair
      • Curly & Textured Hair
      • Silver Hair
      • Voluminizing
      • Dandruff & Dry Scalp
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Care Between Washes
      • Love Your Hair Collection
      • DermaCare Scalp
      • Bond Strength
      • Kids Hair Care Collection
    • Dove Hair Damage AI Lab

      The future of hair damage analysis starts here

      Enter Dove Hair Damage AI Lab
    • Discover Hair Damage Therapy Collection
    • Discover Intensive Repair Products
    • Discover Bond Strength Products
    • Discover Scalp Hair Therapy Products

    Deodorant

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Spray Antiperspirant
      • Spray Deodorant
      • Stick Antiperspirant
      • Stick Deodorant
      • Cream Deodorant
      • See All Deodorant
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Even Skin Tone
      • Clinical Strength
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Whole Body
      • VitaminCare+
      • Advanced Care
      • Aluminum Free
      • Even Tone
      • Clinical Protection
      • Dove Ultimate
    • Women with arms up in the arm

      Take our quiz to discover the ideal deodorant tailored to your specific skin needs.

      Discover Your Signature Deodorant
    • Discover VitaminCare+ Deodorants
    • Discover Aluminum Free Deodorants
    • Discover Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorants
    • Discover Whole Body Deodorants
    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Body Wash
      • Body & Face Bars
      • Deodorant
      • Hair Care
      • See All Men
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Post Workout
      • Aluminum-Free Deodorant
      • Whole Body Deodorant
      • Exfoliating
      • Dandruff
      • Relaxing
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Active Naturals Body Wash
      • Advanced Care Face + Body Wash
    • Image of man combing hair

      Find out the latest from Dove Men + Care, all in one place.

      Explore Dove Men + Care
    • Discover Plant Based Cleansers
    • Discover Whole Body Deodorants
    • Discover Micromoisture Body Washes
    • Discover Body Wash and Cleansing Bars
    • Discover Antiperspirants & Deodorants

    Men

    Baby

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Bathing
      • Skin Care
      • Hair Care
      • See All Baby
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Eczema
      • Hypoallergenic
      • Fragrance Free
      • Curly Hair
      • Bedtime
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Rich Moisture
      • Fragrance-Free Moisture
      • Calming Moisture
      • Derma Care
      • Melanin-Rich Skin
      • Caring By Nature
    • Baby in bath with hands up next to a bottle of Baby Dove foaming wash

      Care for baby's sensitive skin and hair.

      Explore Baby Dove
    • Discover Bubble Bath Collection
    • 5 tips for healthy, soft baby skin
    • The secret to tear-free bathtime
    • Discover Rich Moisture Collection
    • Discover Melanin Rich Skin Collections

    Kids & Teens

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Body Wash
      • Bubble Bath
      • Conditioner
      • Hair Spray
      • Styling Cream
      • Deodorant
      • See All Kids & Teens
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Curly & Textured Hair
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Dove Kids Care
      • Dove Teens Deodorant
    • Mother and daughter reading

      Kids deserve skin care just for them.

      Hypoallergenic skin care for kids
    • Self-care and confidence for kids
    • The Power of Positive Affirmations
  • Our Mission

    See All

      • #NewYearsUnresolution
      • Size Freedom
      • The Real Cost of Beauty
      • Project #ShowUs
      • Learn More About How Dove is Redefining Beauty
    • Two women smiling together

      Real and Inspirational Stories

      Beauty Portraits
    • Discover Our Purpose Campaigns
    • Discover Our Product Campaigns

      • Parent & Mentor Resources
      • Educator Resources
      • Youth Leader Resources
      • #KeepHerConfident
      • Stand up for #KidsOnlineSafety
      • Real Virtual Beauty
      • #DetoxYourFeed
      • The Selfie Talk
      • Learn more about the Dove Self-Esteem Project
    • Smiling girl with track field in the background

      Dove x Nike teamed up to help keep girls in the game

      Building Body Confidence in Sports

      • The CROWN Act
      • Dove x LinkedIn
      • Black Birth Equity Fund
      • Commit to C.A.R.E (Care About Racial Equity)
      • Learn more about how Dove is working for Racial Equity
    • Women with half straight hair and half natural hair

      Create more inclusive and equitable workplaces for Black women.

      Dove x LinkedIn

      • Postpartum Support
      • Black Birth Equity Fund
      • Paid Paternity Leave
      • Celebrate Black Dads
      • Learn more about how Dove is helping caregivers redefine Parenthood
    • Mom holding crying baby while filling baby bottles

      Raise awareness and connect to resources for postpartum mental health issues.

      Under Pressure

      • Paid Paternity Leave
      • Commit to C.A.R.E (Care About Racial Equity)
      • Learn more about how Dove supports Positive Masculinity
    • Paid Paternity Leave

      Help give new dads the time to bond with their little ones.

      Paid Paternity Leave

      • Cruelty-Free Real Beauty
      • Circular Care
      • Protecting & Restoring Nature
      • Regenerative Ingredients & Agriculture
      • Ingredients We Do Use
      • Rethinking Our Ingredients
      • Ingredient Transparency
      • Learn More About Dove’s Commitment to Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability
    • Dove cutout with nature in the background

      We’re working to contribute to a healthy, thriving future for our planet and protecting it for future generations.

      Protecting & Restoring Nature
      • #NewYearsUnresolution
      • #KeepBeautyReal
      • #KidsOnlineSafety
      • The Real Cost of Beauty
      • Project #ShowUs
      • Learn More About How Dove is Redefining Beauty
    • Two women smiling together

      Real and Inspirational Stories

      Beauty Portraits
    • Discover Our Purpose Campaigns
    • Discover Our Product Campaigns
      • Parent & Mentor Resources
      • Educator Resources
      • Youth Leader Resources
      • #KeepHerConfident
      • #KidsOnlineSafety
      • Real Virtual Beauty
      • #DetoxYourFeed
      • The Selfie Talk
      • Learn more about the Dove Self-Esteem Project
    • Smiling girl with track field in the background

      Dove x Nike teamed up to help keep girls in the game

      Building Body Confidence in Sports
      • The CROWN Act
      • Dove x LinkedIn
      • Black Birth Equity Fund
      • Commit to C.A.R.E (Care About Racial Equity)
      • Learn more about how Dove is working for Racial Equity
    • Women with half straight hair and half natural hair

      Create more inclusive and equitable workplaces for Black women.

      Dove x LinkedIn
      • Postpartum Support
      • Black Birth Equity Fund
      • Paid Paternity Leave
      • Celebrate Black Dads
      • Learn more about how Dove is helping caregivers redefine Parenthood
    • Mom holding crying baby while filling baby bottles

      Raise awareness and connect to resources for postpartum mental health issues.

      Under Pressure
      • Paid Paternity Leave
      • Commit to C.A.R.E (Care About Racial Equity)
      • Learn more about how Dove supports Positive Masculinity
    • Paid Paternity Leave

      Help give new dads the time to bond with their little ones.

      Paid Paternity Leave
      • Cruelty-Free Real Beauty
      • Circular Care
      • Protecting & Restoring Nature
      • Regenerative Ingredients & Agriculture
      • Ingredients We Do Use
      • Rethinking Our Ingredients
      • Ingredient Transparency
      • Learn More About Dove’s Commitment to Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability
    • Dove cutout with nature in the background

      We’re working to contribute to a healthy, thriving future for our planet and protecting it for future generations.

      Protecting & Restoring Nature
  • Tips & Tools

    See All
    • Skin Cleansing & Care
      • Cleansing
      • Hair Removal
      • Skincare Routines
      • Underarm Care
      • Products & Ingredients
      • All Skin Articles
    • Hair Care
      • Styling Tips
      • Cleansing & Conditioning
      • Damaged Hair Care
      • Healthy Scalp
      • Products & Ingredients
      • All Hair Articles
    • Men’s Care
      • Skin
      • Hair
      • Underarms
      • Daily Routines
      • Products & Ingredients
      • All Men’s Articles
    • Parents & Kids
      • Infant & Baby Care
      • Kids & Teens Care
      • Pregnancy
      • Parenting
      • Products & Ingredients
      • All Parents & Kids Articles
    • Explore All Quizzes & Tools

      Uncover personalized beauty tips and discover the perfect products just for you.

      Explore All Quizzes & Tools

Meet NEW Dove Whole Body Deo: 72h odor control, all over
Sign up
Sign up
Sign up

Unlock Exclusive Offers & Beauty Tips!

Join our Community and Discover the Dove Difference

Sign Up & save

Get exclusive offers, product recommendations and more when you sign up for Dove Men + Care!

Sign Up & save

Get exclusive offers, product recommendations and more to help you on your parenting journey.

Sign up

Save by signing up to receive communications from dove and other Unilever Brands about exclusive offers, product updates, and more! By signing up, you agree to our Sign-Up and Save Policy and our Privacy Notice.

  1. Learn About Dove
  2. Skin & Hair Care Tips & Guides
  3. Body & Bath Tips
  4. How to exfoliate your skin for each skin type
How to exfoliate your skin for each skin type

Sensitive Skin Body Scrubs & Polish

When it comes to exfoliating your body, it can be tempting to get scrub-happy. After all, who doesn’t want silky-smooth skin 24/7? But before you reach for the exfoliator, it’s worth considering your skin type, since it might mean adjusting your approach a little bit. Read on to learn how to exfoliate your body depending on your skin type and the kind of products your skin will respond to the best. Smooth, radiant skin that feels soft to the touch is within reach (and yes, you’ll wish you started doing this sooner).

06 December '23

Eudermic skin
If your skin type is ‘normal’ (that’s ‘eudermic’ skin to the experts) then exfoliating regularly is a no-brainer to keep it looking and feeling healthy. If you’re a fan of self tanners, exfoliating 24 hours before application helps them last longer, as well as ensuring a smooth, even application. Generally, exfoliating three to four times a week is optimum, but some products – like Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash with Sea Minerals – are gentle enough to use every day while still lightly buffing away that top layer of skin. Use like a normal cleanser, rubbing gently in circular motions on the arms, legs and back, paying special attention to any areas that feel especially rough or bumpy. 

Dry skin 
Skin that often feels dry? It’s tempting to avoid exfoliation altogether for fear of drying out your skin more, but regular exfoliation actually means scrubbing away that dry top skin layer, allowing moisturizers to penetrate more easily. The result? Skin feels immediately softer and more hydrated, especially if you use a moisture-packed exfoliator like Dove Colloidal Oatmeal & Calendula Oil Gentle Exfoliating Body Polish (enriched with ¼ moisturizing cream for extra hydration). In the shower or bath, apply a generous scoop to skin and massage all over using circular motions. Rinse to reveal glowing, visibly hydrated skin. 

Sensitive skin
The good news? Those with sensitive skin can exfoliate, you just need to be smart about the product. Start by choosing gentle, non-irritating formulas and be mindful of any irritation or redness on skin, as this is an immediate sign to hit the brakes.

Proving that exfoliation doesn’t need to be rough, Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar is enriched with exfoliating beads to lightly buff away dull-looking dead skin cells. Free from parabens and sulfate cleansers, the pH-balanced formula contains the mildest bar cleansers and ¼ moisturizing cream to help retain your skin’s moisture. Use in place of your regular soap or body cleanser and enjoy radiant skin. 

Oily skin 
Generally, oily skin can tolerate more exfoliation than other skin types and if you’re prone to clogged pores or pimples on your body, regular exfoliation can be a real help. Start by trading your daily body wash for an exfoliating formula like our Body Love Exfoliate Away Body Cleanser [RELEASED 2023] which gently buffs and smooths skin as you wash.

Be sure to incorporate Dove Exfoliating Body Polish into your shower or bath routine, too (the indulgent rich, whipped formula is ultra-caring to skin so it’s safe to use 3-4 times a week, if you want). And because our Body Polishes are available in three strengths, you can tailor your regime to fit your exact skin needs. For oilier skin types, try starting with a ‘moderate’ polish, before moving onto ‘deep’ exfoliation.

One final word of advice? By exfoliating away that dull top layer of dead skin cells, skin becomes much more sensitive to sunlight. So if you’re planning on showing off your new silky-smooth limbs (and who could blame you?) be sure to apply plenty of SPF.


TAGS:

  • body polish
  • body wash
  • dry
  • exfoliating
  • glowing skin
  • sensitive skin
  • skin types
  • smoothing skin
  • standard article
  • washing

Try for yourself

Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash 20 oz packshot

Gentle Exfoliate Body Wash

body wash
Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar 8 Bar 3.75 oz packshot

Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar

beauty bars
  1. slide 1
  2. slide 2
SEE ALL PRODUCTS

Related articles

  • Dove debunking cleansing myths
    BATH & BODY
    6 cleansing myths: debunked
    We've got the skin cleansing facts to match your favorite shower products
  • Dove How to feel fresh
    BATH & BODY
    How to feel fresh: six ways to freshen up your morning
    Transform your morning with our quick guide on how to feel fresh
  • Dove Showering morning or night
    BATH & BODY
    The perks of washing in the morning or a shower before bed
    We love both morning and evening showers, here's why
  • Dove Skin Cleansing Essentials
    BATH & BODY
    Essential products for skin cleansing
    Want to know how to keep your skin healthy, glowing and beautiful?
SEE ALL ARTICLES

Sign Up & Save

Sign up and be the first to know about exciting offers, product updates and more from Dove and other Unilever brands. For further information, please refer to our Privacy Notice.

Enter your email Address

SIGN ME UP
Baby Dove
Men+Care
Kids & Teens
About Dove
FAQs
Contact Us
Ingredients
Smart Label
Community guidelines
Where to Buy
What's in Our Products
Privacy
Terms of Use
Accessibility
Sitemap
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy
Limit Use of My Sensitive Personal Information

FOLLOW US ON

facebook
twitter
instagram
Dove TikTok
youtube
  • LANGUAGE

    Ver el sitio en Español

    LOCATION

    us United States
Dove - Let’s Change Beauty
unilever logo

© {{dynamicYear}} Unilever

This website is directed only to U.S. consumers for products and services of Unilever United States. This website is not directed to consumers outside of the U.S.