4 Exfoliating Body Scrubs for Dry Skin

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells while promoting cellular oxygenation.
4 Exfoliating Body Scrubs for Dry Skin
Karla Henríquez

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Karla Henríquez.

Written by Okairy Zuñiga

Last update: 26 May, 2022

Dry skin scrubs differ from other kinds of exfoliants in their composition, as they include softer ingredients to avoid scratching or damaging skin when scrubbing it. Dry skin doesn’t have the oiliness needed to prevent the rubbing motion from scratching it. That’s why you have to get your skin type evaluated before choosing an exfoliant or any other skin care product.

Having dry skin is a common problem and it becomes more evident during wintertime. If the dryness isn’t too bad yet, you’ll notice a slightly scaly texture and patches of discolored skin. When the problem is already serious, your skin will begin to itch which can lead to bleeding if you scratch it too much.

To prevent dryness from becoming an issue, choose one of the following body scrubs that are packed with vitamins. They’re ideal for dry skin because, on top of being able to cleanse skin deep down, they moisturize and improve skin’s texture in general.

Body scrubs for dry skin

1. Coffee and sugar scrub

Our first body exfoliant for dry skin will leave your skin with a stunning glow. Coffee is rich in antioxidants; consequently, it’s great for fighting cellulite. Sugar eliminates dead skin cells and fosters the creation of new ones. Olive oil and vitamin E penetrate deep into skin, nourishing it so skin regains its natural glow and healthy appearance.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup of ground coffee
  • ¼ cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 capsules of vitamin E

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients and mix until a paste forms. Take a shower and use natural soap before applying the exfoliant. Once you’ve washed the soap away, dip fingers into the paste and scrub your body using circular motions. After massaging for 10 minutes, rinse off with warm water. Repeat twice a week.

2. Lavender bath salts

The second body scrub for dry skin is perfect for relaxing while nourishing your skin. Sea salt is rich in minerals and exfoliants that will make you look younger. Olive oil moisturizes skin for days and lavender lends its wonderful fragrance. Use these salts twice a week if you have very dry skin; otherwise, once a week is enough.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of sea salt
  • ½ cup of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of lavender essential oil

Preparation and application:

Make sure the sea salt is of an appropriate size to exfoliate. If the granules are very big, grind them in a mortar first. Combine all of the ingredients. Clean the skin and apply the paste. Massage for 3 minutes, making sure not to touch any injured or sensitive areas. Wash off with warm water and apply a light moisturizing cream.

3. Coconut oil scrub

This body scrub for dry skin is just as great for your face as it is your body. Use this recipe to remove makeup every day only if you have very dry skin. You’ll see that you won’t need to apply anything else afterward.

Coconut oil exfoliates, cleanses, and nourishes for very little money. The sugar helps strip away dead skin cells. Apply this scrub three times a week and forget about using any other moisturizing creams.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup of granulated sugar
  • ½ cup of organic coconut oil

Preparation and application:

Combine both ingredients and keep the mixture in a glass jar. While showering and after rinsing off any soap, gently massage mixture onto skin. Rinse off with warm water.

4. Chocolate and orange scrub

This exfoliating body scrub for dry skin offers an enticing aroma and will moisturize your skin perfectly.

Brown sugar scrubs away dead skin cells to let the antioxidants from the cocoa and the oils moisturize your skin. If you’d like the scrub to have a different scent instead of orange, try using mint or cinnamon essential oil.

Make sure to keep this exfoliant in a dry place; otherwise, the ingredients could spoil a little and lose their properties.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup of almond oil
  • ½ tablespoon of vanilla
  • ½ teaspoon of dark chocolate shavings
  • 1 teaspoon of vitamin E
  • 1 teaspoon of orange essential oil

Preparation and application:

Combine all of the ingredients and store in a glass jar with a lid. Exfoliate your skin 2 times a week after removing any soap in the shower. Massage gently using circular motions for 5 minutes and rinse. Keep the scrub in a cool place.

Other recommendations

Even if your skin tends to be dry, most of the time it’s from a lack of moisturization. Make sure to do the following to keep it under control:

  • Drink enough water. It’s recommended to drink two liters of water a day, but if it’s too hot and you have to move around a lot, you could need more than that.
  • Shower less often and with cooler water. Some people are used to bathing twice a day or more when it’s very hot. During those times, if you notice that your skin looks dryer, cut down your showers to once a day with warm or cool water only.
  • Wear cotton clothing. Being too hot can dry out your skin. To help your skin perspire and avoid accumulating sweat, use cool and light cotton clothing.

Don’t these body scrubs for dry skin look amazing? They’re all great—though the chocolate one is definitely tempting!


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Gutiérrez Maydata, A. (2002). Café, Antioxidantes y Protección a la Salud. MEDISAN 6, 72–81.
  • Kappally, S., Shirwaikar, A., and Shirwaikar, A. (2015). Coconut oil – a review of potential applications. Hygeia Journal for Drugs and Medicines 7, 34–41.
  • Viola, P., and Viola, M. (2009). Virgin olive oil as a fundamental nutritional component and skin protector. Clinics in Dermatology 27, 159–165.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.