Rub-a-dub, dub

The body Shop, black olive and argan oil scrub. Photo / Babiche Martens

A rub down is envigorating and good for you. Exfoliated skin looks fresher and better absorbs moisturisers, so if you're starting to bare your legs and arms keep them in tip-top condition.

Think of the bending down and round in the shower to rub your elbows, knees and feet as a little light exercise before breakfast. Use a loofah or massage glove to work down your limbs and get your circulation going.

There's plenty of exfoliants out there (or you can make your own with a little oil and sea salt), so adding their use to your beauty routine a couple of times a week is no real trouble. You'll get silkier skin in return and fake tan will adhere more smoothly.

If you follow exfoliation by rubbing a little oil or body lotion along your shins you'll really be ready to step out for summer. Or choose an exfoliant with moisturising properties for a two-in-one treatment.

Many exfoliants contain polyethylene, little particles of plastic so micro-sized they can pass through our water treatment facilities and eventually end up in the ocean.

A doctoral student who flagged this is advocating more research be done on polyethylene's long-term effects on the environment.

I've made a personal decision to avoid polyethylene - not because I know if it's causing harm or not - but on the basis it's one additive we could easily do without, with plenty of natural alternatives available.

If you start checking body and facial scrub labels, you'll be surprised how many brands - across the price ranges - contain it.

1. Evolu Exfoliation Body Polish 200ml, $41

This botanical gel smells great, thanks to lavender, eucalyptus and menthol. It's brown and speckled with black bits that I became obsessed with seeing disappear down the plughole. They're crushed kiwifruit seeds which, with ground walnuts, provide the exfoliation which leaves skin feeling satin smooth. (From selected department stores, pharmacies, gift and health food stores. evolu.co.nz)

2. Roger & Gallet Shiso Smoothing Exfoliation Shower Gel 150ml, $19

Shiso is an addition to this French range which has a host of fragrances to appeal to everyone. This one is delicate, like the polyethylene exfoliating particles which seemed too micro to do much.
(Selected department stores and pharmacies).

3. Sukin Body Scrub 200ml, $13.99

Micro particles of bamboo extract and walnut shells are in this fresh, light cream from an Australian natural skincare range, along with moisturising aloe vera, sesame and rosehip oil. (From selected Farmers, pharmacies and health stores. Stockists Ph 0800 118311, sukinorganics.com)

4. Burt's Bees Radiance Exfoliating Body Wash $40

Jojoba beads exfoliate and royal jelly feeds skin in this lotion from the cult American skincare company. (From Smith & Caughey's, selected Life pharmacies and leading health food stores.)

5. The Body Shop Spa Wisdom Morocco Black Olive and Argan Oil Scrub 200ml, $55

Gel-like, oil-rich formula in a pottle. It has fine particles and smells rather lovely, but it's messier to use than most. There's also a waxier Spa Wisdom Africa Ximenia & Salt Scrub in a bigger size and the trusty Coconut Body Scrub, with organic virgin coconut oil from Samoa.
(From The Body Shop)

6. Giovanni Cool Mint Lemonade Salt Scrub 260g, $32

Made by a company known for its organic hair care, this scrub smells like the kind of summer cocktail I relish, with plenty of citrus and mint. Sea salt in safflower oil adds muscle to the moreish mix. (From selected Farmers, pharmacies and health stores. Stockists Ph 0508 423737)

7. Bridget Black Vanilla Body Buff 100ml, $28

Smells exactly like a good quality vanilla ice-cream. This rich cream contains walnut shell, witch hazel extract and soya bean oil and is aimed at normal-dry skins. It's from an indulgent natural Australian range, new to New Zealand. (bridgetblack.co.nz)

8. Elle MacPherson The Body Glow Sparkle & Shimmer Body Scrub 200ml, $17.99

Lightly scented with a hint of patchoulli, this scrub has decent-sized particles that give a good result. They're polyethylene. (From Farmers.)

9. L'Oreal Exfotonic Revitalising Gel Exfoliator 200ml, $28.99

The most neutral fragrance of the lot, with lots of little particles in a gel formula that lathers up. With polyethylene. (From pharmacies and supermarkets)

10. St Ives Apricot Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash 400ml, $6.40

The bargain of the bunch, but a bit light on actual exfoliating particles, though at the price you can splash on more gel. It's gentle enough to use daily and contains jojoba beads and apricot extract.
(Supermarkets).

11. Dermalogica Exfoliating Body Scrub 150g, $73

Creamy, lightly foaming exfoliant that I was surprised to find contained polyethylene, given it also has pulverised olive, fig and date seeds and boasts no artificial colours and fragrances. There's softening rice bran and papaya enzyme in the mix. The smell is refreshing and my skin was left feeling good. (From salons stocking Dermalogica and the concept store at Westfield Albany.)

12. Pure Fiji Coconut Sugar Rub Frangipani Infusion 457ml, $65

Feels like a salt scrub, but the granules are sugar encased in conditioning coconut oil. The Pure Fiji range offers six other fragrance options. (To find your nearest spa stockist Ph 0800 7873 3454)

Stockists: Selected department stores and pharmacies, unless otherwise stated. St Ives and L'Oreal at supermarket and variety stores.