How to Smooth Textured Skin on Your Arms and Body
If the skin on your upper arms, thighs or back feels a little rough or bumpy, you're in good company. Lots of people notice a little texture as the years go by.
The good news: a gentle routine, repeated week after week, is a nice way to look after it. No harsh scrubbing, no complicated steps. Here's how we'd do it.
What is textured skin?
"Textured skin" is a friendly way to describe skin that feels uneven to the touch: small bumps, rough patches or dry, flaky spots. On the body it often shows up on the backs of the arms, elbows, knees and legs. Dead skin cells that build up on the surface are a big part of why skin can feel rough.
Step 1: Start with warm, not hot, water
Some people prefer warm water to very hot water. Many people find warm water more comfortable, and it's a gentle way to start.
Step 2: Exfoliate gently, a few times a week
Exfoliating simply means lifting away dead skin cells from the surface. You don't need to scrub hard.
- Add your usual body wash to a textured shower towel.
- Move it in slow circles over rough spots like elbows, knees and the backs of your arms.
- Rinse well.
A gentle towel wash a few times a week is plenty. If your skin feels tender, ease off.
Step 3: Pat dry and moisturize right away
Pat your skin gently with a towel, leaving it a little damp, then smooth on your favorite body lotion or cream. Expert dry skin tips suggest applying moisturizer while skin is still damp.
Step 4: Be kind, and be consistent
A routine works best as small habits repeated week after week, not one big scrub. Give yours some time and see how your skin feels.
- Keep your towel in the shower so it's always there.
- Rinse it and hang it open to dry after each use.
- Keep your lotion by the shower door so you don't skip it.
Your gentle-routine checklist
- Warm, not hot, water
- Your usual body wash on a textured shower towel
- Slow circles over elbows, knees and the backs of your arms, with no hard scrubbing
- A gentle towel wash a few times a week is plenty, and ease off if your skin feels tender
- Pat dry, leave skin a little damp, then moisturize right away
- Rinse the towel and hang it open to dry
- Give your routine some time
When to talk to a doctor
If bumps are itchy, painful or spreading, or they appear suddenly, it's worth checking with a doctor. Everyone's skin is different.
Our favorite tool for the job
Our Japanese exfoliating shower towel is long enough to reach your back and gentle enough to use with your everyday body wash. Lather, scrub in slow circles, rinse and hang it to dry. New to exfoliating towels? Our guide on how to choose a body exfoliating towel walks you through it.
Smoothing textured skin: FAQ
How often should I exfoliate my body?
A gentle towel wash a few times a week is plenty. If your skin feels tender or looks red, give it a few days off.
Should I scrub harder on rough spots?
No. Slow, gentle circles work better than pressure. Let the towel and the routine do the work.
Do I need a special body wash?
Your everyday body wash is fine. Lather it on the towel and go.
How long should I stick with it?
Give it some time. Small, regular habits are the idea, and everyone's skin is different.
Try it for 30 days.
If you don't love it, we'll refund you – no questions asked.
