For Tough Spots
Look For
+ Rough ingredients, such as ground walnut shells, fruit pits, crushed nuts, or very coarse salt or sugar
+ Thick, pastelike scrubs, which stick better on elbows, feet, and knees
Avoid
+ Very oily or creamy formulations, as they tend to slide off easily
+ Fine grains like sugar or jojoba beads, which aren't coarse enough for the job
Tips
Try lingering in the bath or shower to soften your skin before attacking tough spots with salt or sugar scrubs. Use a loofah or pumice stone to rub the product onto your body. Though two tablespoons of scrub does the job for your less-hardened body parts, there's no need to be stingy with cracked, leathery spots. "Don't hesitate to use more of your favorite scrub on particularly dry skin on your heels and elbows," says Jacknin. She also adds that these chronically scaly spots provide the only exception to the once-a-week rule. Go ahead and "scrub two to three times a week on these rough areas," she advises.
Try
+ La Fleur Organique Lavender & Almond Exfoliating Scrub, $22, walgreens.com
+ The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Scrub, $17, thebodyshop.com
+ L'Occitane Shea Butter Exfoliating Foot Scrub, $26, sephora.com