Body scrubs can help temporarily smooth the surface of the skin by physically removing dead skin buildup.
This can make skin feel softer immediately after use.
But for ongoing rough texture or visible congestion, physical exfoliation may not always address the underlying buildup contributing to uneven-looking skin.
Chemical exfoliation works differently.
Using ingredients like AHA and BHA, chemical exfoliants help loosen and remove buildup gradually across the skin over time.
AHAs help improve the appearance of rough texture and uneven-looking tone, while BHAs help clear visible congestion within pores.
This is why many exfoliating routines now include AHA/BHA body serums instead of relying only on physical scrubs.
For body skin, leave-on exfoliation allows these ingredients to work consistently as part of a routine.