Exfoliating is one of the quickest ways to make skin feel smoother. It is also easy to overdo. Done well, it leaves skin soft and even and helps your moisturiser sink in. Done too hard or too often, skin ends up red and tight.
Most body scrubs are sugar or salt in oil: grainy, a bit messy, and something you put up with once a week. Renew Pine Scrub is different, and it changes how often you can happily exfoliate. More on that below.
What exfoliating actually does
Skin sheds dead cells all the time. When they linger on the surface, skin starts to look dull and feel rough, especially on the arms, legs and back. Exfoliating lifts them away so the fresher, softer skin underneath can show, and so whatever you apply next has a better surface to work on.
How often should you exfoliate your body?
There is no single answer. The American Academy of Dermatology says it depends on your skin type and the method you use: gentler methods can be used more often, harsher ones less often, and over-exfoliating can leave skin red and irritated.
A sensible place to start is two or three times a week, or once a week if your skin is dry or sensitive, then adjust to how your skin responds. Because Renew is gentle and cleanses as it exfoliates, plenty of our customers use it most days, and some use it every day in place of their wash. If skin ever feels tight or stings when you moisturise, ease back.
Renew Pine Scrub: an exfoliating cleanse
Renew is a dry pine wood scrub, activated with water. It comes out of the jar as a fine, dry wood powder. Rub it between wet palms and it turns into a soft, creamy foam, the way a wash does. You get real exfoliation and a proper cleanse in the same step, and it rinses away clean with no oily film left on skin or tiles.
That foam is the point of difference. Instead of dragging hard grains across dry skin, the fine pine wood is cushioned in lather, so it polishes rather than scratches. It is gritty enough to properly buff away dry, rough skin, yet gentle enough to use through the week. It works quite differently from most scrubs on the shelf, and it is our best seller.
What is inside
- Pine wood. The fine, dry exfoliating base. It stays dry in the jar and only comes to life when you add water. (It is Abies alba, silver fir, which is not native to Australia.)
- Davidson Plum. A deep purple rainforest plum from the east coast of Australia, valued for its antioxidants.
- Illawarra Plum. A dark native fruit from the east coast, rich in antioxidants.
- Tasmanian Pepperberry. A native berry with a warm, peppery character that leaves skin feeling fresh.
- Vitamin E, for antioxidant care.
The scent is fresh pine and grapefruit with lemon myrtle and an earthy, woody base. It smells like walking through a forest after rain.
How to use it
- Wet your hands.
- Rub 1 to 2 teaspoons between your palms until it turns into a soft foam.
- Massage over damp skin in small circles for around 30 seconds, adding a little water for more lather.
- Rinse well with lukewarm water, then moisturise.
Warm water rather than hot helps stop skin drying out.
Want it even gentler?
Once Renew has foamed, blend it with a pump of Awaken Body Wash. You keep the polish but the texture softens, and the oils in Awaken leave skin silky. It is a lovely option for sensitive skin or for daily use.
Always moisturise afterwards
Freshly exfoliated skin drinks in moisture. Pat dry, then smooth on Hydrate Lotion for light, fast-absorbing softness, or Nourishing Balm when skin is drier or it is the evening. This is the moment you notice the difference most: skin feels smooth to the touch, not just moisturised. Not sure where each step fits? See the right order to use your body care.
Common questions
Is Renew a scrub or a wash?
Both. It exfoliates like a scrub and cleanses and foams like a wash, so many people use it as their wash on scrub days.
Can I use it on my face?
Yes, plenty of people do. We made it with the body in mind, so on your face use a small amount, go gently and keep it away from your eyes.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Everyone's skin is different. Try a small patch first, start a couple of times a week, and try the blend with Awaken Body Wash. If you notice irritation, stop using it.
Should I avoid exfoliating anywhere?
Skip cuts, grazes and sunburn. If you use retinoids or other active products, exfoliating can add to dryness, so check with your GP or pharmacist.
Where to start
If your skin has been feeling rough, start with Renew Pine Scrub. If you would like the moisturiser sorted too, the Hydration Duo pairs it with Hydrate Lotion.