I often get asked how my skin is so soft. And the short answer is that I exfoliate before moisturizing and use only natural, cruelty-free products.

Now for the long answer. As a girl with incredibly sensitive skin, I learned early on that moisturizing is important in order to prevent patches of dry skin. As time went on, I noticed that a lot of the products I put on my skin were full of chemicals and to make things worse, they were tested on animals. After lots of research and testing of cruelty-free, vegan products, I finally put together a step-by-step routine that gets me my super soft skin.

Step 1: Dry Brush

Dry brushing helps lift dead skin cells off the body, stimulate circulation and the elimination of toxins. Before getting in the shower, I dry brush my skin in long circular strokes—stroking toward the heart.

Step 2: Exfoliate with Coffee Grounds

There are many benefits to this often overlooked step in the moisturizing process. Exfoliating the skin not only removes dead skin cells and opens the pores for better moisture absorption, but it also slows down aging of skin and improves skin texture. If you’re a coffee drinker, start saving your coffee grounds. Mix some coconut oil with coffee grounds and rub the mixture into your skin in circular motions while in the shower. The caffeine in the coffee stimulates skin and reduces signs of aging. If you don’t drink coffee, try SheaMoisture’s Raw Shea Butter Ground Coffee Scrub—my personal favorite.

Step 3: Cleanse with African Black Soap

Black African soap is a gentle healing soap suitable for all skin types. It not only gentle enough for your body and face, but it also has anti-bacterial properties, which help clear skin of acne or other skin issues.

Step 4: Moisturize with Hempz

I love Hempz moisturizers for many reasons: the ingredients are all-natural, and it is certified cruelty-free. Personally, I use the Original Herbal Body Moisturizer after getting out of the shower.

It may take a while, but at the end of this routine, you will notice softer, more supple skin after just one time!

Until next time,

Leah Pinkus