Q: I've heard that by using a body exfoliator I can buff away body breakouts and bumps. What's the best body scrub to use this summer for a smoother skin?

A: The ingredients in your exfoliator are key. A granular scrub (so in other words a mechanical exfoliator) with added salicylic acid will help to clear those little body bumps that appear on your upper arms and buttocks for instance.

Try Clinique's Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream (call +27 11 516 3000 for stockists). But also investigate chemical exfoliants that have ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (be vigilant about proper sunscreen protection if you're using a product with AHA's as they can make you more photosensitive). These help to unclog pores and smooth out your skin's surface. But if you go this route, remember your application method will be completely different to using a scrub. It's important to follow the instructions on the product you buy but you usually apply a chemical exfoliator by smoothing on a thin layer of product, leaving on your skin for a little bit and removing it with water (there's no need to rub it in because the chemicals will do all the work for you).