Ideally, you should exfoliate skin when it’s dry. All chemical exfoliating lotions and moisturisers are best applied to dry skin as otherwise they’ll just slide right off – or you’ll end up diluting the formula. Physical exfoliation with either a mitt, a scrub, or a body brush is best on dry skin as you’ll create a bit more traction this way. If you add water, there’s more slip.
As always, there are exceptions though. “The best way to exfoliate is on dry skin,” says Brackenbury. “You may find if you have touch-sensitive skin (where it becomes red and flushed when massaged) or sensitised skin then exfoliating onto damp skin will lessen the friction and give a softer, gentler experience.” Some scrubs will also recommend they’re only used on damp skin, so check the usage instructions if you’re not sure.