How do I use this coconut scrub, and how often is it reasonable to exfoliate?

This is a rinse-off body scrub, so the simplest way to use it is in the shower. Apply it to wet skin and massage in gentle circular motions, letting the coconut flakes do the polishing work — pressing hard is unnecessary and only increases the risk of irritation. Pay extra attention to areas that tend to feel rough, such as elbows, knees, heels and the front of the legs, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Because this is a mechanical (physical) exfoliant rather than an acid-based one, the smoothing effect comes from friction, and the skin needs recovery time between sessions. A few times a week is enough for most people to keep rough patches under control; daily scrubbing of the whole body is generally excessive and can leave skin feeling stripped. If your skin is on the drier side, start with once a week and see how it responds.

Two practical tips:

• After rinsing, pat the skin dry rather than rubbing, and apply a body cream or lotion while the skin is still slightly damp — the formula's coconut oil leaves an emollient layer, but a moisturizer on top helps the softness last longer.
• Skip the scrub on days when your skin already feels tight, itchy or irritated, and avoid using it on damaged skin.