text: how do i use sugar or salt to exfoliate the skin? that is to application of any of the options. neither are used as skin exfoliants.  oatmeal or baking soda (not powder) are exfoliants.  i've never used oatmeal on it's own, only in skin care products.  use baking soda as follows:  wash the skin as normal. while wet, put dabs of baking soda on the area. scrub in a circular motion. rinse with cold tap water. moisturize (i use vitamin e oil or cocoa butter).