What Is Body Scrub?
A body scrub is a physical exfoliant that is usually either salt or sugar-based, used to remove dead skin cells from your skin. The abrasive ingredients (sugar, salt) are worked into the skin and work as a natural exfoliant, clearing the skin of older skin cells so your skin feels soft supple and nourished. Body scrub works by stimulating skin cell turnover for smoother, brighter skin, and can help restore’s skins natural moisture, prevent future acne breakouts, and make you feel great!
There are plenty of body scrubs out there, for whatever your skin type may be, so you can find one that works for you to remove the dead skin cells without doing any harm to your skin. Body scrubs help restore your skin back to its natural, soft and supple state and are a great addition to any skincare routine.
When should you use a body scrub?
If you’re wondering when to use an exfoliating body scrub, make sure you use it after you have showered or bathed, and after you have used shower gel, soap or body wash. This ensures your skin is clean and prepped for exfoliation, and the warm water ensures your skin is damp and soft. Warm water also opens your pores to ensure your body scrub can be as effective as possible in removing any unwanted skin cells.
How often should you use a body scrub?
You shouldn’t use a body scrub every day; exfoliation can be harsh on the skin, and over-exfoliation can damage the skin cells and prevent natural restoration. You don’t want to overly strip the skin of moisture, or compromise the skin barrier. Aim to use body scrub 1-2 times a week at the most. Once a week is a good idea as this is easy to build into a weekly self-care routine.
How to use body scrub?
1. Soak in warm water. When you exfoliate, it’s best to prep your whole body by having a good old soak. You can shower, or bath, but make sure you’ve washed your body with soap or body wash before you use a body scrub, and make sure your skin is damp, soft and supple to ensure the best results. Use lukewarm water and allow your skin to soak for at least 10 minutes.
2. Put a good amount of scrub on your hand and gently rub it into your skin. Use circular motions so it absorbs into the skin well, and apply a generous amount of body scrub across your whole body. We recommend starting with your upper body and working your way down. Apply in circular motions across your chest, on your arms, torso, legs – don’t forget your back limbs! Exfoliate your feet last, and be mindful of slippery bathroom surfaces.
3. Use a brush or mitt to increase exfoliation and the cleansing impact of the scrub. This prevents your hands from becoming overworked too!
4. Scrub your skin for 30 seconds, maximum, maintaining a gentle pressure throughout.
5. Rinse your skin thoroughly using lukewarm water. This helps remove any of the dead skin cells the body scrub has picked up through reacting with your skin. Wash off the exfoliator in massaging motions to remove any excess particles.
6. Shave, if you need to. This prevents your hands from becoming overworked too!
7. Pat you skin dry with a towel. Patting the skin gently will help your skin feel softer and cleaner for longer.
8. Apply body lotion/moisturiser. Moisturise your skin while your skin is slightly damp, to ensure it works into the skin properly. Body scrubs temporarily disrupt your skin barrier and can dry out your skin, which is why it’s important to moisturise after and restore your skin’s natural moisture levels.
What is a good body scrub?
A good body scrub will utilize natural exfoliants like salt or sugar as well as non-toxic, skin-friendly substances. Without the use of artificial or synthetic chemicals, the fine and coarse properties of natural components are sufficient to remove dead skin cells.
These days, there are many body scrubs available for different skin types, and the best body scrubs use premium, fine particles to shield your skin from needless contact with harsh chemicals or pollutants. Aloe vera is an excellent choice for exfoliating because it is a natural anti-inflammatory and promotes collagen synthesis.
Which body scrub works best for dry skin?
Look for a body scrub that contains glycolic acid if you have dry skin. This acid can prevent breakouts, increase suppleness, and make skin feel smoother. It also fights acne. Salicylic acid effectively dissolves sebum and breaks down any particles that clog pores in people with oily skin.