The Benefits of Body Scrubs

To scrub or not to scrub? That’s the first question.

Crash course on how our skin works.

Desquamation is the natural process of shedding skin, and it happens in a constant, regenerative cycle. The efficiency of this process depends on several factors including age, skin type, cosmetics, skin care regime, and the environment.

From time-to-time skin can have a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This is where body scrubs come in.

Body scrubs remove dead skin cells, and provide several other benefits:

By removing dead skin cell build up. Any moisturizer applied afterward will soak into the skin more thoroughly.

Regular use of a body scrub can unclog pores, which can prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

·        When dry skin isn’t removed, it makes the skin rough to the touch and has a dull, cracked texture and appearance. Removing the dead, dry cells, leaves a smoother and more even skin tone.

Body scrubs are a worthy inclusion in a skincare regime. Which scrub to use and when to use it is the bigger question.

Sugar scrubs are gentler than salt scrubs and more nourishing. Making them perfect to use on the face and neck. Sugar provides a mild exfoliation that cleanses the skin, unclogs pores and smooths skin by improving tone and texture.

Sugar is a humectant, meaning that it attracts and retains moisture. Sugar is also a natural source of glycolic and alpha hydroxy acids, both of which promote cellular turnover leading to radiant luminous skin, but more importantly, healthy skin.

Salt scrubs are another healthy inclusion in any skincare routine. Sea Salts abrasive texture sloughs away dead skin cells easily. Salt has many benefits that don’t only apply to the skin. Salt naturally works with the body to eliminate toxins. Sea salt is high in minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium that support overall health and the detoxification process. The magnesium found in Epsom salt sooths muscles and encourages muscle recovery.

 

Not All Sugars or Salts Perform the Same
Fine sugars are ideal for the delicate skin on the face. While coarse sugars and salts are better suited larger areas of the body. The ingredients in each scrub determine the grit, and that in turn affects how much exfoliation it provides for the skin. Keep in mind that more isn’t more, and just because you can exfoliate harshly does not mean you should.

 

When to Use
How often should you use a body scrub?
In general, you don’t want to use a body scrub every day or even every other day. Overuse can lead to dry, irritated skin.
How often you should use a body scrub (or exfoliate in general) depends on your skin type. But in general, you don’t want to use a body scrub more than twice a week.

For sensitive skin, you may want to just use a body scrub once a week.

 

How to Use
Using a body scrub is relatively straightforward. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide (including a few tips):
Get in a nice warm shower
Rinse your skin with warm water
Use your regular body wash
Rinse your skin
Apply the scrub with your fingertips
Scrub in a circular motion and move inward
Rinse thoroughly using warm water (I like to use my body wash again at this point)
Shave, if desired.
Pat skin dry, leaving it slightly damp.
Apply moisturizer. Putting on moisturizer while your skin is still damp will trap in the moisture.

Pro-tip: Don’t overuse body scrubs. Too much of a good thing is true when it comes to body scrubs. Use twice a week at most.

 

Sugar. Salt. What Else Goes in a Body Scrub?
Various oils are used to keep the scrub together and smooth application. Olive oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil are the more common oils used. Coffee has many benefits, and that carries over to body scrubs. Not only does it have natural exfoliation and anti-inflammatory properties, but it also may improve circulation and smooth skin.

Lavender-based body scrubs can be great for soothing irritated skin, healing inflamed skin, and calming and relaxing the senses.

Charcoal has become a go-to ingredient for many beauty and hygiene products. Charcoal is very absorbent, meaning that it grabs all that dirt, grime, and dead skin getting rid of them with ease.

 

I hope that this is helpful. At the end of the day, I want to make sure that people are educated about the products I make.

 

Xo Sara

 

 

PS Want to try something a little bit different? Dry brushing is wonderful for exfoliating dry skin. It also increases blood circulation and lymph drainage, unclogs pores, and stimulates your nervous system.