Body Scrub - Why, How & When to Use 

The process of exfoliation offers a plethora of benefits. It can relieve the skin by removing a layer of dead cells. It can also reduce dullness, prevent skin troubles, and grant you smoother skin. With so many benefits for your skin, why haven’t you embraced body scrubs as a shower staple yet?

Instead of just using body scrubs as an occasional indulgence, you should be stocking up on this wonder product. From sugar to salt to coffee, you can find natural body scrubs in a variety of flavours. You can also easily make your own body scrub at home with a few kitchen ingredients.

Here, we have elaborated on the many benefits of this skincare product. Keep reading also to find out how and when to use body scrubs.

What are Body Scrubs?

Using body scrubs is not a new concept. It has been a part of body care treatment for ages. Invented by the Egyptians, a body scrub is a natural method of skin exfoliation. What was previously a simple combination of sugar or other exfoliating ingredients and scented oil is today available in a wide range of innovative flavours and ingredients.

Body scrubs are particle-like thick mixtures that serve as physical exfoliants. The combination can help remove dead skin cells all over your body. Usually, salt, sugar, or coffee are used as natural exfoliating particles. You can get water-based, oil-based, or powdered body scrubs.

Benefits of Using Body Scrubs

Chances are, you already have a few body scrubs in your bathroom cabinet. If you only use them occasionally, it may be because you are unaware of the many advantages of regular use of body scrubs. Here are some reasons why body scrubs are essential for your skincare wardrobe:

Smoother Skin Texture

The best reason to use body scrubs is they make your skin smoother by removing dead skin that accumulates on the top layer of your skin. They also help unclog pores by removing dust and dirt. Even though the desquamation or shedding of skin happens naturally, its efficiency can be hindered by an individual’s skin type, age, skincare routine, and the surrounding environment. As such, you can give your skin just the boost it needs by exfoliating dead cells.

Removal of dead skin will almost instantly make your skin feel fresh. It will look smoother and brightened.

Improves Absorption for Moisturiser

By removing the buildup of dead cells on the top layer of your skin, you can enable moisturisers to absorb better. As body scrubs help unclog skin pores, moisturisers can penetrate deeper into your skin and nourish it from within. This will augment the effectiveness of your moisturiser and hydrate your skin.

Prevents Skin Bumps

When dry and dead skin is not removed regularly, it can accumulate on the top layer of your skin and make your skin texture rough. In addition, your skin will have a cracked and dull appearance. By adding body scrub to your skincare regime, you can prevent these and attain an even look.

Moreover, body scrub helps remove extra sebum produced in various body parts. Excess sebum oil can clog pores and cause skin bumps. You can solve the problem from its root by exfoliating with body scrubs. Body scrubs can also help prevent razor bumps by preventing ingrown hair, which might occur when you shave away any body hair.

Rejuvenates Skin and Improves Your Mood

Finally, exfoliating with a body scrub gives time for your skin to rejuvenate after the outermost layer of the skin has been peeled away. In addition to all the great skin benefits, body scrubbing can be an exceptionally therapeutic experience. It is a stress-buster that can soothe you physically and mentally. The array of relaxing fragrances available also helps lift your mood.

How To Use A Body Scrub?

Now that you know about all the amazing benefits of using a body scrub, it is time to learn how to use it correctly. Using a scrub is rather straightforward.

Start by taking a warm shower. By rinsing your skin with warm water, you can help open up the pores. Next, take some body scrub on your hand and apply it on the skin. Massage your neck, chest, back, arms, and legs in circular motions. Massage for 5 to 10 minutes, then wash the scrub off your skin with warm water. If you want to shave away your body hair, you can do that after body scrubbing. 

Do not use face scrubs on your body, as the skin on the body is thicker than the skin on your face. Hence, face scrubs are milder than body scrubs and may not be as effective at removing dead skin. 

After you have scrubbed your body and rinsed it with warm water, pat the skin dry. To lock the moisture in, apply a good body moisturiser while your skin is still damp.

When to Use a Body Scrub?

As with most things in life, you should not overuse body scrubs. A good indicator that your skin needs scrubbing is if it is feeling flaky, rough, or dry. You might also want to scrub before you shave, as it can help prevent ingrown hair and razor bumps.

If you have any wounds or cuts, do not use a body scrub. Also, avoid scrubbing if you have rashes or sunburn. Scrubbing can further exaggerate these skin irritations. Instead, you can use a Konjac bath sponge with pink clay to gently exfoliate and soften your skin.

As a general rule, it is a good idea to use body scrubs once or twice every week. Scrubbing too often can lead to irritation and dryness. This is especially so if you have sensitive skin, in which case you should not use body scrub more than once a week.

Choosing the Right Body Scrub

It is also important to select a suitable body scrub for your skin type. The wrong product can cause a deterioration in your skin health. So, look at the ingredients closely before you buy a body scrub off the shelf.

Natural body scrubs are often superior to chemically made counterparts available in the market for several reasons. Firstly, natural scrubs typically use ingredients like sugar, salt, or coffee grounds, which are gentle yet effective exfoliants and are less likely to irritate the skin compared to harsh chemical abrasives. Secondly, natural scrubs often contain nourishing components such as essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants that provide added skincare benefits. Additionally, natural scrubs are environmentally friendly, as they don't contribute to the release of harmful chemicals into the ecosystem during production or disposal, making them a more sustainable choice.

If you have acne-prone and sensitive skin, it is best to use a mild exfoliator. Sugar scrubs would be ideal. Sugar particles are less abrasive. Yet, they can help maintain the natural moisture level for dry skin as well.

If you are scrubbing to smoothen stubbornly rough skin on your elbows, feet, or other body parts, you can use salt scrubs, which are usually grainy. Salt is a skin purifier. It can free your skin pores from toxins.

You can use a combination scrub if you want the best of both sugar and salt. Ideal for those with dry and rough skin, salt and sugar scrubs can be just the solution you need. They can smoothen your skin while also providing hydration.

Several other natural ingredients can be used for scrubbing. Coffee, for instance, is a good scrub for cellulite-prone skin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the power of a body scrub lies in its ability to transform your skin, granting it a brighter, smoother, and more even texture. Whether you use it once or twice a week, this simple addition to your skincare routine can work wonders, banishing skin bumps and razor tags.

When selecting a body scrub, it's not only important to consider your skin type but also to scrutinise the ingredients list. Opting for a body scrub with natural ingredients is a wise choice, as it ensures that you're treating your skin to the purest and most nourishing care possible. So, remember to choose wisely, and let the beauty of natural ingredients enhance your skincare journey.