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
- 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.
- 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.
- Use a brush or mitt to increase exfoliation and the cleansing impact of the scrub. This prevents your hands from becoming overworked too!
- Scrub your skin for 30 seconds, maximum, maintaining a gentle pressure throughout.
- 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.
- Shave, if you need to. This prevents your hands from becoming overworked too!
- Pat you skin dry with a towel. Patting the skin gently will help your skin feel softer and cleaner for longer.
- 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 use non-toxic ingredients that are kind to your skin and will use natural exfoliants such as salt, or sugar. The fine, coarse qualities of natural ingredients are enough to remove dead skin cells without using manufactured or synthetic ingredients.
Nowadays there are many body scrubs available for different skin types, with premium, fine particles used in good body scrubs to protect your skin from unnecessary exposure to harsh chemicals or toxins. Exfoliating aloe vera body scrub is a great option, as aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory that boosts collagen production.
What is the best body scrub for dry skin?
For dry skin, try and find a body scrub that uses glycolic acid. This is an acne-fighting acid and can help prevent breakouts, improve elasticity and can make skin feel smoother. For those with oily skin, salicylic acid works well to dissolve sebum and breaks down any impurities that block pores.
Top tip
When using any products such as acids on the skin, be sure to start slow, and be aware of overuse and skin reactions. Using acids in skincare can work well for some people, but it’s important to read up on the options before you use them liberally.
Benefits of body scrub
- Gives you soft and supple skin
- Promotes cleaner and softer skin
- Smoothes rough, dry skin
- Draws out impurities in the skin
- Removes excess dead skin cells from the skin
- Promotes good circulation and skin cell turnover
- Smells great!
- Works excellently with moisturiser to restore your skin
- Makes hair removal easier
- Helps prevent painful ingrown hairs
Shop our body scrub collection
What's the difference between a sugar scrub and a salt scrub?
Sugar body scrub
Sugar-based body scrubs are less abrasive than salt. They are a gentler exfoliant and a natural source of glycolic acid (hail all those with dry skin!). Sugar is great for speeding up rehydration, and the particles are rounder so less tough on your skin.
Salt body scrub
Salt-based body scrubs are comprised of gritter particles. This means they are harsher on skin and great for attacking rough areas like feet and elbows. The detoxifying properties in salt (the trace minerals) are natural purifiers, too. This makes them great for relieving congestion, drawing out pore-clogging toxins, and skin restoration.
The Somerset Toiletry Company was founded in 1999 and has been developing beautiful body care and gifts ever since. Please read our about us page to find out more, or explore all our scented toiletries, home fragrances and more on our website.