When your skin starts to feel scaly, rough, and appears coarse and cloggy, it is your body’s way of telling you that it is time for exfoliation, which is one of the major functions that body scrubs offer to your skin. Also known as body polish, body scrubs are made from a mixture of salts/sugar, oils, and other ingredients that exfoliate and moisturize your skin, while also increasing blood circulation to your skin. They are must-haves in the shower menu of skin experts, enthusiasts, and people who generally care about having clear, healthy, and popping skin.
However, because of the different types of skins that we have and their varying tolerance to some ingredients, there are different types of body scrubs. If you're looking for active information on body scrubs, the best type that would suit your skin type without irritation, and how to apply it, please read on because this information is exactly what this buying guide offers.
Why Do I Need A Body Scrub?
Exfoliation
This is one of the most basic functions of a body scrub. Body scrubs help to scrape away unwanted dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin. The dead skin cells are the causes of the scaly feeling that your skin gives and the reason why your new products seem to not be working. Body scrubs clear them to promote the generation of new cells and to smoothen, brighten and improve the appearance of your skin.
Moisturizing
Most body scrubs contain an oil base that helps to moisturize your skin, leaving your skin soft, radiant, and supple. This helps to slow the signs of aging and wrinkles on your skin and prevents skin dullness and flakiness.
Skin Balance
Using the right body scrub for your skin might just be the right and easiest method to keep your skin oil balanced. Body scrubs retain moisture in your skin, which as a result keeps your skin from being too dry or too oily. Most of them also have a wonderful scent.
Product Introducer
Body scrubbing certainly does a better job at unclogging your pores than the natural desquamation process which might leave dead cells on your skin. Body scrubs help to prepare your skin for new products or spa treatments. They should be used when introducing new products to your skin because they help to thoroughly clean and open your pores, helping your skin to absorb the new products easily. This would consequently help the products to have a better effect on your skin.
Blood Circulation
Largely because of the mode of application, body scrubbing helps to improve blood circulation to the skin surface, thereby improving skin tone and radiance and preventing cellulite.
Skin Confidence
Body scrubs generally rejuvenate your skin and leave your skin healthy, hydrated,soft, smooth and radiant. This improves your skin’s glow and in turn, your skin confidence.
Smooth Shaving
Body scrubs help to reduce ingrown hairs which would make shaving or hair removal easier and smoother, preventing razor bumps.
What Are The Types Of Body Scrub?
Body scrubs can be classified based on different criteria like maker, size, etc. But, the major classifications are made based on the contents of the scrub and the type of skin it is most suitable for.
Salt Scrub
It is usually made with different types of sea salt. This type of body scrub is the most abrasive and is the best for a thorough exfoliation. It is best for oily skins and skins that are acne-prone as salt naturally clears oil better and has antiseptic properties which kill bacteria that cause blemishes. It is also great for healing the skin.
Sugar Scrub
This type of scrub is the most popular type of scrub. It is usually made from white or brown sugar and it is gentler on the skin, compared to the salt scrub. Sugar is a natural humectant so, it moisturizes the skin and helps the skin to retain hydration. It is best for people with sensitive, normal, or dry skin.
Coffee Scrub
They are made from coffee extracts and because coffee is a natural stimulant, they help to stimulate faster cell generation. The caffeine also helps to tighten the skin pores thereby reducing inflammation.
Herbal Scrub
There are different combinations of herbs that can make up the herbal scrub. From lavender flower to rosemary flower, orange peels, and many more. They all have their unique properties and perform as healing, relaxing and therapeutic agents. They tend to be gentler and usually have great scents.
What To Look Out For When Getting A Body Scrub
Skin Type
Your skin type appears to be the most important thing to consider when choosing a body scrub. Find the body scrub with the ingredients that suit your skin type and go with it. People with dry skin should go for moisturizing scrubs, people with sensitive skin should use gentle scrubs, while people with oily skin are advised to go for more abrasive scrubs.
Content
It is considered generally safer to go for body scrubs with natural-based ingredients than chemical-based or synthetic ones. This would help to prevent the damaging effect of too many chemicals on the skin.
How Much Do Body Scrubs Cost?
Based on content, maker, and size, body scrubs generally cost between $5-200.
Body Scrub FAQs
Q. Do You Apply Body Scrubs Before Or After a Bath?
A. It is advisable to apply your body scrub after taking a shower and not before. This is because body scrubs usually contain oils that are also essential to the process. This would give your skin more time to absorb those oils.
Q. How Do You Apply Body Scrubs Correctly?
A. It is important to first take a shower or wet your skin before applying a body scrub. Body scrubs are to be applied by gently rubbing it in your skin with your fingers, in a circular motion. Rub for about 30 seconds before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Q. How Often Can I Use A Body Scrub?
A. This depends largely on your skin type and how much it can take. If you live in a polluted and dusty area, you should look to scrub at least twice a week but, it shouldn't be more than three times. Do not over scrub, to avoid skin dryness and sores.