How to Use Body Scrubs Like a Boss
Exfoliating is the secret to smooth, fresh, and glowing skin. For a long time, body scrubs have been the way to go when it comes to getting silky soft. However, with the ever changing beauty industry, we’ve also started seeing the introduction of new forms of exfoliation such as dry brushing, chemical exfoliation, and body polishing.
In spite of these new arrivals, body scrubs are still an effective skincare product for brightening your skin and fading the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.
Here’s what you need to know about body scrubs, and how to use them for the best results possible.
What is a Body Scrub?
Body scrubs are a mechanical exfoliant, meaning they manually remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin with abrasive ingredients, like sugar or salt. They spur cellular turnover, resulting in smoother, glowier skin while unclogging pores to prevent breakouts.
According to board certified dermatologist, Suzanne Friedler, “If your skin is looking dry and dull, a mild exfoliation can help.”
Body exfoliation can be achieved by exfoliating cleansers, loofahs, and sugar scrubs. Personally, we prefer scrubs for the body, as the skin is thicker there and requires something a little tougher to get rid of buildup and unclog pores.
Benefits of Exfoliating with Body Scrubs
There are so many reasons to buff your skin with a body scrub. Here are some of the top benefits of body scrubs.
Brighter Skin
By buffing away the buildup of dead cells, skin appears instantly brighter. If you’re looking for a quick fix for dull, dry skin, try exfoliating during your next bathing session. It’s the quickest route to fresh, glowing skin.
Fewer Blemishes
Blemishes are caused when pores get clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin. Once this buildup is removed, your pores can breathe and pimples return less. If you have an issue with body acne, regular exfoliation can help a lot.
Smoother Skin
Exfoliation and smooth skin come hand in hand. If you’ve got a rough, uneven skin texture, buffing with a gentle body scrub can immediately improve the feel of your skin. Regular exfoliation won’t just make your skin feel smoother, it’ll also manifest visibly soft skin.
Less Visible Dark Spots
One of the best ways to treat dark spots and discoloration is by exfoliating a couple of times a week. This will promote a more even looking skin tone, reducing the appearance of discoloration.
What to Look for in a Body Scrub
Ideally, you want a product with small granules like sugar or salt rather than walnut shells which have actually been said to damage the skin. Sugar scrubs are among the best for staying gentle on the skin while effectively removing dead skin.
Another pro-tip: always look out for formulas with hydrating, nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil, which prevent skin from drying out or becoming irritation post-exfoliation.
For even more intense dead skin sloughing, scan the ingredients list for alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid. These chemically remove dead cells and dirt for clearer, smoother, and brighter skin.
How to Use Body Scrubs Like a Boss
Start with wet skin. The best time to use a body scrub is in the shower when your pores are open and your skin is wet. Applying body scrubs to dry skin will only cause irritation and dryness, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Always use lukewarm water. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and inflammation. Instead of showering in piping hot water, always make sure you use warm water.
Apply using circular motions. Grab a scoop of body scrub and apply to skin using circular motions to slough away surface dirt, dead skin, and sebum. Avoid aggressively scrubbing at your skin, which can cause tears and irritation.
Finish with lotion. Since exfoliating can be quite drying, it’s important to always follow up with a nourishing body lotion enriched with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or coconut oil.
How Often Should You Use a Body Scrub?
According to the derms, how often you should exfoliate depends on your skin type. As a rule of thumb, you don’t want to exfoliate more than three times a week to avoid stripping the skin of moisture and compromising the skin barrier.
If you’ve got super dry or sensitive skin, stick to exfoliating only once a week.
Shop: Best Body Scrubs
All our body scrubs are vegan, cruelty-free, and made with only the finest, most high-performing ingredients.
Exfoliate Body Scrub
A fruity-scented, salt-based body scrub formulated with a blend of mango + AHAs to slough away uneven texture and brighten. Rainbow Beauty Exfoliate Body Scrub also helps with dark spots, discoloration, and body acne.
Smooth Body Scrub
A rich, juicy, and deeply exfoliating body scrub enriched with anti-aging strawberry and niacinamide. Together, these ingredients help to hydrate, firm, and buff away roughness for irresistibly smooth skin, all day, all over. You’ll smell like freshly picked strawberries when you step out the shower.
Illuminate Body Scrub Polish
A tropical-scented, salt-based scrub that infuses brightening pineapple with clearing retinol for your silkiest, most radiant skin. This fruity formula helps to smooth rough, bumpy skin while boosting youthfulness and fading discoloration. It also preps skin for even self-tan application.
Body scrubs have been around for a long time and they’re still the go-to for all over silky smooth skin that glows. From clearing pores and preventing blemishes to brightening skin and improving texture, there are so many reasons to start using a body scrub in your shower routine.
If you have extremely delicate skin and find body scrubs too harsh, you can either try mixing a small amount of body scrub with your daily body wash, or opting for a chemical exfoliant instead. As always, speak to a dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns.