A Body Scrub is Essential for Glowing Skin – Head to Toe
Anyone who has enjoyed a body scrub at a professional spa understands the value of this self-indulgent treatment and how it goes far beyond just relaxation. This is because the all-over exfoliation experience leaves skin refreshed, youthful and pampered. But did you know you can get the same anti-aging benefits in the comfort of your own home? Skin is your body’s largest organ and it’s important to give it some TLC to keep it functioning at its best. This means going beyond the daily body wash with a routine scrubbing session. A body scrub is essential for glowing skin, head to toe – from clean pores to silky smooth and hydrated skin.
What is a body scrub?
A body scrub is a physical exfoliant that uses micro-granules, such as sugar or salt, to buff the outer layer of your skin, sloughing away dead skin cells, rough patches and excess dirt. It does not replace your body wash, it is simply an addition or shall we say, the dessert of your shower experience? This dessert that can include lush, natural ingredients like cane sugar, coffee, coconut oil, citrus and honey. Who doesn’t want to indulge in dessert once in a while?
Benefits of a body scrub
Cellulite? Acne? Large Pores? Rough patches? Flakiness? Body scrubs gently exfoliate dead skin cells, rough patches and dry texture that build up over time (totally normal!). They unclog pores and help skin absorb other skincare products better and of course, leave skin smoother and healthier.
Here are some of the most amazing benefits of using a body scrub:
- Removes dead skin cells that have accumulated on skin’s surface, revealing more youthful skin
- Keeps pores unclogged and clean to minimize breakouts, bumps and keratosis pilaris
- Flushes impurities from body
- Delivers vitamins and minerals that protect skin
- Keeps ingrown hairs, razor burn and rough patches at a minimum
- Stimulates cell turnover and cell renewal
- Reduces dry, irritated and flaky skin
- Restores skin’s natural moisture and leaves skin smooth to the touch
- Stimulates blood circulation
How to use a body scrub
At least once a week…
Step 1: Using lukewarm water, make sure that skin on your body is drenched before applying the scrub. Although it is personal preference, we recommend using a body scrub after using your body wash to the get the most benefit. Applying to clean skin is best so it can provide a deeper removal of impurities and dead cells, allowing you to linger in the scrub’s pure sweetness.
Step 2: Using a small amount of body scrub, gently rub over body in a scrubbing motion for no longer than 20-30 seconds. This should not be painful.
Step 3: Rinse remaining scrub off skin.
Ingredients to Avoid
The types of body scrubs you use is extremely impactful on nourishing skin back to glowing health. Did you know using a body scrub with the wrong ingredients can actually damage your skin and spread bacteria?
Many body scrubs contain harsh, too-sharp exfoliating chemicals and ingredients. These ingredients can cause microscopic tears, disrupting your skin’s natural barrier and working against your skincare goals. (1)
There are some potential toxic ingredients commonly used in body scrubs and washes that should be avoided because they can be absorbed by the body, potentially disrupting hormones, causing infertility and psychological effects, while affecting your overall well-being.
Please try to stay away from:
- Sodium laureth sulfates
- Parabens
- Synthetic fragrance, color, and dyes
- Phthalates
- Triclosan
- Coal Tar
Natural Ingredients
Sugar
One of nature’s best humectants is sugar. A sugar scrub can draw moisture to your skin, leaving it hydrated as it removes dead skin cells.
Coffee
While we love the anti-aging benefits of coffee compounds, using the grounds straight from the coffee maker is not recommended. It is very abrasive, which can tear skin and cause redness and irritation. Not to mention the mess and it is one of the worst things you can put down the drain.
Coffee has many photoaging effects on skin, including reduction in cellulite, wrinkles and dark spots while it provides improved circulation and is rich in antioxidants. We recommend using a body scrub that contains Arabica Coffee Seed, which contains caffeine and chlorogenic acid so your skin reaps the benefits without the clogged drain!
Organic Oils
Grapeseed oil, carrot, macadamia nut and sweet almond oil are great to formulate a sugar scrub to exfoliate and hydrate dry, rough skin.
Salicylic acid
Body scrubs formulated with salicylic acid is extremely popular with those who regularly suffer from ingrown hairs, body acne and razor burn. They work to sweep away dead skin and oils, clean pores and help prevent body breakouts.
Humectants
If skin is dry, it is a good indication that it is lacking humectants, which are the proteins that draw moisture to skin. Some wonderful natural humectants include aloe, glycerin, and honey.
Indulgent Exfoliators:
There are plenty of body scrubs on the market so make sure you find one that works for you. Here are two that we love to love.
Jamocha – Invigorating Coffee Body Scrub – Out of Stock
Cane sugar scrub is infused with Coffea Arabica (coffee) seed powder, rich oils (macademia, sweet almond, sunflower, carrot and avocado) and vitamins B, C + E for gentle exfoliation and rejuvenation.
Tuscan Honey – Gentle Body Scrub – Out of Stock
Honey is composed of vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, alpha hydroxy acids, proteins and other goody ingredients which gently remove dead skin cells while leaving skin moisturized.
Resources
Body Scrubs: Harsh Ingredients to Avoid. Affiliated Dermatology.
- The Best Humectants to Use in Natural Skincare. DREW @ BOTANERI
- The Chemicals to Avoid in Your Shampoo and Body Wash. M. Drillinger. Healthline.
