Your skin is the largest organ in your body and one of the first things people notice about you. That’s why it’s important to take care of it and pay attention to what you put on and in it. One way to care for your skin is to add body scrubs to your whole body skin care routine.
There are many ways to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy, but most people have never considered using body scrubs. Did you know they’re a great way to exfoliate away all the dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull or rough?
In addition, scrubs can also help remove toxins from your body and promote circulation by opening up your pores.
Types of Body Scrubs
There are many types of scrubs available for different skin types. If you have dry, rough skin, for example, a salt scrub might be the best option. Coconut oil and sugar make a great scrub for sensitive skin.
For those with oily or acne-prone skin, a charcoal scrub may work well. The high levels of activated carbon draw impurities from your pores and help to control oil production.
A coffee scrub is another good option for those with oily skin, as it reduces blemishes and helps shrink pores. It’s also good for reducing puffiness, so many find a coffee scrub helps improve the appearance of cellulite.
If you have sensitive skin, try a fruit or nut scrub, as these tend to be gentle enough not to irritate your sensitive skin yet provide the same benefits as other scrubs.
Finally, if you have normal skin, any type of body scrub will suffice as they have no adverse effects on your skin type.
Wet body scrubs vs. dry body scrubs
A wet scrub requires a washcloth to apply the scrub to your body. You can apply a dry scrub by using a loofah or mitt. Dry scrubs are handy because you can do them while you shower.
Wet scrubs are more beneficial for people with dry skin, while dry scrubs are better for people who have oily skin. This is because wet scrubs tend to oil up your skin, while dry scrubbing helps get rid of oil buildup on the surface of your skin.
The benefits of both scrub types are that they help boost circulation by opening up your pores and remove toxins from your skin.
What’s in a scrub?
A scrub is typically made up of at least two different types of ingredients. Usually, one ingredients is abrasive—coffee grounds, salt, sugar, ground walnut shells, etc. However, there are exceptions. For example, oatmeal is an extremely gentle abrasive. It does exfoliate the skin, but also calms and nourishes it at the same time.
The other ingredient holds the scrub together. This can be an oil like coconut oil, shea butter or cocoa butter, or it can be a liquid such as water, yogurt or lemon juice.
If you’re not sure what to put in your scrub, there are plenty of recipes online to help spark your creativity. You can also try adding essential oils for fragrance and skin support.
How often should you exfoliate your skin?
No matter your skin type, you should be exfoliating at least once or twice a week.
It is important to remember that not all scrubs are created equal. Some people might need to use them more than others. If you have dry, sensitive skin, it’s best to use a scrub just once a week. Oily skin types can use them up to three times per week. [Source]
If you’re pregnant or nursing, it’s best to avoid using scrubs unless you read the ingredient label carefully. Anything you don’t make yourself may contain ingredients that aren’t safe for your baby.
Conclusion
Exfoliating your skin does more than just make it feel smoother. It also helps remove the dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts. Scrubs can also be used to tighten pores and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
The right scrub for you depends on your skin type, what you’re trying to achieve and how much time you have. And don’t forget about your soaking ritual: a daily bath or shower is the perfect time to scrub away all the dirt and grime built up on your skin. If you’re not sure what type of scrub will work best for you, it’s always best to consult with your dermatologist before starting any new skincare routine.
I think our Minty Orange AHA & Walnut Body Polish is one of the nicest body scrubs I’ve ever used. And while I don’t recommend it for your face, I’ll admit I’ve cheated just to see what a little polish does for flaky forehead skin. (Of course, I was careful not to rub the polish in too vigorously.) My 60 something face glowed!
