Body scrub - why is it needed?
The main purpose of natural body scrubs for skin is to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. This process helps the skin breathe, evens out its color, and promotes smoother texture. Additionally, areas with dead cells can become breeding grounds for bacteria and other unfriendly microorganisms.
In addition to exfoliation and achieving beautiful skin, body scrub offers some extra benefits:
- Scrubbing improves blood circulation, which helps supply oxygen to the skin and prevents cellulite formation.
- A good scrub reduces hair ingrowth after most types of hair removal.
- Cleaned skin after using a scrub can absorb beneficial substances from cosmetics like lotions and body butters much better.
Thorough scrubbing helps to get a nice and even tan. Of course, the scrub itself won't give you a tan, but by clearing away dead skin cells that would flake off with the tan in the near future, you can achieve a more even and longer-lasting tan.
What types of body scrubs are there?
Body scrubs can vary greatly in their exfoliating particles and base ingredients.
Let's first talk about the exfoliating particles. They can be quite different.
Natural and artificial exfoliating particles
Firstly, these particles can be natural or unnatural. Natural ones include coffee, apricot, grape seeds, almond shells, rice, salt, sugar, and others. Unnatural ones refer to scrubs with polymer particles.
It's worth noting that unlike other unnatural cosmetics, polymer scrubs are not harmful to the skin. However, they do pose a threat to the environment. Plastic particles end up in water, get eaten by fish, and can even enter the human food chain. Due to their small size, it's challenging to clean water from plastic particles.
Particle size matters in scrubs
The particles can also be categorized by their size: small, medium, and large. Scrubs with small particles are more suitable for the face, but some manufacturers also make scrubs with small particles for very sensitive skin.
Most body scrubs have medium-sized particles, up to 1.5 mm. Scrubs with large particles are not suitable for everyone, but they work well for scrubbing legs, areas with cellulite, and are often preferred by men.
Scrub base ingredients
Equally important when choosing a scrub is its base, which prevents the exfoliating particles from crumbling. The most popular scrub bases are as follows:
- On a soap base: Effectively cleanses the skin, but it should not be left on the skin for too long as the soap base can dry out the skin. Be sure to check the ingredient list for aggressive substances such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. After using the scrub, apply a moisturizing lotion or body cream.
- Oil-based: Provides excellent skin care. The oil softens the action of exfoliating particles while helping them glide smoothly on the skin. Oil-based scrubs are pleasant to use, leaving the skin soft and nourished. Most of them are natural, but some may contain mineral oils instead of plant-based oils.
- Cream-based and emulsified oil-based: These are very similar. Cream-based contains oil for nourishing the skin, water for hydration, and an emulsifier that binds these two substances. Emulsified oil-based contains only oil and emulsifier, and we add water during the scrubbing process. The advantage of the latter is that it can be made without preservatives since it doesn't contain water, which bacteria need.
In summary, body scrubs can differ in their exfoliating particles (natural or artificial, and their size) and base ingredients (soap-based, oil-based, cream-based, or emulsified oil-based). Choose one that suits your skin type.
How to use body scrub?
Apply the scrub to clean and slightly steamy skin.
Then, apply the scrub to small areas of the skin one by one and gently scrub them in circular motions. This method ensures that you don't miss any parts of the skin.
Remember, the effectiveness of scrubbing depends more on your effort than the quality of the scrub itself (assuming it doesn't contain harmful ingredients).
Pay extra attention to problem areas of the skin. For example, scrubbing the shins can help with hair ingrowth issues, and scrubbing the buttocks can prevent cellulite.
After scrubbing, rinse off the scrub thoroughly from your skin. Finish washing with cool water to close the pores.
If the scrub was soap-based, apply a moisturizing cream, lotion, or body butter to your skin.
Avoid using scrubs during breakouts. Scrubbing during breakouts can spread the infection and worsen the condition. Instead, you can use clay masks with chamomile or add a few drops of tea tree oil to a mask to reduce body acne and clear the pores.
How often can you use body scrub?
Using the scrub once a week is perfectly fine. If you have oily skin, you can use the scrub 2-3 times a week. For soap-based scrubs, we recommend using them once a week for oily skin and no more than once every 2 weeks for dry skin. Scrubs with oil or cream bases can be used more frequently as they provide extra moisture to the skin.
In our online store, you can easily find a ready-made one. We offer scrubs in jars, like the REVIVE Resurfacing Anti-Aging Body Scrub, which removes dead skin cells and leaves your skin smooth and firm. It's designed to strengthen the skin, minimize stretch marks, even out tone and texture, while deeply nourishing and restoring its integrity.
Another excellent option is the Lavender Detox Body Scrub - a body scrub that gently exfoliates the skin, removing impurities and toxins. Enriched with dead sea salt, cold-pressed plant oils, and oils rich in vitamins and minerals, this scrub will make your skin smooth and elastic.
In conclusion, incorporating natural body scrubs for skin into your skincare routine can prove to be highly beneficial. By effectively exfoliating and removing dead skin cells, these scrubs help the skin breathe, improve its texture, and even out its tone. Moreover, by preventing the accumulation of dead cells, they contribute to a healthier and more radiant complexion. With a wide variety of options available, ranging from homemade concoctions to carefully crafted commercial products, finding the perfect natural body scrub to suit your skin's needs is easier than ever.
