August 17, 2021

How to Use a Body Scrub - Get a soft, radiant skin in no time

Body scrubs are a great product to incorporate into your regular beauty regime, no matter whether your skin is oily, dry, or anywhere in between. They offer lots of benefits, as we’ll discover, and are easy to use, making them the perfect addition to your skincare care routine.

There are so many body scrubs available on the market, so you can find the perfect one to suit the results you’re looking for and provide the ideal benefits for you. But, before you go searching for the right scrub for you, why not find out how to use it first.

How does a Body Scrub work?

With so many different beauty products available on the market, it’s always good to know exactly why you’re using a product before you find yourself purchasing it. Not to mention, it’s always good to know how products work before buying them, so you can decide on the perfect solution to any of your skincare concerns.

Body scrubs are no exception.

In case you didn’t already know, body scrubs are a form of exfoliation, and they are the most common type of exfoliation product used in the body, mostly due to their convenience. Exfoliants are an essential part of your body care, and they can help to combat skin concerns such a pigmentation, uneven texture, clogged pores, and more.

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Essentially, a body scrub falls into the category of a mechanical exfoliant, meaning it contains fine particles which are used to loosen the upper cells, which are old, from the surface of the skin. In turn, this reveals all the newer, fresher cells beneath which tend to suffer less from skin concerns such as those listed earlier.

body scrub applying on back

Naturally, your skin undertakes a process called cell turnover, which is the name given to a process where your body is constantly replacing its cells for new, fresher ones, using the energy generated by the food and nutrients you eat.

When these new cells are generated, they’re fresh and usually free from any damage that may have occurred to the others they’ve replaced. Your skin’s cycle of cell turnover happens naturally, but exfoliation speeds up the process and, when the old cells are removed, the skin beneath is often smoother and brighter.

How do you use a body scrub?

how to use a body scrub

When it comes to using a body scrub, the process is easy, but there are a few things worth keeping in mind if you’re interested in yielding the best results possible. As mentioned, exfoliating your skin using a body scrub isn’t a difficult task, however, there are some tricks and tips worth knowing for a smoother finish and it’s always good to be aware of the right way to use a scrub. So, how do you use a body scrub?

Take a Shower

When you’re about to exfoliate your skin, it’s always recommended to start in the shower or bath, so your skin is freshly wet and clean. If you attempt to exfoliate with a body scrub on dry skin, you’ll likely only cause more damage than good, and that is certainly not a good way to start your treatment.

Also Read: What is Bath Soak and why should you use it?

By wetting your skin prior to applying the scrub, your skin cells have already had the chance to loosen a little, and the water can soften the scrubbing from the particles a little to prevent damage. If you’re looking to really open your pores to unclog all the dirt sitting in them, try bathing in warm water beforehand.

Apply the Scrub

Once your skin has soaked and you’re onto the scrubbing stage, it’s time to take out a small clump of body scrub. It’s best to take just a little product at a time and work through your body in sections to ensure a thorough scrub and prevent product wastage. If you find you need a little more, you can always come back to the pot and get some more out afterward.

Start massaging your skin

When you’re scrubbing, massage the product across your skin in circular motions, applying gentle pressure so you can feel the skin loosening, but it doesn’t feel too scratchy. It’s always best to try and cover the entire area the first time around and avoid coming back to it later.

This is because your skin will be exfoliated the first time, and coming back to it to go over the same area again could irritate the skin and cause sensitivity or discomfort.

Rinse your skin

Once you’ve finished massaging the body scrub into your skin, it’s now time to rinse the product off, and this can be done in either the shower or the bath, once again.

While it’s up to your personal preference, and what works best for you, washing with a body wash or shower gel beforehand is usually the best time to cleanse your skin, as this means your exfoliation will take place on freshly cleansed skin, making it more effective.

Often, a body scrub is used in preparation for a wax, shave or spray tan, as exfoliation of the skin provides clear pores and smoother skin in preparation for these treatments. Usually, it’s best to wait 12-24 hours after using a body scrub before waxing, shaving, or using any tanning products, to allow your pores to close.

After you’ve rinsed the product off, finish your routine by drying your skin gently with a towel, dabbing the skin dry rather than scrubbing it, to avoid damage. Complete with a moisturizer or body lotion to hydrate and nourish the skin.