how to use body scrub

What is a Body Scrub & How to Use it Effectively?

Do you know you need to exfoliate your skin as well? Here’s why you should use a body scrub and what is the best way to do so.
benefits of body scrub

If your current body care products only consist of a loofah and a bar of soap, you need to level up and learn about body exfoliation and how it helps your skin stay soft, smooth and healthy. There are various benefits of body scrubs and the whole process of it, including the results, will make you wonder why you did not start with body scrubbing sooner. This is why we're here to tell you all about using a body scrub, starting with its benefits and what it basically means.

What is a Body Scrub?

The simple body scrub meaning is that it is a physical exfoliant that mechanically sloughs away dead skin cells. Body scrubbing stimulates cell turnover, which results in smoother, brighter skin and helps prevent future acne breakouts. When your skin starts to look dry and dull, mild body scrubbing can help you achieve bright, smooth and supple skin.

Benefits of Using a Body Scrub:

Now that you're clear on what is body scrubbing, you must know about the benefits of body scrub so that you can understand the importance of including it in your weekly skincare routine.

  •  It Boosts Moisturisation:

    One of the main benefits of body scrub is that once you're done with it, your skin starts to feel hydrated and moisturised right after the body scrub removes dull and dead skin cells from your body. This allows your skin to absorb the body lotion or body oil more efficiently and readily. Body scrubbing also helps prevent breakouts on your body when you use an acne-fighting routine as it helps minimise pores. Overall, exfoliating body scrubs can act as a booster to help maximise the effects of all the products you apply to your body.

  • It Makes Your Skin Smooth:

    Body scrubbing helps clear away dead skin cells, leaving your skin refreshed, brightened, soft and smooth. Just like how you give your face a nice smooth finish with weekly exfoliation, you need to do the same for the skin on your body. Make sure to look for ingredients that will benefit your skin like the Pure Sense Macadamia Moisturising Almond & Walnut Body Scrub. This relaxing scrub has a unique non-drying formula that buffs away dead skin cells and impurities that leave your skin soft, smooth and supple. This body scrub can instantly smoothen and moisturise your skin, protecting it from environmental damage and reducing the appearance of fine lines. As it is made with organic ingredients like macadamia nut oil, almond oil and walnuts, it is sure to leave your skin smooth and relax your senses.
  • It Relieves Razor Bumps:

    Once you learn how to use body scrub before and after shaving your arms and legs, those frustrating razor bumps won’t bother you anymore. Exfoliating body scrubs can prevent the stinging feeling that you usually feel after shaving. Your skin benefits from the body scrub as it also helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and even the ingrown hair post-shaving or post-waxing.
  •  It Decompresses and De-stresses:

    When you exfoliate your skin all over your body, it makes you feel rejuvenated after each session. The little exfoliating beads or coarse texture of the product gives your body a much-needed gentle massage that strips off the stressful buildup. 
  • It has a Long-Lasting Fragrance: 

    Advantages of using body scrub
    Beyond just benefiting your skin with a smooth finish, body scrubs also make you indulge in a beautiful fragrance. Body scrubs usually have a long-lasting fragrance as compared to other skincare products. Additionally, the long-lasting fragrance that is especially derived from natural oils will further help your body and mind to soothe and relax. Do you now understand why a body scrub is used in spa sessions and massages?

So, these are all the benefits of body scrub that you should know before you invest in one. Now let's look at how to use body scrub so that you can start incorporating this phenomenal skincare product in your routine right away.

How to Use a Body Scrub?

Once you learn how to apply scrub on the body, it gets pretty easy for you to include it in your weekly skincare routine. Here are some easy steps to follow:

  • Step 1:

    Scoop out a generous amount of the product from the jar and spread it over your damp body.

  • Step 2:

    Gently scrub in circular motions and pamper your elbows and knees with some extra exfoliation.

  • Step 3:

    Rinse it out with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.

Things to Keep in Mind: 

Once you learn how to apply scrub on the body, you need to keep a few things in mind in order to avoid any complications.
  • Ease the Pressure:

    Make sure you don't end up applying too much pressure while applying the exfoliating body scrub to your skin. Remember, applying more pressure doesn't mean higher benefits. If you start to feel any sort of pain, you should realise that you may be taking away healthy tissues.

  • Temperature is Important:

    Before you apply the scrub to your body, soften your skin with warm water, not too hot. This will ensure your skin is ready for exfoliation. If the water is too hot, it'll only end up drying out your skin.

  • Experiment all You Want:

    Be open to experimenting. How to use body scrub differs from person to person, depending on your skin type and the level of sensitivity you have. Also, if you have sensitive skin, start by using an exfoliating body scrub on a small patch of skin to see how your skin reacts to it and only then go further once you see no damage.

  • Be Mindful of the Ingredients: 

    uses of body scrub
    Choose the ingredients in the body scrub wisely or you will put yourself through the risk of dryness and even breakouts. But you don't have to worry so much. How you exfoliate your body overall is more flexible than how you exfoliate your face, because the skin on your body is less sensitive as compared to your face. Hence, a wide range of ingredients work really well on your body and don't cause any sort of infection or allergic reaction.

How Often Should You Use a Body Scrub?

Now that you've understood how to apply scrub on the body, let’s understand how often you should use it. Well, to start off, use the body scrub once a week and then increase it to three to four times a week. But this majorly depends on how the skin on your body takes the process of exfoliation, so don't rush into it. Using an exfoliating body scrub can aggravate your skin, you might still notice clogged pores and hardened skin when you're new to it, but don't stress, it's just a matter of time.

DIY Body Scrub Recipes that You can Try: 

Other than topical products, you can also make body scrubs in the comfort of your home using some natural ingredients. Here are some DIY body scrubs that you can try.

  • Brown Sugar and Honey:

    Method: Mix half a cup of brown sugar with one fourth cup of melted coconut oil and two tablespoons of honey. Add more coconut oil to loosen up the mixture if necessary. Use this body scrub to gently massage on your skin and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

  • Coffee and Coconut Oil:

    Method: In a bowl, add half a cup of coffee grounds, two tablespoons of hot water and one tablespoon of warm coconut oil. Mix all the ingredients. Add more coffee grounds or oil to get the right consistency if needed. Use this body scrub to scrub off dead skin cells from your body and then wash it off with warm water.

  • Sugar and Olive Oil:

    Method: Take half a cup of brown sugar and mix it with equal amounts of olive oil. Add more of either of the ingredients as required to maintain a thick consistency. Gently massage the scrub onto your body in circular motions and then rinse it off thoroughly with warm water.

  • Sea Salt and Oil:

    Method: In a bowl, take half a cup of blended sea salt and half a cup of any oil of your choice like coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil. Mix it well and apply it to your body and massage it well. Once you're done scrubbing your body, wash it all off with a gentle cleanser.

Conclusion:

When it comes to taking care of your skin, you must indulge in products that can promise you smooth, supple and soft skin. Exfoliation is the best way to get rid of dead skin cells and other impurities, and it is quite an important skincare step. Hence you must make sure to include it in your skincare routine as the skin on your body needs as much loving as the skin on the rest of your body.

Frequently Asked Questions on Uses & Benefits of Body Scrub (FAQs):

  • Do you use a body scrub before or after body wash?

    Your body wash or shower gel should be always used before applying the body scrub. This will ensure that your skin is clean and prepped up for the body scrub to further do its job and benefit your skin.

  • What should be done after using the body scrub?

    Once you're done with scrubbing your body, make sure to pat your skin dry and then use a moisturising body lotion or body oil. Remember to pick any of these products based on your skin type and the ones that are free of chemicals.

  • For how many minutes should I scrub my body?

    It should take anywhere between 30-40 seconds to scrub your body. Don't spend too much time adding pressure to any part of your body with the body scrub as you might end up ripping off healthy tissues which can ultimately cause redness and irritation on your skin.