Body Scrub

Body Scrubs are used to exfoliate the skin for deep cleaning and detoxification. They unclog the pores and leave the skin appearing rejuvenated and refreshed.

Why Use Body Scrubs?

A layer of dead skin is constantly being shed from the skin, and cosmetics, toxins, soaps, lotion products, oil secretions, and even minerals in water can cause a buildup which adheres to deeper skin layers. By removing these dead skin layers with a gently exfoliating body scrub, the skin pores are left unclogged and more readily able to absorb any beneficial oils or lotions you might choose to use. Body scrubs are also appropriate to remove peeling and flaking skin suffered from fading tans.

Using Body Scrubs

Body scrubs aren't designed to be used on a daily basis. They contain tiny granules which have jagged shapes that can cause microscopic lacerations on the surface of the skin. It's best to use body scrubs on a weekly basis, and use other types of exfoliates for daily skin treatments. When you use a body scrub, use it gently. There's no need to scrub hard or really rub it in. Just apply it to wet skin which has already been washed.

If used too frequently, some people may develop a toughened feel to their skin as it becomes slightly calloused by the constant abrasion. Most scrubs are not designed to be used on the face, but there are specially designed facial scrubs available which use very finely ground particles, like coffee, for exfoliating. These should still be applied and used lightly. People with acne, damaged or fragile skin, and broken capillaries should avoid applying body scrub products to these areas.

Body Scrub Ingredients

The exfoliates in body scrubs are made from ground crushed oyster shells, seeds, apricot pits, salt, and other natural and synthetic materials. Larger and sharper pieces can damage the skin, while products using round beads are better suited to using with greater pressure.

Sea salt is the most commonly used ingredient for exfoliates and is touted for its ability to cleanse the skin while simultaneously drying oily skin and nourishing dry skin. Sea salt is particularly recommended for psoriasis and itching. Epsom salt is a great ingredient for scrub bases because its magnesium content helps tight and tense muscles to relax. Granulated cane sugars are used for gentler exfoliating, and oats can be finely ground and used to relieve itching and irritations. Oils, aloe vera, seaweeds, essential oils, vitamins and fruit acids are also incorporated as ingredients for their therapeutic values to the skin.

Body scrubs are widely sold, and ingredients can be customized for specific skin types and conditions. You can also make body scrubs yourself.

By Doug Vanisky