What does exfoliating scrub do and when should you use it? Benefits of body scrubs

Exfoliating Gentle Body-Scrub For Smooth Skin

Most people are aware of the importance of facial exfoliation and have made it an ingrained part of their skin care routine. However, many people don’t realize that using an exfoliating body scrub is just as essential if you want smooth skin. Here we answer some of the most important questions around skin exfoliation and the correct skin care routine steps.

Usually, when getting into the shower, we are prepared with a myriad of hair, and skin care products all lined up in our shower baskets. Most people have everything from body wash and moisturizer for dry skin to shaving foam and hair conditioners. However, among the menagerie of skin care products, you don’t always see body scrubs.

An exfoliating body scrub is an essential aspect of how to get smooth skin and is one of the most important ingredients to maintain healthy, glowing skin all over your body. Whether you’re using a homemade body scrub or the best body scrub on the market, the benefits far surpass simply using a body wash.

This is how a body scrub can impact the health of your skin, and these tips will help you choose the right exfoliating body scrub for your skin while using it correctly to get all of the best benefits.

What is skin exfoliation?

Your skin naturally removes dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin; the dead skin cells shed once every 30 days, and new skin cells take their place. However, as we age, our ability to exfoliate declines naturally and the dead skin cells can clump and tend to accumulate in lines and wrinkles, making them more noticeable.

The skin cells that don’t naturally shed can cause dry, flaky skin and can clog up your pores. This is why assistance in exfoliation is so important, particularly as we age. Using an exfoliating body scrub to remove dead skin is essential to keep your skin fresh and maintain that youthful glow.

How does skin exfoliation work?

There are two main exfoliation methods to achieve a fresh, even skin tone: physical and chemical. Both work towards the same goal—smooth, radiant skin free of flakes and dry cells—just by different means.

Physical exfoliation is when we use a physical action—like scrubbing, peeling, or rubbing—to rid the skin of dead cells and flakes. This may be done using a body scrub or face scrub with exfoliating microbeads or sugar crystals; or with a loofah, brush, or sponge.

Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, involves the use of ingredients like exfoliating acids that visibly refine skin’s texture. Chemical exfoliants won’t feel gritty to the touch but work to release dead cells from the skin’s surface and leave it soft and supple.

What is a body scrub?

Body scrubs are a form of physical exfoliant that form an essential part of the best skin care routines. They are made up of a particle-like mixture that uses friction to remove dead skin cells and encourages circulation in the body.

There are many different types of body scrub, but the most common are water-based, oil-based or in powder form. Body scrubs have actually been used by people for centuries and there’s evidence that ancient Egyptians used natural body scrubs to exfoliate their skin. They would use particles like sugar or salt in perfumed essential oils, which they then used on their bodies.

This crucial skin care facet has made its way into modern skin care, because of its numerous benefits, as you will see below.

How do I choose the right body scrub?

There are several different kinds of body scrubs for skin exfoliation, and it’s important that you find the best body scrub for your body and skin type. A body scrub is made of bigger particles than a facial exfoliator, as the skin found on your body is a little less delicate. The best exfoliating body wash should contain ingredients that help firm skin, smooth skin, and help to alleviate redness or blemishes.

At Clarins, we have the best body scrub for women and men.

For velvet-soft skin, try the Exfoliating Body Scrub for Smooth Skin. This super-soft formula is packed full of ground bamboo and can be used regularly on the entire body, including on sensitive areas like your chest. It is the best sensitive skin body scrub. If you need something more intense for rough areas like your feet, elbows, and knees, or a product that is great for dry skin, reach for the Tonic Sugar Polisher. Organic salt and sugar crystals eliminate dead skin cells and revitalize skin. This scrub is the ultimate treat for body and mind!

Don’t forget that once you’ve exfoliated and removed the dead cells off the surface, your skin is prepped to absorb the nourishing benefits of a moisturizer. It’s essential that you use the best lotion for dry skin every time you hop out of the shower. Our Moisture Rich Body Lotion is the best moisturizer for dry skin, formulated with ultra-nourishing Shea Butter, soothing Organic Raspberry water, gently exfoliating Tamarind pulp acids and visibly firming Organic Oat sugars. All of Clarins’ exfoliating products have natural exfoliator ingredients.

The benefits of exfoliating body scrub

So, why is it important to exfoliate? Great body exfoliators have a number of different benefits for your skin. Exfoliating granules help to slough off dry, flaky cells, leaving the skin soft to the touch and visibly refined; and perfectly prepping the skin to absorb the hydrating benefits of a body oil or moisturizer to follow.

Beyond the physical benefits, exfoliating can be a relaxing and invigorating activity that delivers a total feeling of well-being. Using aromatic formulas like Clarins’ Tonic Sugar Polisher, packed with natural plant extracts and essential oils, will leave the skin feeling refreshed and the senses delighted.

How to get soft skin through exfoliation

When it comes to your exfoliation technique, you should fill your palm with a helping of the best exfoliating body scrub and use your fingertips to massage it into your skin in circular motions. Remember to target the tough, dry areas such as elbows, knees, and feet in particular. After exfoliating, turn the shower on and have a nice warm rinse.

How often should I exfoliate?

Are you wondering how often to use body scrub? Exfoliating too often can cause your skin to become dry and irritated. If you have normal to combination skin then you can exfoliate two to three times a week. However, if you have sensitive skin, exfoliating gently once a week will suffice.

When shouldn’t I exfoliate?

There are times when you simply shouldn’t exfoliate. If you are sunburnt or have some sort of skin irritation, rash, or condition, then it’s advised that you skip the exfoliator. The ingredients and the circular motion could aggravate your skin further. Also, your skin is particularly sensitive after shaving, so rather exfoliate before you shave or on another day.

There are no two ways about it: If you want your body to look its best, you need to exfoliate once or twice a week. Regular exfoliation will help rid the skin of dead cells and flakes— leaving it smooth, refreshed, and primed to absorb the benefits of a moisturizer or body oil to follow.

How to use body scrub

Of course, to get the best results from your exfoliant, it’s important to use it the right way. This is the best method to use for body scrub:

Rinse the area in warm water
Place a small amount of body scrub in your hand
Using your hand or an exfoliating glove, gently rub the scrub into your skin in circular motions
Do this for no longer than 30 seconds
Rinse the area with warm water
Use your regular cleanser
Pat the area dry
Liberally apply your daily moisturizer