After a long, dry, dreary and itchy winter, there's nothing quite like a body scrub or scrub to reveal the delicate, baby-like layer of skin beneath. And that bright feeling isn't just in your head.
Dermatologist and cosmetics developer at Skincare by DrV Dr. "The benefit of a body scrub is removing the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal more radiant skin," says Vanita Rattan. "This improves the penetration of active ingredients that you later apply to the skin because the dead skin cells no longer form a barrier." According to him, body scrubs and scrubs improve the texture of the skin, making it softer, smoother and more even. Certified Dermatologist Dr. Aanand Gueria explains that using a body scrub or scrub also "helps prevent ingrown hairs by removing dead skin cells and exposing hair follicles," leaving less painful, unsightly bumps.
But before you decide on your favorite body scrub or scrub, there are many things to consider, such as the difference between the two. Medical Director of Dermatology Nurx Dr. Peter Young explains that while body scrubs and scrubs serve the same purpose of removing dead skin cells, a body scrub is a mechanical exfoliator, meaning it physically removes dead cells from the outer layer of skin. . . with abrasive particles such as sugar or salt, often in a cream-based formulation. Body scrubs, on the other hand, can come in the form of chemical or mechanical agents, including salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or ammonium lactate. "These terms are often used interchangeably, and the most important thing is finding a product that works for your skin type and will give you the results you want," says Guerria.
That's the thing about body scrubs and scrubs: They're not a one-size-fits-all solution to skin problems, and experts don't recommend them for everyone. "Scrubs and cleansers should be gentle so they don't overly stress the skin," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Wilson. "Hard peeling can be very irritating, especially for people with already dry or sensitive skin." She adds that exfoliants should only be used by those with oily skin and if they frequently find their pores are clogged.
For those with sensitive skin, it's best to use gentler cleansers or cleansers with fillers like cold-pressed oils or squalane, according to Sivamani. He says water-based micellar cleansers with chemical peels are gentler than their harsher, physical counterparts. According to Rattan, the danger with physical peels, as opposed to chemical peels, is that “you don't know if you're just removing dead skin cells or living skin cells. Physical scrubbing can cause micro-tears in the skin that can lead to hyperpigmentation, especially if you have pigmented skin.
For acne-prone skin, Sivamani recommends benzoyl peroxide, which is available in over-the-counter scrubs. While they work great, she warns, "they can irritate and discolor towels and clothing if body wash isn't completely rinsed out." Glycolic acid and salicylic acid scrubs are another great option for getting rid of extra back and chest fat, according to Sivamani.
When it comes to skincare, it's good to think about the planet. Sivamani says the natural particles found in bamboo are sensitive to both the skin and the environment.
How do you use a body scrub?
Yang says using a body scrub or scrub is safe and effective if you follow these simple steps:
- Wash your skin with warm (not hot) water and do not dry it.
- Apply a small amount of the body scrub to your hand, then gently rub into your skin in small circular motions for 30 seconds, using either your hand or an exfoliating mitt.
- Rinse the body scrub thoroughly with warm water, then wash your skin with a gentle, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (also known as non-comedogenic) cleanser.
- Gently pat skin dry without rubbing, then apply a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic body moisturizer. "This step is especially important because body scrubs and scrubs temporarily remove the skin's barrier, which can dry out the skin," Jin says. She adds that creams and ointments are more effective at hydrating skin after exfoliation than creams and gels, and you should look for moisturizers that contain ceramides, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to properly hydrate your skin.
Body scrub for sensitive skin
"This scrub contains avocado oil, sweet almond oil, and saffron seed oil to protect and nourish the skin," says Geria. "It's free from harmful chemicals like parabens and formaldehyde donors, making it a safe choice."
"This product is suitable for all skin types, is made in the USA and has not been abused," says Guerria. "It contains mineral-rich salts from around the world to slough off dead cells and nourish the skin."
"Made with jojoba oil and sweet almond oil, this product exfoliates without drying out the skin," says Geria. "While it's safe for all skin types, it's not recommended for the face."
This award-winning body scrub is approved by Savamani for the addition of squalane derived from sugar cane, which is gentle on sensitive skin. Pomegranate enzymes make the skin smoother, sugar crystals dissolve in water and gently remove dead skin cells.
This popular cruelty-free vegan scrub uses sugar to gently exfoliate uneven skin cells, while coconut and Moroccan rose provide moisture and an invigorating scent for all the senses.
Unlike harsh sugar or salt scrubs, this eco-friendly scrub uses pumice stone with smoother volcanic lava stones to gently remove dead skin. The characteristic aroma of eucalyptus, tangerine and sandalwood makes it pleasant to use.
This body scrub offers great value for money with light to medium exfoliation, while ingredients like calendula oil, macadamia nut and rice milk ensure maximum hydration.
This scrub with brown and white sugar is rich in nourishing oils and gently removes dead skin cells. Later, when washing, it turns into a milky emulsion that leaves the skin soft and supple.
I've been using this Tahitian coconut scrub for a few years now and I'm still on my honeymoon with it: I'm constantly shocked at how smooth and non-greasy it leaves my skin in seconds and how it uses aloe vera. to relieve redness. I also never tire of the refreshingly nutty yet tropical scent.
Body scrub for problem skin
Sivamani recommends this best-selling scrub for its ability to reduce chest and back fat, as well as its use of glycolic and salicylic acids. It uses plant-based jojoba and alpha and beta hydroxy acids to remove oil and dead skin, is available citrus-scented or unscented for a milder option, and works on the body, skin, and face.
With a unique blend of cold-pressed oils like castor and sunflower seeds, gently exfoliating jojoba seeds, and the powerful ingredient salicylic acid, it's easy to see why Sivamani recommends this option for acne-prone skin.
Your first line of defense against acne should be your favorite First Aid Beauty Gentle Body Scrub, which uses a blend of chemical and physical exfoliants like glycolic and lactic acids, and pumice stone to smooth and improve skin texture.
Infused with glycolic acid to stimulate cell renewal, salicylic acid to clear oily pores and crushed passion fruit seed to exfoliate, this purifying body scrub is a clear winner in your shower routine.
Glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids work together to remove dead skin, while granulated bamboo charcoal nourishes remaining skin. The best part about this luxurious body scrub? It's available in three delicious scents of bergamot, sandalwood and eucalyptus, or unscented for an even sweeter feel.
This chemical exfoliating shower gel contains glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids and fruit enzymes to rid skin of blemishes and impurities.
Exfoliating gel for the body
To indulge in a spa experience, choose Tatcha Body Wash, which does it all: plant-based cellulose gently exfoliates fibers, sugarcane-derived squalane locks in moisture, and hinoki essential oils contain phytoncides thought to increase and reduce stress.
With the addition of gently exfoliating black rice, moisturizing algae and hyaluronic acid, this washing/peeling hybrid ensures a complete body feeling. Produces a luxurious sulfate-free lather for a perfectly clean feel.
St. Ives is what springs to mind when we think of serious grinders getting the job done. This version features Pacific Kale and natural walnut shell powder to exfoliate, sea salt to deep clean and doubles as an antibacterial hand soap.
Micellar water is an expert-recognized chemical peel strategy, and this Dove formula uses a key ingredient to help keep skin looking youthful and smooth. This product is designed to relieve stress caused by environmental factors, so it's an excellent choice if you live in a heavily polluted area, for example.
Use this Neutrogena Grapefruit Shower Gel for a nostalgic throwback to your acne routine from years gone by. It contains salicylic acid, which helps prevent acne, as well as grapefruit extract and antioxidant vitamin C, which rids the skin of dirt and debris. As an exfoliant, Micro Clear technology removes oil and dead skin to allow the product to work.