May 8, 2022 via Kate Somerville Body scrubs or body scrubs are just as amazing as facial scrubs. In fact, if you don't scrub thoroughly, you're missing out on a world of fresh, smooth, baby-soft skin. But facial scrubs and body scrubs are not interchangeable products. So, what is a body scrub?
Although body scrubs are similar to facial scrubs and exfoliants, there are some key differences. Read on to learn what a body scrub is, how it works, and why you should incorporate a body treatment into your beauty routine.
How is a body scrub different from a facial scrub?
Let's talk about why your facial skin and your body skin should be treated differently. First, let's consider your skin. It is your largest organ and is made up of multiple layers. Each layer has a specific job to do, from protecting your body from infection and injury to producing sweat and regulating body temperature.
In a broad sense, the main skin layers are：
● Stratum corneum - the outer layer of dead skin cells
● Epidermis - the thin layer responsible for protecting you from the environment
● Dermis - the middle layer containing nerve cells (and wrinkles)
● Subcutaneous tissue - the The inner layer containing fat [1]
Although you have the same type of skin layer from head to toe, the skin layer on your face, neck and chest is much thinner than the skin layer on the rest of your body. This means that facial scrubs are much gentler than body scrubs to avoid irritating your facial skin.
What is the difference between a body scrub and an exfoliator
Exfoliators are any mechanical, chemical or enzymatic method of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
● Mechanical exfoliation, a physical exfoliation product that uses the power of your hands to remove dead skin cells. Think dry brushing, sea salt scrubs, sugar scrubs, or coffee scrubs suspended in coconut or olive oil.
● Chemical exfoliators, which are exfoliants that use acids (such as salicylic acid) to break down and remove dead skin cells.
● Enzyme exfoliators, which are exfoliators that use natural proteins to break down and remove dead skin cells.
So, does this mean that body scrubs are an exfoliator?
Technically speaking, exfoliation is only one of the essential elements of a good body scrub. Another component of a body scrub is a cleanser. The best body scrubs combine a body exfoliator with a body wash to remove dead skin cells and brighten dull skin. When developing a body care routine, you should consider how often you exfoliate with a scrub and what type of scrub is right for you.
Choose the right body scrub
There are several types of body scrubs, each with different ingredients. Finding the right one for you means asking yourself the following questions:
● What is your skin type - sensitive, oily, dry?
● Do you shave and scrub?
● Are you looking for a scrub that will help with mature or acne-prone skin?
People with more sensitive or acne-prone skin will want to look for scrubs with gentler ingredients. This is also true for those who plan to shave and then want to avoid ingrown hairs. People with oily skin may get more from a body scrub that offers more powerful skin care ingredients.
Whatever you're looking for, be sure to read carefully the packaging materials of any scrub you're considering. Know what each ingredient does so you can be sure you are using the right body treatment for your skin type.
How to use body scrubs
You can transform your skin from dull, dry skin to smooth, baby-soft, glowing skin in three simple steps.
● Step 1 - Start with a warm shower. Allow your skin to be thoroughly saturated with water before applying the scrub. If scrubbed, dry skin can become irritated and broken.
● Step 2- Apply the scrub to a small area of your forearm and see if you have any adverse reactions. Once you are sure there are no adverse reactions, you can apply the scrub to your arms, legs, feet and torso using gentle circular motions. Scrub for no more than 30-45 seconds. Keep to the recommended time.
●Step 3 - Rinse the scrub off the skin and pat dry. Always use body lotion for body scrubs.
Benefits of using body scrubs
The skin is a permanently regenerating organ, which means that new cells are constantly replacing the old cells on the surface. In fact, your skin naturally regenerates every 45-60 days.
However, at any given time, your newly regenerated cells will have a layer of dead skin cells on top of them. While these dead cells will eventually shed on their own, using a body scrub to remove them helps speed up the process of revealing the smooth and baby-soft vibrant young skin underneath.