Tips for using a body scrub
Firstly, should you use a body scrub at all?
Body scrubs are an ideal way to remove dry, flaky, dead skin cells from your body and transform your skin from rough and dull to smooth and glowing. They’re great for improving the look and feel of skin and especially good for those areas prone to dryness like legs (think Winter time, ughh!), arms, knees and elbows.
How often should you use a body scrub?
For most people, body scrubs can be used 1 - 2 times a week but check the recommendation on the label of your body scrub.
Are body scrubs suitable for everyone?
Generally speaking, body scrubs are suitable for use on all skin types but some are more abrasive than others, so it’s always a good idea to choose one that suits your skin type.
Sensitive skin - if your skin is sensitive, you’ll want a scrub with soothing ingredients and finer particles that are less abrasive
Allergies – many body scrubs contains oils to keep your skin hydrated and this may include nuts oils and essential oils, so check the label thoroughly if you have allergies
Pregnant women - if you’re pregnant, you need to take care to ensure that the scrub does not contain essential oils, many of which are not recommended during pregnancy. Scrubbing also stimulates blood circulation and increases blood flow to the skin’s surface, so pregnant women should also bear this in mind – best to check with your health care professional. Same goes for people with high blood pressure.*
How do you apply your body scrub?
Check the label for specific instructions. Some body scrubs are intended for use on dry skin, others wet, and some can be used on either dry or wet skin. Scrubs are generally massaged onto the skin in circular motions. The shower or bath is a great place to use your body scrub, making it easy to rinse off once you’ve finished scrubbing.
(image credit: iStock)
What should you do after using a body scrub?
After rinsing off, gently pat the skin dry and follow with a good quality body moisturiser while your skin is still relatively damp. This will enhance absorption of the moisturiser.
Drink water - you know how massage therapists recommend you drink water after a massage? The idea is that the water will help your kidneys and other organs flush out any toxins which may have been released into your blood stream during the massage. While a body scrub may not be as vigorous as a massage, it is said that scrubbing can help detoxify and release toxins so the same principle can be applied - have a good drink of water after using your body scrub.
Sun protection – while you should always apply sun protection when venturing outside for any length of time, you should definitely protect your newly revealed skin after a body scrub. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum natural sunscreen.
*Naturally Safe Cosmetics are not health professionals. Any advice or recommendations in this article are of a general nature only and compiled from information freely available on the internet. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Please see your GP or other health care professional regarding your own personal circumstances.