There’s more to getting clean than simply soap and water. One important step often overlooked is exfoliation. But don’t let the word “scrub” fool you. If it conjures up images of a harsh exfoliation that leaves your skin feeling raw, think again. 

Body scrubs can (and should) be quite gentle and beneficial for your skin. In fact, regular scrubbing can help improve your skin’s texture and overall appearance. 

Here’s everything you need to know about body scrub, from choosing the right one for your skin type to how often you should use it. 

Body scrub is an exfoliating product used to slough away dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Its key ingredient is an abrasive substance such as salt, sugar, jojoba beads, or oatmeal. In addition to exfoliating, many body scrubs also nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin with ingredients like oils.

Besides sloughing away dead skin cells, body scrub has many benefits for your skin and overall well-being. 

• Better skincare product absorption: Your skin absorbs products such as moisturizer and vitamins more readily with regular exfoliation resulting in healthier skin. 
• Improved circulation: The massage-like motions used when applying body scrub can help to improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage.
• Minimize appearance of large pores: Removing dead skin cells unclogs pores which helps minimize their perceived size.
• Decreased hyperpigmentation: Unclogging pores help to reduce the appearance of dark spots, improving skin tone.
• Fewer ingrown hairs: Scrubbing helps prevent ingrown hairs from forming.
• Less stress: The massage-like motions used during exfoliation can create a relaxing spa-like experience, helping to relieve stress.

Next time you hop in the shower, add these easy steps into your routine.

• Step 1: Apply a generous amount of body scrub onto damp skin and massage it in using circular motions. Focus on any areas that are particularly dry or rough. (Tip: Use a tool such as a glove, pad, or brush to massage the scrub.)
• Step 2: Rinse the scrub completely off and pat dry. 
• Step 3: Follow up with a rich moisturizer such as our Coco Cocoa Creme Body Butter that will leave your skin feeling hydrated and soft. 

Start off by using body scrub once a week to see how your skin reacts. If your skin becomes irritated, discontinue and switch to a gentler formula. 

If there is no irritation, increase usage to a maximum of 2-3 times per week. Using scrub daily may be too harsh for your skin. But, you might discover that you need to exfoliate more often to keep your skin looking and feeling its best, depending on your skin type and preferences.

Whichever way you choose to use body scrub, make sure to choose a product that is designed for your skin type, as using a scrub that is too harsh can do more harm than good. 

Most body scrubs are salt or sugar based. However, the market is ever changing as new exfoliants are introduced. While all body scrubs exist to exfoliate and wash away dirt and grime, not all body scrubs provide the same experience.  

• Sugar Body Scrub: As an humectant, sugar sloughs off dead skin cells and absorbs water, leaving your skin moisturized. 
• Salt Scrub: This naturally abrasive exfoliant easily scrubs away dead skin cells.
• Coffee Scrub: Coffee exfoliates naturally with anti-inflammatory properties and improves your skin texture. 
• Charcoal Scrub: As an absorbent, charcoal attracts dead skin cells as you scrub it into your skin, leaving you feeling clean and refreshed.

With so many body scrubs on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.  Be sure to read product labels to find the most effective and best cruelty-free body scrub. 

Here’s how to choose an exfoliating product with the best natural ingredients based on your skin type. 

• Sensitive Skin: Look for a product that contains gentle ingredients to prevent irritation. Avoid body scrubs with harsh exfoliants such as salt. 
• Dry Skin: Go with a scrub that contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter coconut oil, or avocado oil for skin - such as our Welcome to the Scrub Coconut Body Scrub. These ingredients help lock in moisture and reduce inflammation.
• Normal to Combination Skin: While not as limited as those with sensitive or dry skin, you’ll still need to look closely at ingredients to find the best scrub for you. Try a few different options, see how your skin reacts, and choose the best option for your skin.

Still not sure which body scrub to choose? You can’t go wrong with our Welcome to the Scrub Coconut Body Scrub made with organic coconut oil, natural cane sugar, and a shot of vitamin E. It’s gentle ingredients are safe for all skin types.

Whatever type of body scrub you choose, make sure to follow up with with a moisturizer such as our Coco Cocoa Creme Body Butter to maintain healthy, hydrated skin.