What are exfoliating body scrubs anyway?
A body scrub is made to cleanse & renew your skin off dead skin cells to get a smooth look. They can be made out of many ingredients like coconut oil, sugar, salt… And even coffee! You have a lot of options for exfoliating scrubs nowadays with popular brands like Tree Hut or Dove, but also recipes you can follow to make your own at home. And we’ll be sharing all of it with you in this blog, so keep scrolling!
How they make your skin look your best.
These exfoliators help your skin glow by gently scrubbing the outer layer. They scrape away dead cells and encourage skin renewal underneath. This is especially useful for women with sensitive skin or those who tan a lot, since it prevents the buildup of flaky skin. In the UK, where the weather is pretty unpredictable, doing this often helps keep a nice glow despite the lack of consistent sunshine.
And if you’re looking to enhance your skincare regimen, check out our post on Natural Ways to Improve Your Skin for extra tips on hair care.
The best exfoliating scrubs help you:
• Prevent ingrown hairs
They help you avoid ingrown hairs by washing away dead skin from your pores, so there’s less risk of clogging them.
• Moisturize & keep your skin smooth
Your skin is a highly absorbent organ. When you treat it with scrubs made of natural ingredients, you’re nourishing it.
• Reduce stress and increase confidence
Self-care is a great way to relax and recharge, especially if you exfoliate at night. This helps you fall asleep more easily.
And did you know herbs have been used for centuries for improving sleep? You can find out how plants can help you drift off in our article about Natural Ways to Improve Your Sleep.
• Unclog pores & diminish early signs of aging
Clogged pores can lead to breakouts and dull skin, which makes skin appear older. Using scrubs regularly (but not too much) helps brighten your skin.
• Prevent body bumps
One of the main causes of skin bumps is the buildup of oils and impurities on the skin’s surface. But some exfoliators (like ones made from crushed macadamia), make it harder for pollution or dirt to stick to your skin.
• Improve circulation
The nourishing components present in these products promote blood flow by stimulating the underlying tissues. This makes it look healthier and more vibrant.
• Enhance texture & hydration
Beyond better circulation, body scrubs also rejuvenate the dermis thanks to their ability to stimulate collagen production and cell turnover.
What a scrub does.
When you use them, you’re polishing the teensy weensy layers of your skin and improving its texture. The point is to use it without harsh scrubbing, otherwise you’ll end up irritating your skin and making it dry, which is not good. After all, just like herbal teas, a good scrub is supposed to make you relax and reduce stress.
That being said, there’s a half a dozen different types of cleansers and they all have their own benefits. And picking the right one really depends on your routine:
• Sugar
Sugar contains something called glycolic acid, which both exfoliates AND hydrates the skin, making it one of the most popular choices out there.
• Salt
Unlike sugar, salt takes moisture away from your skin, so it has a detoxifying effect. That being said though, we don’t recommend using a salt scrub as they are a lot more intense on the skin and should be used less frequently to avoid irritation.
• Tea
The best tea for scrubs is green tea because it has a high polyphenol content. This protects the dermis from environmental stressors, which helps slow down aging.
• Coffee
The caffeine in coffee can help tighten the skin, so it gives it a firmer look. What makes coffee exfoliators so unique is the fact that they’re packed with antioxidants, so they help maintain a younger glow.
You can also mix it with other ingredients like:
• Vanilla
It can have an anti-inflammatory effect due to an organic compound called vanillin, which is also used in many perfumes. You can learn more about vanilla scrubs here.
• Cinnamon
This spice has natural antimicrobial properties, which can help combat acne-causing bacteria and promote clearer skin. Especially when you use it to exfoliate your lips like this.
• Ginger
Fun fact: This root has been used for at least 2,500 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Best part? It can also reduce redness when used as a face mask.
• Shea Butter
Shea butter is a super moisturizing ingredient PACKED with vitamins A and E. It’s perfect for hydrating and softening the skin and especially helpful for dry or sensitive skin types.
• Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular base in body scrubs thanks to its ultra-hydrating and antibacterial properties. It helps lock in moisture while leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.
• Pomegranate
Like coffee scrubs, pomegranate is rich in antioxidants. But what makes it different is its high vitamin C content, which brightens skin and boosts your collagen production.
How to use sugar or coffee scrubs.
You can apply natural scrubs with a bunch of different techniques. Cleansers made out of other organic ingredients (like macadamia and rice milk) might have different textures, but the way you apply them is all the same:
1. Wet Your Skin
Use warm water. This helps open up your pores and allows the scrub to work better on your skin.
2. Scoop the Scrub
Don’t take too much at once though. Just enough to spread evenly across your skin. Otherwise it will make it harder to rinse off and leave a sticky feeling on your skin.
3. Apply It On Your Arms, Legs, etc.
Avoid using it on your face since some scrubs (especially sugar) have large particles that are too harsh for facial skin.
4. Massage Gently (This Avoids Ingrown Hairs)
If you’re using coffee grounds, you can mix the scrub with other natural ingredients like vanilla or cinnamon since they can improve the fragrance and offer more skin benefits.
5. Use Soft & Circular Movements
Unlike pumice stones, scrubs are supposed to be gentle on your skin. So go for slower motions so that the product can get properly absorbed on your skin.
6. Do Not Scrub Too Hard
This is a very important step: If you apply too much pressure, you’ll risk damaging the skin barrier and do more harm than good.
7. Rinse Off
Some ingredients like coconut oil are trickier to remove since they can stick to the skin. If you find yourself struggling with that, you can increase the shower temperature to help loosen the scrub and make it easier to rinse off.
8. Use Soap
This is more of an optional step. But if you’re wondering if you should use soap before or after, you’d want to do it after exfoliating. That way, the soap helps wash away any remaining scrub particles.
9. Check for Leftovers
This is a common step that many people overlook. But if you don’t check for any leftover particles, it can lead to clogged pores/irritation (especially in sensitive areas like elbows and knees).
10. Dry Your Skin
Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing. This is because your skin is generally more sensitive after scrubbing, and patting also helps keep it hydrated.
11. Moisturize to Bring Out Your Skin’s Glow
If you want to really maximize the benefits of your scrub, then apply a nourishing moisturizer afterward. Especially if you use a coffee scrub.
How often should you scrub your body?
If your cleanser has natural ingredients like mango, watermelon, or coffee beans/grounds, you can exfoliate 2 – 3 times a week. A good rule of thumb is that it really depends on your skin type and sensitivity.
If you have oily skin, you can do it up to three a week. But if your skin is more dry or sensitive, you’re better off limiting it to once a week. That way you’ll avoid any irritation and maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.
And if you’re looking for ways to improve your skin’s glow from the inside out, here’s a complete guide on superfoods that promote radiant skin.
Where to shop for scrubs.
Later in this article, you’ll be learning how to make your own DIY exfoliating scrub, but if you’re looking to buy one instead, the best brands right now are:
Tree Hut.
Tree Hut has a popular line of real sugar & shea butter scrubs. Since they’re made with whole grain sugar, they easily slough off dead skin cells.
Dove.
Dove’s Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk Cleanser is made with a rich cream formula which leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.
Boots.
Boots has a wide range of scrubs from other popular brands like Soap & Glory and The Sanctuary, so you’re bound to find something for your specific skin type.
Clarins.
Clarins’ Tonic Sugar Polisher contains organic sugar crystals & hazelnut oil, which makes it a great option for those with combination, normal, or oily skin.
Rituals.
The Ritual of Sakura Sugar Body Polish by Rituals is made with sugar & cherry blossom oils to add a floral scent to your skincare routine.
Scrubs for Men.
Despite what a lot of people think, men too would benefit a lot from exfoliating, especially if they shave regularly. Besides, men’s skin is generally thicker than women’s, which makes it more likely to trap dirt or dead skin.
Actually, these body polishers are a great addition to a grooming routine because they help smooth out the texture, so it makes shaving easier.
However, it’s important to remember this important difference:
Body Scrubs VS. Face Washes
Don’t use body cleansers on your face, this would be a sure way to get irritated skin. On the other hand, face washes are specially designed to clean your skin without stripping away its natural moisture (and can generally be used everyday).
Scrubs for Your Skin Type.
While you CAN use any scrub, some work better for certain skin types. And as you will see, picking the right one can really make a difference.
But if you’re looking to naturally improve your skin, a body cleanser is only one part of the routine. You can also enhance your skincare with these herbal remedies.
• Normal Skin
A.K.A. most common skin type.
For normal skin, sugar scrubs are often considered the best option since they provide gentle exfoliation while also hydrating the skin. This is a balanced choice that keeps the epidermis smooth without leading to too much moisture.
• Oily Skin
Got oily skin? Then pick coffee scrubs. They’re an awesome choice because they tighten up the pores, which directly reduces the amount of excess oil on the skin’s surface while minimizing the likelihood of breakouts.
• Combination Skin
Salt scrubs work well with combination skin because salt has detoxifying properties, meaning it can easily draw out impurities from oily areas.
• Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you should go for shea butter due to its high moisturizing properties. As a plus, the vitamins in shea butter also contribute to skin elasticity.
• Sensitive Skin
Those with this type would benefit from oatmeal scrubs (which we won’t be covering in this article). Oatmeal has a pH level that is close to that of human skin, so it helps fight off inflammation. Just make sure you don’t eat it!
• Acne-Prone Skin
Ever heard of salicylic acid scrubs? They’re made from willow bark (yes, really), which has a high salicin content – a natural acne-fighter.
Actually, beyond skincare, willow bark in general can promote calm and relieve inflammation, which is why it’s been used for centuries in herbal medicine and for herbal teas.
• Dehydrated Skin
This is different from dry skin. Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water.
For this one, look for hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid, which bring water into the skin.
• Mature Skin
For more mature skin, go with something that boosts collagen and promotes elasticity, like pomegranate or scrubs that feature retinol in their formula. These ingredients help reverse some of the signs of aging.
Scrubs for Common Skin Conditions.
That’s right – beyond regular exfoliation, some body polishers can also be used to diminish the symptoms of certain conditions.
This is because just like your gut, your skin also has its own ecosystem of (beneficial) bacteria. So ingredients like aloe vera can help support their growth and maintain a healthy balance in the skin microbiome.
• Keratosis pilaris
Up to 50% of adults have this condition.
You know those little bumps on the back of your arms or thighs? That’s keratosis pilaris, and it happens when your skin produces too much keratin. Regular exfoliation with a gentle scrub can help smooth those bumps out and make your skin feel softer and look more even.
Look for scrubs with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that chemically exfoliate the skin. You can find AHAs in milk-based cleansers like rice milk scrubs.
• Cellulite
This is especially prevalent in women and begins appearing in early adulthood.
Nobody wants to deal with those annoying dimples. Thankfully, you can reduce some of them with coffee-based scrubs. Caffeine stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps remove excess water & toxins.
You can also mix it with cold pressed oils for an extra hydration boost.
• Eczema
People with eczema should stick to mild, & fragrance-free exfoliators, like those made with jojoba oil or honey. When you put honey on your skin, it acts as a natural humectant. This means it pulls moisture from the air into your skin, which helps keep it hydrated and helps with dryness or itchiness.
• Psoriasis
About 125 million people have psoriasis.
If you’re one of them, you can soothe some of those red patches with a scrub that has avocado oil or chamomile.
Chamomile, alongside other gentle herbs like lavender or calendula, help calm down the immune response that triggers inflammation on the skin. So it can decrease cell turnover and may diminish some of the symptoms of psoriasis.
• Hyperpigmentation
Body polishers with a high glycolic acid or vitamin C content are ideal for those who suffer from hyperpigmentation. These ingredients have a high concentration of antioxidants, which may fade some spots over time by brightening your skin’s complexion.
How to make a body scrub at home.
A homemade body exfoliator is a great choice too if you like a more DIY approach. In fact, you can make your own body scrub with ingredients that you likely have at home right now.
We recommend going for a coffee scrub since it gives your skin a brightening boost thanks to their high antioxidant content.
What you’ll need:
• 1 cup of coffee grounds
These can be used or fresh.
• 1/2 cup of sugar
Go for either brown or white. We recommend brown sugar as it’s generally softer.
• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
You can also go for olive oil if you want.
• Optional
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
How to do it:
1. Prep the mix
Gather all the ingredients you’ll be using.
2. Combine them
Mix the grounds/sugar in a nice but steady pattern and, if you chose to add salt or vanilla, add them gradually to avoid clumping.
3. Add the oil
Melt the coconut oil if it’s solid. You can do this by microwaving it for a few seconds if you need to (just make sure to avoid overheating it).
4. Get the Texture Right
If the scrub is too dry, add a bit more oil. But if it’s too wet, add more coffee grounds or sugar.
5. Store it for Later
This scrub should last about 1 – 2 weeks. But if you put it in an airtight container, it can last up to 4 weeks.
Homemade Scrubs VS. Store-Bought
What makes DIY exfoliators a nice addition to your routine, is the fact that you can customize the recipe however you want. That being said, both have their strengths and weaknesses.
• Get one from stores if
You prefer convenience and want something without any prep work.
• Make a homemade exfoliator if
You like a more creative approach that lets you experiment with different textures and scents.
• Exfoliating gloves either way
Why? Because mittens have much bigger coverage. This extra reach means you won’t have to strain or twist to get to your back in the shower.
Harmful Ingredients to Avoid
If you’re not convinced about making a homemade body polisher, then you might be after reading this. Mass-produced body scrubs often have a bunch of harmful ingredients that, in the long run, do more harm than good.
And while there are many, these are the main ones you should watch out for in store-bought exfoliators:
• Microbeads
These tiny plastic particles are present in many cosmetics and are known to harm marine life. Thankfully though, they’ve been banned in many countries.
• Triclosan
You can find these in many beauty products like soaps and lotions. They can disrupt endocrine function and cause all sorts of problems in the immune system.
Scary fact: Some big brand teas could also impact your immune system. During the manufacturing process, heavy metals like lead can leak into the soil and get absorbed by plants. You can read about 3 other toxic compounds in our article about tea shortages.
• Synthetic Fragrances
Here’s another spooky fact: Many fragrance compounds are undisclosed.
What does this mean?
It means we have no way of knowing what chemicals are included in the scrubs. This is yet another reason to make a DIY exfoliator.
• Parabens
Some studies suggest that parabens can lead to reproductive health issues, but the worst part is that they’re not just found in body scrubs, but also most shampoos, conditioners… And even salad dressings.
So make sure to look for products labeled “paraben-free” to reduce your exposure and protect your health.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Commonly used as a surfactant, SLS can irritate the skin and eyes and may strip natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. If you’ve ever felt your skin unusually dry after a long shower, It might be due to SLS in your body wash.
FAQ.
Do you use a body scrub before or after shaving?
You should do it before because this avoids the buildup of dead skin particles and ingrown hair follicles. Note: if your skin is very sensitive, you could do it after instead (since this prevents irritation).
Can you use a body scrub on your face?
It’s not ideal. Most body scrubs are a bit too rough for your face. The skin on your face is much more sensitive, so it’s better to stick to facial exfoliators that are made just for that!
But if you do, you should consider using a hydrating face mask afterward, you can learn more in our post about Holistic Health with Natural Herbs.
Do you use a body scrub before or after shower?
None, you should apply a body scrub during the shower instead. When your skin is damp, it can grab onto the exfoliating ingredients way better, so you’d be increasing the potency of your cleanser.
Why do body scrubs make me itchy?
This is a common issue that can be caused by a number of things, but it’s mostly due to harsh stuff in the scrub. First, stop using the scrub for a while to let your skin calm down. Then, try a more gentle ingredient like brown sugar.
Do you use a body scrub before or after soap?
You’ll want to scrub after using soap. The soap gets rid of the dirt, so the scrub can focus on polishing your skin.
How long do you leave body scrub on?
You typically leave a body scrub on for about 5 to 10 minutes. This is enough time for the organic ingredients to be absorbed by your skin. Though make sure to read the label on the products since some scrubs can have different application times.
Is it okay to use a scrub everyday?
No and this is a common mistake. Using a scrub every day can be a bit too much for your skin. Stick to 2-3 times a week, so you can avoid the stress of dealing with irritated skin (and if you find yourself dealing with stress everyday, here’s a post on Natural Remedies for Stress you should try).
Do body scrubs expire?
Yes, especially if they’re made with natural ingredients like coconut. Many cleansers have “best before” info printed on the label. Most importantly: If your scrub doesn’t have this printed, and it feels or smells off, then it’s best to discard it and not risk using an expired product.
Should you use a scrub on wet or dry skin?
You’ll want to use a scrub on damp skin. Wet skin helps the scrub glide on smoothly and lets the ingredients work better.
What is the best body scrub?
There’s no such thing as the “best” body exfoliator. It really depends on your skin type and what you’re looking for. Although we would definitely recommend going for the DIY route if you have the time.
Do body scrubs help with acne?
Yes, especially if your body exfoliator contains ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These ingredients help to unclog pores and reduce breakouts. But ideally, you’d use scrubs that are made with formulas specific for acne-prone skin.
It’s important to note that a lot of acne is caused (can be improved with) our diets. And chia seeds in specific can help a lot with that, but you can learn more in our post about The Role of Superfoods.
Should I use a scrub in the morning or at night?
Both work and it really depends on your beauty routine. Just make sure not to do it everyday, because your skin needs time to recover if you exfoliate often.
Can a body scrub get rid of stretch marks?
Not directly, but it can help. While body scrubs won’t completely erase stretch marks, regular exfoliation can make them look softer & smoother over time.