Body scrubs are something we have all received as a Christmas gift from a relative or friend. And if you're like me you looked at it with confusion, thought “oh great another product to add to my shower routine”, and then tucked it in the cupboard and forgot about it.
However! Now I'm here to tell you the amazing benefits of body scrubs and why you should take them out of the cupboard and put into a key placement in your shower.
What do Body Scrubs do?
Body scrubs are very unique but the factor they all have in common is exfoliation. Body scrubs use some kind of abrasion that will remove dead, and dry skin cells off your body and leave behind the new fresh skin cells. This will make your skin beautifully soft, clean, and glowing.
What do Body Scrubs use to exfoliate?
Body scrubs come in a huge array! The most common exfoliators are sugar, salt, silica, and jojoba (pronounced hohoba) beads. These are all great for exfoliation as these are all gentle on your skin and biodegradable.
Try to stay away from any product with microbeads as these are made from plastic. We have all heard about plastic in our oceans so we won't discuss it further. Other exfoliators to avoid are walnut powder and apricot seed. These create microtears in your skin which can leave you with significant damage over the long term.
What Exfoliation should I choose in my Body Scrub?
Sugar
Natural Humectant-Draws moisture from the environment and into your skin.
Natural source of glycolic acid which encourages cell turnover rate to give you younger fresher skin.
Fine particles make excellent soft abrasions.
Sugar is an antibacterial so it will kill any bad bacteria on your skin, which is great for wounds.
Salt
Harder granules then sugar so give more of an exfoliation experience.
Depending on the type of salt used Himalayan, dead sea, Hawaiian they have different trace elements that are very beneficial for your skin in a variety of ways.
Salt is a natural purifier that removes toxins out of your pores which
It helps the skin breath easier
promotes better circulation
tightens the skin
improves skin texture
Silica
Silica (silicon dioxide) is found naturally in water, plants, animals, and the earth. For the skin, it is suggested by researchers that silicon is important for optimal synthesis of collagen which improves skin strength and elasticity.
Silica is a great gentle exfoliant.
Silica absorbs excess moisture and oil from your skin.
Jojoba Beads
Jojoba Beads are made from Jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is derived from a type of plant. Jojoba beads have replaced micro beads in the cosmetic industry. Jojoba beads offer little advantages to sugar or salt but they are a great replacement for micro beads.
Jojoba Beads are biodegradable.
They offer gentle exfoliation.
How to Use Body Scrubs
Body scrubs are best used periodically, depending on your skin’s sensitivity you may want to use a scrub less often. Dermatologists recommend using scrubs once or twice a week.
Scrubs can be used in the bath or shower depending on your preference. Make sure the water is warm but not hot. Hot water can actually dry your skin out. After having been in the warm water for a few minutes already so your skin is supple. Apply a generous amount to your hand and apply to your body, rubbing in circular motions.
Don’t be too rough with your skin as it is very delicate, let the sugar, salt, silica, or jojoba beads do the work. Once you have completed all areas of your body wash the body scrub off and apply moisturiser or lotion.
Use body scrubs before shaving, this exfoliation will help minimise ingrown hairs, and will allow the razor to glide over your skin easier.
When should I not use a Body Scrub?
Avoid using a body scrub if you are suffering from eczema or any kind of rash. If you have had too much sun exposure and have a sunburn. Also after shaving is not a good time to use a body scrub, your skin will be agitated and exfoliating at this time will only agitate it further.
Do NOT use body scrubs on your face! The skin on your face is very thin. It is much too delicate for the exfoliators used in body scrubs. Facial scrubs use different ingredients to give you gentle abrasive exfoliation with for example bamboo powder, or they use a chemical exfoliator, such as glycolic acid.
VIVA AESTHETICS loves body scrubs, we love to include them when you come in for a pedicure. We also carry a full range of flavours of scrubs here at the spa for purchasing.
Our favourites are the vanilla Coffee scrub, grapefruit body scrub, and lemon verbena! We have many more for you to choose your favourite.
Book a pedicure to come give our all Canadian, all natural scrubs a test drive
and
get perfect feet in the process!
Call (905) 628-8804
Or send an email to info@vivaaesthetics.ca