While exfoliating body scrubs shouldn't replace body wash, they have ample benefits—removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, for instance—that'll upgrade your everything shower. Plus, they can elevate the rest of your routine, too.
Using a body scrub daily instead of body wash is generally not recommended. Body scrubs are designed to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting smoother skin. However, daily use of scrubs can lead to over-exfoliation, which may cause skin irritation, sensitivity, or damage to the skin barrier.
Yes, using soap after scrubbing is generally a good idea. Scrubbing helps to physically remove dirt and debris from your skin or surfaces, but soap contains surfactants that break down oils and kill bacteria. Here's a brief breakdown of why it's beneficial:
Start with an all natural body soap to remove the outermost layer of body oils, dirt, and dead skin. Then apply your body scrub to exfoliate the skin further, removing the tough, dry layer of skin below.
A dermatologist previously told PureWow that a chemical exfoliant can provide a powerful dose of acids to remove “dead dull-looking skin cells, reveal healthy cells, reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture.” Their formulas typically have AHAs or BHAs like glycolic acid, lactic acid and/or salicylic acid.
If you have a sensitive skin one can also have allergic reactions to the chemicals present in the synthetic scrubs as well. 2. Over scrubbing can result in open pores which are exposed to pollution and UV rays at the same time. It also leaves your skin more prone to infections and tanning.
Our recommendation is to exfoliate after using body wash. Body wash cleanses and softens the skin (again, we recommend using an oil-infused body wash for extra hydration), prepping the skin for an exfoliating body scrub, now that it will be less prone to potential traction and irritation.
Perfectly prepped skin will enable your chosen scrub to work its magic. First up, you need to soak – either under the shower or in the bath. Skin should be damp to get the full benefit of exfoliation, plus a warm temperature will help to open your pores and soften the surface of your skin.
Scrub your skin for no longer than 30 seconds. Rinse liberally with warm water. If you want to shave, shave afterwards (exfoliation lifts dirt and dead skin cells out of the way, allowing for the blade to glide more smoothly over the skin)
Actually, body scrubs are not suitable for daily use anyway. Although our scrubs use lots of gentle ingredients, the process of exfoliation can be a touch harsh if over-done. We suggest using an exfoliating body scrub around 2-3 times a week to help keep things in balance.
Body scrubs are a type of body care product used to help exfoliate your skin. There are many different types of body scrubs: Some only remove dead skin and other surface debris, while others clean the skin while they exfoliate (much like an exfoliating facial cleanser).
“Rinsing promptly ensures that the exfoliation process is effective while preventing potential irritation that could occur if the scrub were left on for too long,” she says. After exfoliating with your scrub, seal in moisture by applying a body lotion or oil while your skin is still slightly damp.
Mix 2 tbsp finely ground oatmeal with 1 tbsp honey and 1tbsp warm water to form a thick paste. Then, massage into your face (and/or body) and let it sit for 4 minutes to really absorb that oaty goodness before rinsing away with warm water. Use your scrub once or twice a week.
Washing up after using a body scrub also helps ensure that all of the particles from the scrub are thoroughly rinsed off. This approach can be particularly beneficial for those with oily skin. As we mentioned, many body scrubs contain richer ingredients (such as oils) to help nourish the skin.
By gently exfoliating the skin, it eliminates dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria that contribute to unpleasant smells. Using the perfect body scrub can also leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and radiant.
Body washes are a shower necessity, but body scrubs are almost like visiting a luxury spa — they take your shower to the next level and leave you feeling especially refreshed. I use a body scrub almost every week to buff away dry, flakey skin and smooth patches of keratosis pilaris.
Stick to physical exfoliants like sugar, salt, and coffee grinds. Try to exfoliate your body at least once every 10 days, but we recommend one to two times a week if you have sensitive skin, and three to four if your chest and back are on the oily side.
Anything you apply on your skin after using a body scrub will be absorbed more rapidly. Applying a hydrating body lotion is the most important after-scrub product to help seal moisture in your skin.
For body wash, Kardashian keeps it tried-and-true with Dr. Bronner's Pure Castille Liquid Soap ($17) in a relaxing lavender scent. The natural soap is known for being so multi-purpose, you can use it “18 different ways,” according to the brand. We love that you can find it on Amazon, Whole Foods, Target and more.
For those prone to dry skin, a moisturising body wash is the way to go. For those avoiding products with preservatives and parabens, a bar soap may be best for you.