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It seems to be a very simple thing, but we were literally bombarded with questions in the editorial office. How to use body scrub? How often can it be applied? What particles should be in the composition? Do I need separate scrubs for arms, legs and décolleté? Wait a minute, we’ll talk about everything now.
What is a body scrub for?
Here are just a few reasons why you need a body scrub. This tool:
helps the skin get rid of dead cells, after it it literally begins to breathe;
smoothes, polishes, makes the skin soft and silky: the scrub is also used as an express care when you need to put the skin in order in a matter of minutes;
enhances blood circulation (this is achieved to a greater extent with a light massage, inevitable when scrubbing);
removes excess water (this is especially true for edema), here the merit of the massage is also to a greater extent, and not the product itself, although the lymphatic drainage components also contribute;
prepare it for applying body cream or other care, after the scrub, it greedily, like a sponge, begins to absorb useful substances;
facilitates the application of self-tanning: if the skin is not scrubbed before, it will lie unevenly.
Which body care products are right for you? Find out by taking our quiz.
How to use a body scrub correctly
Our expert tells you how to use a body scrub so that it is as effective as possible and at the same time non-traumatic for the skin.
Before the procedure, the skin must be steamed. To do this, it is enough to spend 10-15 minutes in the shower or, if this is not possible, simply moisten a towel with hot water and apply it to the area that we will scrub for a few minutes.
Do not use body scrubs often. Of course, after the wow effect, when dullness and fatigue are gone, when the skin shines and radiates health, there is a temptation to use them twice a day. But this is a big mistake! The skin will not forgive such violence – irritation will appear, its protective layer will be broken. How often can you use a body scrub? As we already wrote, optimally – 1-2 times a week, for each specific scrub, their recommendations are made by the manufacturer, focusing on the composition and effectiveness of the product.
Each area of the body requires special attention and exfoliation techniques. Therefore, it is important to use a body scrub correctly.
After the scrub, be sure to apply a moisturizing or protective cream or body serum.
Thighs
Before you get in the shower, rub them with a terry towel to improve blood circulation. A bath with aromatic salt and oil will also help to enhance the peeling effect. When scrubbing, the main thing is not to rub the skin too hard so as not to injure it.
Here’s how to properly exfoliate your body: apply a small amount of scrub to damp skin, massage in gentle circular motions. Does it need to be washed off? Necessarily! Wash off the scrub with warm water, rinse with cool.
Scrubs contain exfoliating particles and ingredients that moisturize the skin.
Belly and décolleté
Feet
Go harder: apply the product, knead your feet well and massage them in a circular motion. Yes, it will be ticklish, but you have to be patient.
Legs, hands
Among other things, the scrub helps to avoid ingrown hairs and inflammation of the hair follicles (for example, in the armpits). After scrubbing (this applies to all areas), thoroughly rinse off the remnants of the product, pat the skin dry with a towel and apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream. Never use body scrubs on your face as they can be too harsh on less dense skin than your body.
How often should you use a body scrub?
How to choose a scrub
A classic body scrub is a product with a creamy, gel-like or even dough-like texture and abrasive particles – natural or artificial. Manufacturers add hard (crushed nuts, apricot kernels, sugar and sea salt crystals) and soft silicone particles to it – everything that mechanically exfoliates dead cells and properly cleanses the skin. Important: a soft scrub is more useful and pleasant to use. But without hard means you won’t save your knees, elbows, heels – they simply won’t take soft scrubs from them.
Anti-cellulite scrubs are made from a different test. They, of course, also have abrasive microgranules, but in general they do not cleanse the skin so much as warm it up or cool it down – this helps to achieve a lifting effect.
In addition to abrasive particles, scrubs add:
oils (olive, linseed, jojoba) that soften, moisturize and smooth the skin;
zinc, allantoin, panthenol, soothing the skin;
anti-aging components – first of all, vitamin E, tea extract and other antioxidants. Such scrubs do not just even out the skin relief, they fight the effects of aggressive environmental factors – ultraviolet radiation, wind, temperature changes.
The best body scrubs
Body Scrub “Precious Beauty Scrub”, Garnier Thanks to the particles of the argan shell, it gently removes dead skin cells. Argan, almond, macadamia, rose oils soften the skin, make it soft and velvety.
Soft body scrub with the aroma of soy milk and honey Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish, Kiehl’s gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin without drying it out.
Soft scrub, La Roche Posay suitable for sensitive skin of the face and body, preserves the skin barrier.
Body Scrub Precautions
On the skin there are irritations, rashes, inflammations, abscesses, scratches – and in general any damage. The procedure can increase inflammation, provoke skin infection.
You have dry sensitive skin.
You suffer from hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (the procedure warms up the skin a lot, and you don’t need extra heat).
Scrub can be prepared at home – however, it will be inferior in effectiveness to ready-made products.
Scrubs are not recommended if you have:
dermatitis;
exacerbation of acne;
inflamed and irritated skin.
To treat excessively dry skin, the product must first be tested on a small area, after which it is imperative to apply a nourishing cream.