EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUBS: DO YOU REALLY NEED TO USE ONE?

Whether you need a good scrub or just a light exfoliation, there’s many different options to control how much skin you slough.

But, do you reeeeally need to use an exfoliating body scrub on your rig?

When it comes to exfoliating scrubs, there are in fact two types. “The most commonly used scrubs are ‘mechanical’, which work predominately on the top layer of the skin,” says skin expert, Joanna Newham. “Generally, these are made from ingredients such as sugar, salt and nut granules or round plastic particles.” These are the types you can even whip up in your kitchen at home.

The other type of exfoliant is ‘chemical’ – also known as a Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA). Newham explains, “An AHA works with other ingredients in a liquid or cream form such as lactic, citric and glycolic acids to exfoliate deeper than just the top layer of the skin.” In a nutshell, they work to break down the glue that keeps the dead skin cells stuck together. “A BHA works very much the same as a AHA but is known only as salicylic acid.  These are generally the beauty products you find in beauty salons and spas and are sold through qualified skin therapists.”

The health benefits of using a body scrub is unparalleled: smoother, refined skin and probably most interesting, a higher indication of a skin abnormality. “When dead skin cells have been removed, the skin shows more visibly to the eye if there are any irregular moles, skin tags, sun spots lurking underneath.”

Whether you prefer mechanical to chemical, the best way to apply either forms of exfoliant is to apply onto dry to the skin and gently rub it all over using your hands or a dry brush. Remember: be gentle, people, gentle! Scrubbing your skin should never hurt. Once you’re covered, rinse off.

Wondering how often you should be sloughing off dead skin? “Once a week,” advises Newham. However, Newham is quick to add, “Please refrain from using any scrub on skin that is sun burnt, and always seek medical advice for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and irritated skin. Lastly, when using any product with active ingredients such as AHAs or BHAs, professional advice should always be sought.”

To help you pick the best of the bunch, we’ve rounded up some of our favouite mechanical scrubs below so you can get glowing pronto.

Do you use a body scrub?

What’s your favourite?

[responsive imageid=’12094′ size1=’0′ size2=’641′ size3=’1024′]

[responsive imageid=’12095′ size1=’0′ size2=’641′ size3=’1024′]