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How To Use Exfoliating Body Scrub

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How To Use Exfoliating Body Scrub

If you’re looking for a radiant and youthful all-over glow, using a body scrub is the way to go. 

Exfoliation isn’t just for the face. Incorporating a quality body scrub into your body care routine is a guaranteed beauty boost.

Though the skin naturally sheds dead cells and clears the path for newer younger cells to make their way to the surface, it never hurts to provide an extra nudge. Speeding along this skin cell turnover can take skin from dull and dry to luminous and lovely.

Given the fact that our bodies’ natural skin cell turnover rate -  or skin cycle - slows down as we age, it’s even more important to pitch in. 

If you have flaky or dry skin, you can do many things to help heal it. From body scrubs to body butter, your skin care ritual may need a reset.

We’ll go through all the steps for how to use an exfoliating body scrub, but first, let's look at the different methods of exfoliation.

See Related: What Is The Best Oil For Dry Skin?

Two ways to exfoliate

There are two types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. 

Physical exfoliation involves manually sloughing off dead skin cells from the surface of the body with a scrub, brush, or other textured product. The grainy ingredients that get the job done can include coffee grounds, jojoba beads, sugar, and salt, just to name a few. 

Some physical exfoliants have gotten a bad rap, and with good reason. Crushed apricot seeds or walnut powder can be too abrasive for some folks, and plastic microbeads were banned in beauty products due to their negative impact on the environment. However, some companies still sneak them into products, so always check that label.

Most body scrubs contain some kind of physical exfoliant, and may have a chemical or enzymatic exfoliant as well.

Sugar scrubs and coffee scrubs are two examples of physically exfoliating scrubs

Chemical exfoliants use fruit acids or enzymes to break apart and dissolve dead skin cells. Of the fruit acids, there are two subtypes, namely alpha-hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), like glycolic acid, are water-soluble and won’t sink so deep into the skin, but they do break down bonds between dead skin cells.

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid, work well for oily skin and acne-prone skin since they’re oil-soluble. They penetrate the pores, clearing out that mix of sebum and dead cell build-up. 

Some skincare products and scrubs use enzymes to gently dissolve dead skin cells. These enzymes can be derived from fruits such as papaya, apple, and pineapple. This type of exfoliation is ideal for sensitive skin types since it is non-abrasive and generally won’t cause irritation.  

Now, here are the 7 steps to follow so you can use a body scrub to buff your body beautiful.

1. Soak or wet your skin

You can make your bath time that much better with a body scrub. Not only does it feel refreshing to do away with dirt and dead cells, it actually helps smooth your skin and makes it softer to the touch. 

Whether you plan to soak in the tub before you scrub, or stand and buff your body in the shower, you’ll need to have damp skin before applying most exfoliating products. 

If you use warm water, you’ll also help open up those pores for a more thorough cleaning. Be careful not to turn the temperature up too high, though. Extended exposure to hot water can dry your body out and also do damage to your hair.

Though a blast of hot water can feel nice on sore muscles or warm you up on a cold day, you really do want to take it easy and tend toward more tepid temps. Otherwise, you risk stripping the skin of its natural fats and oils. A warm bath or shower should suit your skin just fine.

And if you want to try finishing up your shower with a burst of cold water, many folks find that refreshing. 

2. Apply body scrub to your skin

The second step is getting that body scrub on your body. Place a generous amount of your scrub into your hands. Then spread it everywhere you want to see softer skin. 

From your neck and shoulders down to your feet, make sure you’ve got yourself covered. Pay special attention to those rough patches.

Areas like your elbows, knees, heels, and hands can be particularly dry or flaky, so be sure to spread the love. If you are planning to use a body scrub in the shower, just be careful when you apply it on your feet, since things can get slippery on those surfaces.

If you’re searching for an especially energizing body scrub, you needn’t look any further. JUARA Invigorating Coffee Scrub will refresh and revitalize your skin. 

The Sumatra coffee bean is native to Indonesia and has been used in spa treatments to make skin soft and smooth. The coffee grounds get rid of dead cells on the surface, doing away with dull skin.

The aroma awakens your senses as it cleanses and brightens skin. If you incorporate this body scrub in your skin care routine, it may also minimize your cellulite concerns. You'll see smooth skin all over. 

Perfumed oils and natural scents contribute to long lasting fragrance as can essential oils

The Invigorating Coffee Scrub also contains calming rice protein and sulfate-free coconut cleansing agents.

Coconut oil is rich in healthy fats and vitamins E and A that deliver much-needed moisture deep into dry skin. These nutrients also help minimize early signs of aging, giving you younger-looking, beautiful skin.

Rice bran oil and rice starch have been used for centuries to address rough areas of the body and calm stressed skin. Even chronic skin issues like eczema can improve with continued use of this gentle ingredient.

When you twist off the lid of this luscious body scrub, be sure to stir it so the liquid and coffee grounds are mixed together. Then you can apply it over your entire body and begin the beautifying, exfoliating process.

3. Rub it in and ditch those dead skin cells

The next step in body exfoliation is massaging the product in.

But wait! Before you begin massaging in the body scrub, see if there are any special instructions on the label. Some facial and body scrubs have enzymes or other chemicals that can take a moment to achieve the full exfoliation effect.

For example, JUARA Radiance Enzyme Scrub can be used as a scrub or mask. As a mask, you leave it on a little longer. Either method will remove dead skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin, but the process is slightly different, with a greater or lesser level of intensity.

For enzymes to soak into the skin completely - better dissolving the bonds between dead cells and clearing dirt from pores - you should leave the product on 2-3 minutes prior to gently rubbing it in and rinsing it off.

The tingling sensation you'll feel are the apple enzymes at work.

The Radiance Enzyme Scrub boasts skin-brightening ingredients like ginger, vitamin C, cinnamon, and clove flower. These help diminish dark spots and give you that glow. This scrub also improves circulation, creating a healthier-looking complexion.

All skin types can benefit from this scrub. This formula also uses bamboo and jojoba beads to gently exfoliate, remove surface debris, and polish the skin

Nourishing candlenut rounds out this Jamu-inspired recipe that improves skin tone and gives you a gorgeous glow. It sends you off with perfectly-prepped skin to soak up a serum, second face mask, or moisturizing cream.

So, keeping all of the above in mind with regard to reading the instructions on the product label, the third step, when you use a body scrub or face scrub, is to rub the product over your skin.

Use massaging motions to address areas of concern, like those rough patches we alluded to earlier. Those bendy bits - the elbows, knees, ankles, and such - always seem to be slightly drier.

With gentle, circular motions, you'll slough off what no longer serves you. Taking away that top layer of dead skin cells will speed along the skin renewal cycle.

Of course, there's no need to be too tough with yourself. Gentle, slow, and steady wins the race to smooth skin.

Bonus: What Are Bags Under The Eyes?

4. Rinse skin gently to remove the rest of the body scrub

Now you can rinse off the body scrub with lukewarm water. Continue using a circular motion with your fingers to remove the excess exfoliating particles from your body.

Sometimes when you use a body scrub, you'll notice an immediate improvement in texture as you run your fingers across your freshly-scrubbed skin.

If your particular skin concern is roughness or dryness, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see how much a body scrub can do for you.

5. Shaving is best done after body scrubs

Regular exfoliation will help reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs. Even just one use of an exfoliating body scrub can dislodge stubborn hair from follicles.

Immediately after a full body scrub is an ideal time to shave. You can opt to use body scrubs solely on the areas you plan to shave.

Exfoliating before shaving is often recommended

It's easier to remove hair from your body if you also remove additional debris from the surface. Consider exfoliating if only for this reason. Then, use body wash or shaving cream, and shave as you normally would.

You can use body scrubs for exfoliating your body, or you can try a technique called dry brushing.

Dry brushing generally involves the use of a brush with a long wooden handle and natural bristles. You are supposed to use long, gentle strokes from the direction of your feet towards the heart.

This technique is thought to boost circulation. If you have sensitive skin, or sensitive areas on your body, it may be best to avoid this practice.

On a side note, an exfoliating body scrub can also help with the removal of self-tanner. So, if it's time to return to your natural shade, or you're not happy with how an application of tanning lotion turned out, you can use a body scrub and exfoliate your worries away.

6. Pat your skin dry

After you've rinsed the exfoliating scrub from your body and shaved (or skipped that step), it's time to towel dry.

If your skin type is sensitive, then you'll want to take extra care to pat your body dry, as opposed to rubbing it too aggressively.

Sometimes we're in a hurry, or just don't think about taking it easy on our bodies. However, your skin care routine is an opportunity for self-care.

You've already exfoliated, so there's no further need to rub the towel back and forth across your body too harshly. Keep the moment mellow and enjoy the sensation of your freshly smooth skin.

If exfoliating body scrubs are part of your skincare routine be gentle drying off

7. Apply body lotion or body oil

Body scrubs prepare the skin to soak in moisturizer - like our turmeric eye cream - so don't let the opportunity pass. Give your dry skin a gift and spread on some body butter.

Most quality body scrubs will also contain hydrating ingredients. You should apply lotion immediately after stepping out of the bath or shower to add additional nourishment to the body and seal in that moisture.

You can go with a JUARA fan favorite and try JUARA Candlenut Body Creme. It's chock-full of skin-loving nutrients and natural botanicals that will heal and hydrate your skin.

Whether you're dealing with dry desert heat or the crisp cold winter, you can use body scrubs to boost circulation and keep skin supple and smooth. To get the full benefit of exfoliation, avoid overly abrasive ingredients and use quality skin care products like the ones from the JUARA collection highlighted above.

Now, go forth and exfoliate your way to more a more radiant skin care routine!

Oh - and if you're feeling industrious - there are always DIY scrub recipes available. While we'd still recommend our Invigorating Coffee Scrub over just about any alternative, here's one of many DIY options you can try: 

Keep Reading: Body Polishing: Your At-Home Guide To Glowing Skin

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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with western skincare science creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich, and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.