What are Scrubs
From the outside, it may seem that all scrubs are the same and perform identical work each of them has its characteristics and its unique composition. Scrubs are on an oil, cream, or gel basis and have an abrasive in their composition. It can be ground fruit seeds, sea salt, as well as fruit acids. It is these components that perform the main function – deep cleansing of the skin. The abrasive in each scrub has its support group, aimed at solving a specific skin problem. These assistants, exfoliants, are divided into several types according to their functions:
Anti-cellulite
An anti-cellulite scrub is a kind of “universal soldier” that not only helps to strengthen the skin, and increase its firmness and elasticity, but also stimulates lipolysis, reduces swelling, and improves microcirculation. For these purposes, scrubs include components such as caffeine, niacinamide (vitamin B3), extracts of horse chestnut, Asian Centella, Ginkgo Biloba, seaweed, and essential oils. With such a scrub, it is best to massage problem areas. This “charging” for the skin increases its elasticity and firmness and, by the way, can help in the prevention of another problem – stretch marks. In tandem with a scrub, it is best to use creams for stretch marks and anti-cellulite products.
For silky skin
The peculiarity of such a scrub is the presence of active moisturizing components in the composition, for example, essential oils, and plant extracts. But for the skin to be as tender as that of a child, it is necessary to additionally apply moisturizing, nourishing, soothing creams, or body lotions. Since it is after using the scrub that the components from other products will be better perceived by the skin. The feeling of lightness and freshness will remain for a long time after exfoliation with a scrub. Especially if it has a pleasant aroma and consistency of berry jam. Here are the top three body scrubs that will be discussed one by one.
Non-abrasive
This scrub is designed for sensitive or very dry skin, whose pampered nature does not tolerate rough abrasive. In such peels, it is replaced by AHA acids or enzymes. A non-abrasive scrub is more gentle on the skin, AHA acids and enzymes dissolve dead skin cells without friction. True, sometimes you can find combined products that have both an abrasive and acids in their composition, which additionally levels its surface.
In tandem with them, various components act, depending on what type of skin the product is designed for: for dry and sensitive skin, these can be nourishing, soothing components (for example, vegetable oils, bisabolol), in the case of normal skin – moisturizing and refreshing ( allantoin, aloe vera extract, menthol), absorbent and sebum-regulating ingredients (kaolin, plant extracts, etc.) can be added to products for oily and combination skin.
Why does body skin need a scrub?
The upper layer of the epidermis is not always freed from dead cells in time, and this makes the skin look dull. But it can do exfoliation sessions, and the new skin becomes velvety and shiny. And all because of scrubs:
- Free the skin from the layer of dead cells.
- Stimulating blood circulation in capillaries.
- Provides tissue saturation with oxygen.
- Improve skin’s perception of beneficial substances that make up care products.
Facial scrubs are not suitable for the skin of the body – they are too delicate. Conversely, exfoliants intended for the body should not be used on the face – delicate skin can be injured.
Composition features
The main working component of any scrub is abrasive particles. Most often, body exfoliants contain mechanical abrasives of natural or synthetic origin:
- Crushed apricot, almond, raspberry, grape, kiwi, and blackberry seeds.
- Crystals of sugar and sea salt.
- Silicone, polyethylene, cellulose granules.
- Loofah particles.
More gentle exfoliation formulas may be based on acids or enzymes. Scrubs differ not only in the abrasive composition but also in the base.
A separate type is scrub-paste ubtanami or ubtan. This is an Ayurvedic mixture, which is prepared from nuts, oils, herbs, and chickpeas ground together with the shell. Ideally – take into account the characteristics of your skin.
In addition, the formula of good scrubs includes caring ingredients, such as:
- Oils, vitamins, minerals.
- Plant extracts.
- Lipids
- Active substances (caffeine, adenosine).
How the scrub works
Similarly to liberating the pores and skin from lifeless cells, modern-day products carry out other duties:
1. Stimulate cell regeneration.
2. Massage.
3. Even out the relief of the skin.
4. Nourish and moisturize.
5. Prepare the pores and skin for the application of the cream, thereby growing its effectiveness.
Types of body scrubs
Scrubs differ from each other in different parameters, for example:
- The richness of composition.
- The presence of oils – vegetable and essential.
- Size and origin of exfoliating particles.
- The presence of “useful additives” in the form of vitamins, antioxidants, draining, and tonic components.
However, according to the purpose, the division of scrubs is rather arbitrary.
Cleaning
Any scrub is cleansing, as it rids the skin of impurities, excess sebum, and dead cells. Formulas that emphasize cleansing properties use a foaming base, sometimes with the addition of acids and a small dose of oils.
Pull-up
The scrub will not tighten the skin, but it is quite within its power to create conditions for subsequent modeling care. Caffeine is added to these scrubs. Scrubbing is recommended to be combined with massage – that is, apply it with active circular movements. And not just according to the “anointed and washed off” scheme.
How to choose a body scrub
The rule of thumb:
The thicker and rougher the base of the leather, the larger the abrasive debris can be. Also, remember your piercings and skin type.
1. For ordinary to oily pores and skin, gel textures and clay are of the highest quality.
2. For thin dry skin – oil scrubs with a pleasant abrasive. After them, you cannot practice the cream, but we nonetheless endorse you to do it, extra moisturizing has by no means afflicted each person.
3. For the neckline and touchy pores and skin at risk of allergies, exfoliants with smooth synthetic granules, plant enzymes, or loofah portions are suitable.
Rules for using a body scrub
Use a body scrub weekly, for oily skin up to twice a week.
1. The pores and skin at the frame differ markedly relying on its vicinity, so each place needs unique care.
2. Earlier than applying the scrub, you need to no longer best stand below water, however also cleanse the frame of ordinary surface contaminants, in any other case the product will not be able to affect the pores and skin itself.
3. It’s far advocated to perform the technique in the evening or earlier than going to the mattress so that the pores and skin have time to get better overnight.
4. Do not practice the scrub without delay with your arms, in any other case the skin on the fingers might be exposed to the acute effect of the entire mass of the product which you use for the frame.
5. For comfy and handy scrubbing, it’s far better to use a rubdown glove or sponge, with the intention to now not only guard your hands but also boom the massage effect.
6. The stays of the scrub need to be thoroughly washed off, after which lightly blot the body with a towel.
Life hacks for use
- If you are going on vacation and want to come back with a nice, even tan, exfoliate a few days before you leave.
- Returning from the holidays, repeat the procedure: this is how you renew your tan – remove the gray coating (the very stratum corneum) that appears on the skin.
- Self-tanning will also lie more evenly if you first exfoliate.
- Traveling through Southeast Asia, India, and the south of the Mediterranean, visit a good spa – they do a fantastic peeling and then an oil massage.
Body scrub at home: recipes
There are many body scrub recipes. And you can always come up with your own. You only need two main ingredients.
- Scrubbing particles such as coffee, sugar, and salt.
- Fatty base, e.g. butter, cream, sour cream.
Stretch Mark Scrub
Of course, you won’t get rid of stretch marks with a scrub, but it can be an important part of your skincare routine.
Mix fine sea salt and heavy cream, and apply with massage movements to problem areas. Wash off with water.
Cellulite Scrub
Caffeine is a well-known component of anti-cellulite products. You can safely massage your thighs and buttocks with a coffee scrub. Mix ground coffee or coffee grounds with coconut oil. Apply to dry or damp skin in circular motions.
Scrub for skin elasticity
Mix sugar (white or brown) with olive oil, and add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil. Apply to wet skin while showering, and rinse thoroughly. Olive oil nourishes the skin and “seals” moisture in it.
Cleansing scrub
Citrus juice has an exfoliating effect, which means it will promote intensive skin cleansing. You can add lemon juice to any base mix. For example, sugar, coconut, or olive oil, plus a couple of spoons of honey – and your scrub is ready.
Moisturizing scrub
Mix a banana with brown sugar for a delicious scrub that will soften your skin. Mix a handful of crushed almonds with half an avocado and olive oil – this is a very gentle scrub as the almond particles are not coarse and they release oil during application. Vitamin E-rich avocado and skin-friendly olive oil will fight dryness.
When not to use?
Scrubs are mostly use for face cleansing and removing the dust particles on your face. Of course, scrub, like any cosmetic product, has its contraindications. The following cases when you should not use Scrub are present in the given below:
This product is not in the presence of dermatological diseases. It is also not use in the presence of infectious rashes, all kinds of inflammation, ulcers, wounds, and scratches. This product is not helpful when you use self-tanning or brightening cosmetics (may cause pigmentation). It does not use when you had surgery (a scrub will interfere with the normal healing of scars). When you are going to do a chemical peel (preliminary scrubbing can irritate the skin so much that a burn or inflammation forms after peeling) the scrub gets off.
