Experts break down some commonly asked questions about scrubs.
Your shower routine probably has all the basics covered: shampoo, conditioner, and sudsy body wash. zsv3207/Getty Images
What Is a Sugar Scrub?
A sugar scrub combines granulated sugar with moisturizing ingredientslike botanical oils and butterstocreate a gritty pasteor slush-like texture.
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Some formulas have additional ingredients, like essential oils, to add to the overall exfoliating experience.
The goal of sugar scrubs is to physically exfoliate skin.
Its applied directly onto your skin and gently rubbed to help buff away dead skin cells.
They can be used on all skin types and tones, including darker skin tones.
Step 1: Wet Your Skin
Sugar scrub should be applied to damp skin.
This reduces friction and prevents excessive exfoliation.
The pressure should be light to moderate, avoiding excessive force, Brown says.
Gentle, circular massaging helps ensure that the sugar granules effectively exfoliate the skin without causing irritation or damage.
Its OK to spend more time in some areas and less time in others.
This helps to lock in hydration and will make your skin softer all day long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use your sugar scrub before shavingnot after.
Sugar scrubs should be used after washing your body.
This ensures your skin is clean and prepared for exfoliation.
It also prevents you from completely washing away those rich moisturizing ingredients in your scrub.
Salt and sugar scrubs are nearly identical, but there are a few key differences.
They therefore pose a lower risk of over-exfoliating the skin, which can lead to irritation and skin damage.
Salt can also sting if you have any superficial wounds.
