It may be obvious, but any beauty buff worth their salt knows that good body scrubs or exfoliators are one of the quickest and the easiest routes to soft, glowy, healthy skin.
A gentle exfoliation can help speed things along and polish away scaly skin in favour of some good old-fashioned smoothness. And, if you’re looking to keep hold of a long-lasting, even tan for longer (whether fake or natural), a decent scrub will see off rough skin and boost circulation for supremely soft, naturally glowing skin.
Why do we need a body scrub?
Technically, our body kind of scrubs itself – naturally, our skin turns over its cells regularly, shedding old dead cells to reveal shiny fresh new ones. But when dead cells hang about for longer than they’re needed (a very normal occurence), it can lead to dull-looking skin, clogged pores – which can result in build-up and breakouts – and ingrown hairs.
What are the benefits of a body scrub?
“Body scrubs and exfoliators are a great way to help achieve soft silky skin,” confirms facialist and skin expert, Michaella Bolder. “Using a body exfoliator will work to buff away dead skin cells, stimulate blood flow and aid lymphatic drainage leaving your skin feeling smooth, soft and with a more even-looking skin tone. They can also help to prevent ingrowing hairs and unclog pores to improve your overall skin condition,” she adds.
Is a physical or chemical exfoliator better?
As with facial exfoliators, we have options when it comes to how to polish our bod. You can choose between physical exfoliators, like body scrubs, body brushes, loofahs and exfoliating gloves or chemical exfoliants, like lactic acid or glycolic acid.
“Typically chemical exfoliators are gentler than physical scrubs,” says Michaella. “The reason for this is a physical exfoliator scratches the surface of the skin to lift off dead skin cells and a chemical exfoliator works to dissolve the bond of dead cells. I advise clients with more sensitive or acne prone skin to opt for a chemical exfoliator as they will be less forceful,” she adds. This tends to mean body washes or moisturisers containing AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) that lift away dead skin cells the same way a brightening face mask would.
“I would typically choose my scrub depending on my desired result or my skin’s needs,” says Michaella. “For example I would use a chemical exfoliator for weekly use or when I may be experiencing clogged pores (especially the back area) but then would look to use a physical scrub before shaving or tanning to really buff away dead skin cells and leave my skin feeling silky smooth,” she says.
How and when should I use a body scrub?
Balance is key to avoid damaging or stripping your skin. “A body scrub isn’t something you would use everyday as this would be of detriment to the skin’s barrier function. I would recommend using a body scrub 2-3 times a week during your shower, either in the morning or evening and particularly if you’re planning on applying fake tan,” says Michaella. “I also love to use a body scrub as a part of my routine both pre and post holiday. It really helps to maintain a tan and leaves skin feeling supple, healthy and hydrated,” she adds.
What body exfoliators should I use?
Whether it’s the dermatologist-approved Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum Body Scrub (which has been formulated with Amazonian guarana seeds to buff away impurities) or Ameliorate’s trending Skin Smoothing Exfoliator (it uses lactic acid, a chemical exfoliant, to gently buff away dead cells), or a polishing exfoliating glove, we’ve rounded up the best body exfoliators to know below…
After more skincare content? Shop our edits of body moisturisers and body lotions, body washes, facial serums (including vitamin C serum) and the best gradual tanner.