Few things can describe the satisfaction of scrubbing things. Whether it’s a burnt pan or tile grout, scrubbing and washing away to reveal shiny-as-new surfaces is an unrivaled delight. And the same goes for skin too!

We’re familiar with the term exfoliation, used mostly in conjunction with facial skin. Our skin is our largest organ, and it’s also constantly working. Skin cells are being constantly turned over, and regeneration happens all the time. However, as we age, the process starts slowing down, which is why we start noticing dry and rough skin or fine lines in our thirties. 

We know the answer to this – using a face scrub. However, the skin of our body is not immune to the passage of time! Body skin covers a much larger area but often gets very little attention compared to facial skin. Leaving dead skin cells on the surface of the skin can make skin dull and rough. It can also block pores and glands at the base of hair roots, causing ingrown hairs. 

While the skin generally takes care of its regeneration, a little help doesn’t hurt as we grow older. And this help comes in the form of body scrub. Body scrubs are a type of physical exfoliants made from granules in a liquid base. These granules offer the ‘scrubbing’ action by sloughing away dead skin cells.

Getting rid of those dead skin cells has a whole lot of benefits for you!

Here is a look at 6 reasons why body scrub is an essential part of your skincare.

  1. Softer Skin

What’s the obvious benefit of getting rid of dead skin cells? Soft and smooth skin! You’re basically giving your body a ‘facial’ with a body scrub that reveals new skin cells lying under the old ones. It’s not just dead skin cells that accumulate on our skin; impurities and pollutants also build-up. A scrub gets rid of all this and thoroughly cleanses the skin, leaving it super soft to touch. This is especially applicable to dry areas like elbows and knees. 

  1. Younger Looking Skin

Exfoliated isn’t just great to touch; it also looks good! Dead cells on the surface of skin give it a dull look, and when you get rid of them, skin instantly appears brighter and refreshed. Getting rid of impurities also reveals clearer skin. Since the body scrub is applied in massaging strokes, it boosts blood circulation, giving that natural radiance as more oxygen supply to the skin and cell turnover speed is improved.

  1. Detoxification

Body scrubs work more intensely than a body wash. The granules and other ingredients in the scrub help draw out all kinds of impurities and pollutants from the skin layers, along with dead skin cells. This kind of exfoliation promotes detoxification as the cells are cleared of all the bad stuff, and the skin appears visibly clearer. It also helps fight free radicals that cause premature aging. The massaging action also increases blood flow to the skin, which helps flush the toxins’ lymph nodes.

  1. Moisturization

Scrubbing and removal of dead skin cells open up the pores, making the skin more permeable. This means that applying any body lotion after this is much more effective. The body lotion is more readily absorbed and penetrates deeper. This effect can be observed almost instantly. Using a body scrub with the right ingredients also helps keep the skin hydrated and nourished.

  1. Blemish Prevention

Body scrubs improve your skin’s look and feel, but they also improve its health. As dead skin cells accumulate, they can block pores and cause breakouts, which can be hard to eliminate. It is the reason many people suffer from back acne and the like. Body scrubs prevent acne blemishes and reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. It also prevents ingrown hair and razor bumps. It also makes hair removal easier. 

  1. Stress Relief

There’s no doubt about it – massaging relieves stress! When it’s done with a body scrub that has a refreshing exfoliation along with a heavenly odor, your shower turns into a spa. All that increased blood circulation makes you feel great, and you can almost ‘feel’ cleaner inside out! 

Mamaearth Neem Body Scrub with Neem & Tulsi

We have the body scrub that is perfect if you need something to tackle excessive oily skin and feel nourished and clean without the oiliness. The hero ingredient here is Neem, used for centuries thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It keeps acne away and removes toxins from the skin, soothing any irritation or dryness.

Just like Neem, Tulsi or Holy Basil cleanses the skin by absorbing excess oil. Tulsi also possesses anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that fight infections that cause acne. Tulsi also has anti-aging properties that keep skin looking rejuvenated.

Walnut beads add the scrubbing element to this body scrub, getting rid of dead skin cells and other impurities, helping skin breathe and look fresh. Almond and apricot oils add to the skin nourishing properties of the scrub, ensuring moisturization.

Mamaearth Ubtan Body Scrub with Turmeric & Saffron

Ubtan is nothing new for us, although most of us associate it with facial skincare. However, Ubtan is just as effective as a body scrub. The main ingredient is Turmeric, true skin food and a powerful antioxidant. It makes skin glow from within and evens out the skin tone. Turmeric can also help reverse sun damage and reduce visible signs of aging.

Saffron is another classic skincare ingredient that offers natural vibrancy and makes skin look bright and young. Saffron also fights blemishes and dark spots while also soothing dry and irritated skin. Saffron also helps fight free radicals that cause premature aging.

Walnut beads are fine enough to exfoliate gently without hurting the skin. They are joined by essential oils like Lemon, Avocado, and Jojoba, which offer a host of nutrients to the skin, nourishing, and hydrating at the same time.

How to Use a Body Scrub?

  1. Start by rinsing the skin with water for about 5 minutes. Lukewarm water will help the scrub work better. 
  2. Turn off the water and start applying the scrub. Start at the feet and move up.
  3. Massage in circular motions, using gentle but firm pressure.
  4. Pay special attention to rough areas like the elbows and knees.
  5. When done, rinse off the scrub thoroughly.
  6. Follow up with a body lotion while the skin is still damp.   

It is recommended to use the body scrub once a week and gradually increase to twice or thrice a week. Always do a patch test on a small part of the body first, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts. Avoid over-exfoliating – it can damage the skin in the long run.

Please consult your doctor first if you have any skin condition. Avoid going out in the sun on the same day of exfoliation, as your skin will be more prone to sun damage. If you are stepping out, use adequate sun protection.