Body Scrubs
Body
scrubs are an essential item to have in the bath or shower for exfoliating the skin. Nobody should be without one, especially come winter when dry skin is a common malady affecting even the best of us. The drier the skin gets, the more likely it is to flake and that's where a scrub comes into play. Use it on your feet, knees, elbows and any other rough spot on your body, but avoid using them on your face by getting a separate, milder
facial scrub designed for delicate skin.
Choosing a Scrub
# '''Ignore price tags'''. It doesn't matter whether you spend $5 or $50 on a scrub. The only thing that matter is what it has in it. For the majority of people, a basic cleansing scrub is perfectly suitable for daily use. If you do find yourself faced with a high-priced scrub, check the ingredients list to see what it really has to offer. If it's worth it, spending the extra cash may be worth it, especially if the product has a great texture or smell.
# '''Choose your grain'''. Scrubs come in all intensity levels, from a mild synthetic scrub consisting of tiny, symmetrical particles to a very coarse grain scrub that mimics the effects of a pumice stone. For tough skin, choose a tougher scrub, and vice versa for more delicate skin. Those with acne or sensitive skin should always opt for a moderately mild scrub so as to not irritate the skin and promote a breakout or rash.
# '''Consider scents'''. Fruity? Floral? Nutty? Sweet? Earthy? Scrubs can smell like just about anything. The problem arises though when you step out of the shower and are followed around all day by the pungent smell of fruit salad, or a pastry, or dirt. Everyone has their preference and it's not always easy to fall in love with a scrub if it doesn't smell the way you'd like. If you can, always give the scrub a sniff before committing.
Scrub Types
Scrubs can be of the bare-bone variety consisting mainly of exfoliating particles and emollients or they may also contain cleansing agents. If you use a scrub in addition to your cleansing routine, you don't need to have any added detergent agents, but if you use a scrub in place of a body wash or shower gel, it should contain some sort of cleanser.
* '''Sugar & Salt'''
** This type of scrub usually has a somewhat oily base and coats the skin with a type of nourishing film similar to baby oil.
** Those who wish to exit the shower feeling squeaky clean may find this type of scrub less attractive.
** Between sugar and salt, salt is usually more abrasive and most effective for intense exfoliation.
* '''Nutshells & Pumice'''
** Very coarse grains (often made with ground fruit pits or shells) are great for sloughing off tough calluses around the heels or balls of the feet.
** These are usually the heaviest scrubs available and are best if you have very dry and/or cracked skin on the feet or elsewhere. If you have less damaged footsies, don't wreak more havoc on them then needed. Pick a foot scrub with synthetic grains and perhaps some salicylic acid, which will promote smoother skin through chemical exfoliation.
* '''Salicylic Acid'''
** Salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliator, can be used on all parts of the body since it is milder and also effective against acne.
** It goes without saying that these gentler scrubs will usually not suffice on the feet for any visible results if you have lots of rough spots.
** Great after shaving to help remove any flakes that the razor didn't catch, and before applying
sunless tanner in order to get more even coverage and less streaks.
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International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
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NL: Bodyscrub Shopgids
