Your shower routine probably includes all the basics, like shampoo conditioner and body wash that makes bubbles But a fourth step in this routine, an old-fashioned sugar scrub can really help your skin stay hydrated and look better overall. We’re going to talk about what sugar scrubs are and why you need one in the shower, as well as how to use one correctly with tips from an experienced skincare expert.
What exactly is a sugar scrub?
A sugar scrub is a gritty paste or slush that is made by mixing granulated sugar with moisturizing ingredients like botanical oils and butters. Some formulas have extra ingredients like essential oils, that make the exfoliating process even better.
The purpose of sugar scrubs is to remove dead skin cells You put it directly on your skin and rub it in gently to help get rid of dead skin cells. This makes your skin look smoother, softer, and brighter and it can even help your skin tone look more even.
Olay Retinol24 Night Cream Offer: Popular Wrinkle-Smoothing Moisturizer Now Available on Amazon
Ginille Brown, an esthetician and aesthetic nurse practitioner in Los Angeles says, “One of my favorite benefits is that exfoliated skin better absorbs skincare products, like moisturizers and serums They work on all skin types and tones, even darker skin tones.”
How to Use a Sugar Scrub the Right Way
Sugar scrubs are easy to use, but there are some tips and rules to keep in mind The most important rule is to be very gentle and not press the granules too hard into your skin or rub them for too long. Brown says that too much or too harsh exfoliation can cause pain and even post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Step 1: Get your skin wet
You should use sugar scrub on skin that is already wet This cuts down on friction and keeps too much exfoliation from happening.
Step 2: Get the Right Amount
Brown says that a quarter-sized amount is usually enough for the face, but a bigger amount may be needed for bigger body parts like the arms and legs.
Byoma Brightening Eye Gel Review: Cooling Formula Helps Reduce Puffiness and Tired Looking Eyes
She says, “You can change the amount based on what you like and what your skin needs A big glob might be too much; you can probably do the job with less, which will make your scrub last longer.”
Step 3: Give it a few minutes of massage
For about one or two minutes, gently rub the scrub into your skin in circles. Brown says The pressure should be light to moderate, and you shouldn’t use too much force. “Massaging in small circular motions helps make sure that the sugar granules exfoliate the skin without hurting or irritating it.”
It’s fine to spend more time in some places and less time in others. Brown says that sugar scrubs work best on places with rough or dry skin like your knees, elbows, and heels You may not need as much in places where the skin is naturally smooth or where it is thinner like on your upper chest or the undersides of your arms.
Face Cream Users Look Younger: Viral Moisturizer Review Shows Dramatic Skin Hydration Results
Step 4: Use warm water to rinse
Brown says you don’t have to let it sit for a long time. So, after you’ve finished exfoliating, rinse the sugar scrub off with warm water. She says Rinsing right away makes sure that the exfoliation works and stops any irritation that could happen if the scrub is left on for too long.
