There’s a knack to buffing our bodies and it starts with knowing how to use exfoliating scrubs correctly. We’re all familiar with the hero exfoliator, but there may be some tweaks we can make to our routine to get the best out of our favourite scrubs – like knowing whether to use it wet or dry, making sure we don’t overdo it and getting across all the ways it can help our skin.
Beyond leaving skin smoother and softer, a good body scrub works harder than you’d think at getting glow and even tackling ingrown hairs (more on that below), so it’s worthy of a spot in your routine. Don’t be fickle, either. Body scrubs tend to get all the attention in summer when our skin is on show, but it’s as important in autumn and winter when our skin tends to feel drier and flakier (just make sure you follow it up with a body cream or oil). Truly, there’s nothing more luxurious than soft, cared-for skin through the colder months.
We spoke to master facialist and skincare expert, Michaella Bolder and dermatology GP and Kama Ayurveda’s skincare expert, Dr Pyal Patel, to answer some of the most common questions about how to use exfoliating scrubs.
Do you use body scrub before or after washing?
There’s an optimal order when applying body scrub and it begins with submerging skin. “I always recommend using a body scrub after the skin has had a few minutes to soften in warm water, either in the shower or bath,” says Michaella. “This allows dead skin cells to loosen up and enable the exfoliation solution to work more effectively,” she says. It also means that you don’t need to scrub vigorously, which is much gentler on skin.
What prep should you do beforehand?
A couple of extra prep steps can give you a much better exfoliation. “I like to incorporate a few things before using a body scrub,” notes Michaella. “I use a dry body brush all over gently to stimulate my blood and lymph flow. I also take this time to use a foot file to buff my feet as I like to use a scrub literally from head to toe. Then I wash my body with my favourite body wash, all while my skin is softening in warm water ahead of exfoliating with a scrub,” she says.
Is there anything to avoid doing beforehand?
For smooth skin, you’d think scrubs and shaving go hand in hand, but this isn’t exactly true. “I would avoid shaving before using a body scrub,” says Michaella. “Shaving and then buffing the skin can cause a very unhappy skin barrier and become sensitive, overstimulated and prone to irritation,” she explains.
As for shaving after using a body scrub. The double friction can again cause irritation, plus thick, emollient scrubs can also clog razors, meaning they don’t last as long and wont shave as well. “I avoid shaving on the same day if I can help it,” says Michaella. This gives your skin a bit of a break in between.
How to apply body scrub?
Take a generous amount and gently massage it into wet, softened skin. “Apply it with gentle circular movements rather than vigorous scrubbing, especially over rougher areas like the elbows, knees and heels,” recommends Dr Pyal.
How long should I leave body scrub on?
There’s no need to leave the scrub sitting on your skin. Once you’ve finished massaging it in, you can rinse it away immediately.
How often should I use a body scrub?
The biggest thing is, don’t get addicted. “It’s important not to over-exfoliate. Many people think doing it more is better, but excessive scrubbing can compromise the skin barrier,” says Michaella. “The ideal amount is to buff the skin 2-3 times a week. That’s more than enough to keep dead skin cells at bay,” she says.
