How to body scrub your way to perfectly glowing skin

Our skin cell turnover starts to slow as we age, making exfoliation an important part of a glowing skincare routine.

Exfoliating not only washes away dead skin cells to leave your skin super-soft; it’s also the ideal preparation to assist better moisturiser, body treatment or self-tan absorption.

To get – and keep – your skin super-soft, aim to exfoliate once a week.

Here’s your guide to choose the best exfoliating regime for you:

How to use body scrubs

Salt or sugar scrubs have become popular body scrubs as they exfoliate every inch of the skin thoroughly – and the easiest place to use them is in the shower.

  • First, step into the shower, and wet your body.
  • Then turn the water off while you exfoliate – you want it on your skin, not trickling down the drain.
  • Scoop scrub into the palm of your hand and, using circular motions, rub firmly into your damp skin to create friction.
  • Start at your feet and work your way upwards to get a good circulatory boost.
  • Always massage towards the heart as this follows the blood circulation. The massaging action will improve blood and lymph circulation which helps bring nutrients to the skin cells and the removal of toxins.
  • Rinse off with warm water, and slather your body in a rich body moisturiser to protect and nourish your newly buffed skin.

DIY: How to make your own body scrub

This DIY recipe makes use of firming caffeine, nourishing sesame oil and purifying eucalyptus.

It makes 1.5 cups, enough for three treatments.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup finely grained sea salt
  • 1/2 cup finely ground coffee beans
  • 1/4 cup sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon (about 20 drops) eucalyptus essential oil

Method

  • In a small bowl, mix the salt, coffee, and sesame and eucalyptus oils.
  • Use the scrub in the shower while standing out of your showerhead’s reach.
  • Massage it into damp skin with long, firm, semicircular movements. Take your time in order to activate the ingredients.
  • Rinse well.

body scrubs

Body brushing

Not a fan of hopping in the shower with a body scrub?

Enter dry body brushing, a great non-messy way to exfoliate away dead skin cells, increase circulation and lymph flow.

Choose a soft large bristle brush and lightly brush in an upward direction from ankle to the back of the knee, then from knee to groin to the lymph nodes.

Always use light pressure with upward movements towards the heart, following with the hand.

How to use chemical exfoliants

Chemical exfoliants contain acids or enzymes, and when applied to your skin, gently dissolve the “glue” that cements dead skin cells together.

They not only work on the top layers of skin, they also penetrate the skin and dissolve the proteins that clog pores.

So despite sounding harsh, chemical exfoliants are actually gentler than physical exfoliators as they require no scrubbing and work gradually, making them perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Choose a body wash that contains a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid concentrate and use it as you would your regular body wash.

Written by Nikki Yazxhi.

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