There's a right way to use a body scrub. And if you haven't tried dry brushing, here's how.
Exfoliating is the key to soft, fresh skin. Body scrubs have long been the go-to way to exfoliate, but the beauty industry game is always changing. Now we've got body polishes, and the age-old practice of dry brushing has hit the mainstream in recent years. Here's what you need to know about body scrubs, body polishes, and dry brushes.
Body Scrub vs. Body Polish
Body scrubs use grainy ingredients like sugar or oats to slough off dead skin and reveal the smoothness and radiance beneath. They're popular for a reason—you can see and feel the results immediately. Fine, soft grains are better than anything too sharp or jagged, as the latter may leave little tears in the skin. Microbeads are also on their way out since they're notorious for polluting the oceans and rivers.
Body polishes are relatively new to the market. They're pretty much the same as body scrubs, but some formulations are gentler since the beauty industry is trending toward nourishing ingredients like oils, clays, and coffee grounds. "Body polish" is mostly a marketing term, but it can feel brand new. And anything that gets you excited about skincare and self-care is a good thing.
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How to Apply a Body Scrub
For the best results, make sure you're scrubbing correctly. Here are some tips:
Scrub before you shave. This helps remove dead skin cells so you can get a cleaner, smoother shave.
What Is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing might seem novel but it's actually an ancient Ayurvedic technique. Also known as skin brushing, it involves taking a special tool called a dry brush—which typically has a long wooden handle and stiff, natural bristles—and massaging your entire body with it from your feet up. The benefits?
Here's how to do it:
Whether you're faithful to your favorite scrub or curious about body polishes and dry brushes, exfoliating is a loving act of self-care. Enjoy.