Cerpa recommends using a soft, oil-based scrub made with sugar, oats or coffee up to three times per week. “This way, when you rinse the scrub off, the oil is left behind for natural moisturization,” she says. We love Shea Moisture Ground Coffee Scrub because it's gentle and moisturizing thanks to the added olive oil.
The pros: Shower loofahs offer many of the same benefits as washcloths. They can provide excellent body exfoliation, particularly when you struggle with dry skin in the winter months. Using loofahs in the shower can also enhance circulation and help encourage pores to expel oil and other impurities.
However, loofahs tend to have lots of little crevices where these microorganisms can hang out, so they could potentially have more bacteria, fungi, and viruses than washcloths, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
It all comes down to several basic rules of thumb: use a product that's appropriate for your skin and cleaning needs, wash your entire body (even between your toes) once per day, put your loofah or washcloth in a place where it can dry completely, don't use too much soap, wash with water that isn't too hot, and stick ...
Loofahs can become frayed and worn out over time, which can lead to the release of small particles into the water and onto your skin. Silicone scrubs, on the other hand, are much more durable and can last for several months or even years with proper care.
Perfectly prepped skin will enable your chosen scrub to work its magic. First up, you need to soak – either under the shower or in the bath. Skin should be damp to get the full benefit of exfoliation, plus a warm temperature will help to open your pores and soften the surface of your skin.
The straightforward answer is after. While people have often tried using it before, it is not with the best results. Soap tends to clean out dead skin cells, debris, dirt, and oils, which means they don't really have much to do after a body scrub. In fact, they act as a base to prepare the body for a body scrub.
When exfoliating your body, stick to physical exfoliants like sugar, salt, and coffee grounds. Try to exfoliate your body at least once every 10 days. If you have sensitive skin, one to two times a week is a better frequency. If your chest and back are on the oily side, exfoliate three to four times a week if possible.
Use your scrubbing tool to gently move along your bikini line in a small circular motion to remove dead skin cells that may be clogging up the pores. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the area. Allow the exfoliate to sit on your skin for up to 3 minutes.
The “black stuff” when you rub your skin is nothing but dead cells, dirt and surface grime. It comes off due to friction caused by rubbing your skin.
"Gentle leg exfoliation can reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and make shaving easier and less traumatic," she says. Finally, combine your exfoliation with a massage to help boost circulation and reduce leg swelling. Alster says that, in general, good circulation improves skin surface color, texture, and function.
Best practice is to exfoliate before shaving, rather than after. That's because, as Gallo explains, “Exfoliating removes dirt and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which keeps your skin clean, unclogs your pores and helps you achieve a closer shave.
If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.
Can body scrub be used as a body wash? No, it can't. While scrubs and body wash are both great for the skin, you cannot use them interchangeably. The main difference between a body scrub and body wash is the effective body scrub ingredients that act as dead skin removers.
What Should You Apply After Using A Face Scrub? Apply a gentle moisturizer after using the face scrub. Make sure that your face is slightly damp when you apply the moisturizer. Damp skin helps the moisturizer to get deep into your skin and provide the maximum amount of benefits.
Ways to Exfoliate Your Legs at Home
You do it on dry skin, without water or any product. You can start at your ankles and work your way up your body, moving the brush upward in long, fluid strokes. If you have sensitive spots on your legs, avoid the area or lightly reduce the pressure you're applying to the brush.
To exfoliate, use a loofah to apply a body scrub to your underarms and scrub gently. If you have sensitive skin you can use your facial cleanser to exfoliate your underarms. Do this twice a week for smoother underarms.
Not necessarily, although they do offer gentle exfoliation which can help with cleansing. We have already discussed some of the benefits of washcloths in this article. It is important to understand that at the end of the day, choosing a washcloth, loofah, or just using a bar of soap is a personal choice.
Silicone Body Scrubber
A silicone body scrubber is a great option for those concerned about bacteria in loofahs. The silicone material is super easy to clean and limits bacteria, and it can even be boiled clean for an even deeper clean.
The silicone scrubber is great as it grabs the dirt and draws them out of your pores. In fact, it is also helpful in the next steps of your skincare regime as it exfoliates your skin and makes it easier for the actives that you put on your face, easier to penetrate into your skin.
For most people, body exfoliation 2–3 times each week is enough to keep your skin in top condition. To exfoliate properly, make sure the water in your shower is warm—this will help open your pores. Then, gently scrub your exfoliating body scrub in circles over your skin.