If we were to take a peek inside your bathroom cabinet right now, we’d probably come across at least one facial exfoliant that you reach for consistently—a face scrub, for example, or maybe an exfoliating toner. Most people are well aware of the myriad benefits of regular facial exfoliation, and these same benefits apply to body exfoliation, as well. Despite this, body scrubs are often treated as more of an occasional indulgence than a shower staple that should be used regularly. We’re here to change that.
Today, we’ll teach you about the body scrub benefits that should incentivize making exfoliation a mainstay in your regular body care routine. You’ll learn about our top exfoliation tips and discover how often to use an exfoliating body scrub for soft, glowing skin. Lastly, we’ll introduce you to our best body scrubs to incorporate into your routine, no matter your skin type. Read on for the scoop.
What Is a Body Scrub?
Body scrubs are a type of body care product used to help exfoliate your skin. There are many different types of body scrubs: Some only remove dead skin and other surface debris, while others clean the skin while they exfoliate (much like an exfoliating facial cleanser). How effective a scrub is depends on the exfoliants it contains. Scrubs with harsher abrasives, like sugar, tend to be more aggressive, while those made with synthetic microbeads or fine seed powders typically provide more gentle exfoliation. Generally, you want to reach for a formula that provides mild exfoliation, as super-harsh scrubs can strip your skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving you vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub
At Kiehl’s, we offer a few different types of exfoliating body scrubs. For gentle exfoliation, try our aptly-named Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub. The creamy cocoa butter-infused formula contains a blend of physical exfoliants, including volcanic perlite and crushed apricot seeds. It helps remove dead surface cells without over-drying the skin, leaving it feeling soft and velvety smooth. The classic formula is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, and it can be used daily as part of your regular shower routine.
Grooming Solutions Exfoliating Body Soap
If you prefer using bar soaps, try an exfoliating version, like our Grooming Solutions Exfoliating Body Soap. The lightly-fragranced bar soap contains volcanic pumice and crushed jojoba seeds as its physical exfoliants. It helps buff away dead skin while providing a thorough cleanse for skin that feels energized and invigorated. It’s suitable for all skin types and can be used as your primary body wash—just steer clear of using it on your face or any super-delicate areas that you don’t want to scrub.
Why Should You Use a Body Scrub?
The primary goal of exfoliating is to remove dead, dry surface skin cells and promote a smoother, more even skin texture. And while all exfoliants provide these benefits, physical exfoliants like scrubs work to slough dead skin instantly. Immediately after using a scrub, you’ll notice your skin feels softer and appears more radiant.
Body scrubs can also help unclog pores, improve the appearance of skin discolorations, and enhance skin clarity. And if you’re prone to ingrown hairs, body scrubs can help free those trapped hairs to minimize the appearance of razor bumps.
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Body?
There’s no set schedule for how often to use a body scrub: It depends on a range of factors, including the formula you use, your skin type, and your personal preferences. Mild body scrubs can generally be used every time you shower, but even giving yourself a good scrub-down once a week can help improve your skin’s texture and tone.
If you’re new to exfoliation, we recommend starting slow and building up use over time. It’s also wise to pay attention to the instructions on the particular scrub you’re using. With all of this said, you never want to exfoliate irritated, broken, or burned skin (so if you have a sunburn, let it heal before you bust out your scrub).
How Do You Use a Body Scrub?
To reap the most body scrub benefits, you need to know how to exfoliate properly. Keep reading for our simple three-step guide to exfoliating with a body scrub.
Step 1:
Lather Up With Your Favorite Kiehl’s Cleanser
If you’re using a body scrub, and not an exfoliating cleanser, you should start by washing your skin to remove dirt, oil, and other debris. We recommend using a mild liquid body wash, like Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser. The classic formula with aloe vera provides a gentle cleanse to refresh your skin. It’s available in four subtle scents and a range of sizes, including eco-friendly refillable pouches for those looking for a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic containers. Simply use the liquid wash to clean your skin from the neck down, allowing the gentle formula to work into a creamy lather. Once you’ve washed up, rinse off with lukewarm water, then proceed to the next step.
Step 2:
Scrub Away The Day
Next, reach for the body scrub of your choice. If you’re using a cream-based scrub, like Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish, you can use your hands to massage the gentle formula over your skin. The decadent body exfoliator rinses off easily, leaving your skin feeling supple, smooth, and primed for moisture.
If you’re using a solid scrub, like “Ultimate Man” Exfoliating Body Scrub Soap, we recommend gliding the bar over your skin with medium pressure (or light pressure, if you want super-gentle exfoliation). Then, rinse the suds off thoroughly with lukewarm water and complete the rest of your shower routine.
Step 3:
Towel Off and Moisturize Your Skin
Once you’ve finished showering, go ahead and dry off with a clean towel. Then, while your skin is still damp, smooth on a body lotion to help lock in moisture for soft, comfortable skin. Try our cult-classic Creme de Corps, made with cocoa butter and beta-carotene. The rich yet non-greasy formula sinks into the skin quickly, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated.
For those that like body oils, we have Creme de Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil. The unique formula sprays onto the skin in a fine mist and absorbs quickly without leaving behind any residue. The non-greasy formula is suitable for all skin types and can be used daily for skin that feels nourished, smooth, and soft.
Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish
