Sugar Scrubs
Exfoliating away dead skin cells reveals a fresher more radiant skin.
So, which one do you choose for a natural exfoliant, sugar scrub or a salt scrub?
The main difference between sugar particles and salt particles is the size of the exfoliating granule.
Sugar scrubs have smaller granules than salt and are best suited for sensitive skin.
While, salt scrubs are generally more abrasive because of their sharper edges and larger granules, therefore they do a better job at smoothing out the rough skin patches on the body.
Let’s take a deeper look into sugar scrubs!
Sugar-based body scrubs can potentially be used on the face as it’s more gentle. Due to the diameter and size of the granules, this means that any and all skin types can enjoy them.
Sugar scrubs are high in glycolic acid content, which helps protect the skin against harmful toxins.
This is vital for the maintenance of healthy skin and this glycolic acid works to both condition and moisturize.
Even the roughest and driest skin can benefit from sugar scrubs because sugar sizes come fine, medium and coarse. Sugar also has the benefit of melting as you use it from the heat of your own skin. It’s especially beneficial to your lips.
On to salt scrubs!
Most salt scrubs use sea salts which are natural purifiers that remove pore-clogging toxins.
They are also better for their therapeutic, mineralization benefits.
Salt scrubs help the skin to breathe easier, promote better circulation, tighten the skin and also improve skin texture. The various types of salt scrubs have different trace minerals, which include calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron.
It’s these minerals that stimulate circulation, reduce the inflammatory response and act as a detoxifying agent along with a general muscle relaxant. They are also super helpful for treating keratosis pilaris.
Keratosis pilaris is a common, autosomal-dominant, genetic condition of the skin’s hair follicles characterized by the appearance of possibly itchy, small, gooseflesh-like bumps, with varying degrees of reddening or inflammation
Which scrub should you use and where to use it
Body:
The skin on the body tends to be thicker and oftentimes much drier, so it is recommended that you turn to a salt scrub for this area.
Decolletage:
The skin on your decolletage (plunging neckline) is sensitive so you should approach this area just like you would with your face- with a gentle touch. The best scrub to use for this area is a sugar scrub because of the smaller granules and it is less abrasive on the skin.
Face: Similar to your decolletage, the skin on your face can be more sensitive to abrasive exfoliants like salt. You should choose a sugar scrub that can gently remove sebum and provide the complexion with moisture.
Feet and elbows: Your skin is the thickest on your feet and elbows. So, of course, these areas can handle an exfoliator with a bit more grit and larger granules. Salt scrubs are recommended for these areas.
You can use these scrubs as often as you feel you need to. Just remember to be gentle when applying and use small circular motion. Always rinse off with warm water.
If your skin starts to get irritated or starts to dry out, reduce how often you use these scrubs. Pay attention to what your body is saying as it will be the biggest help in deciding how often you need to exfoliate.
