How to Use a Sugar Scrub Correctly — Plus Our Favorite Products to Try

Sugar scrubs are easily one of our favorite skincare products — and not just because they smell deliciously sweet. When used correctly, they can be extremely effective, too. Read on to learn more about sugar scrubs, how to use them, (whether you’re exfoliating the face or body) and a few of our favorite formulas for the face, body and lips. Plus, we share some expert tips from board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Dendy Engelman. 

What Is a Sugar Scrub?

Sugar scrubs physically slough away built-up dead cells on the skin’s surface, and by doing so, they leave your skin smoother, brighter and more radiant. They are primarily made of organic or artificial sugar crystals that help capture and exfoliate dead skin. Most sugar scrubs you’ll find on the market are designed for use on the body, but you can also find formulas meant for the face and lips. 

Benefits of Using a Sugar Scrub

Sugar scrubs can help reveal softer, more radiant skin. Depending on the ingredients in your scrub formula, they can also help moisturize the skin. If you struggle with dullness, dry skin or ashiness, incorporating a sugar scrub into your shower routine may be helpful. If you’re unsure if a sugar scrub is right for your skin, check in with your dermatologist for personalized advice. 

How to Use Sugar Scrubs

During your shower routine, apply a sugar scrub to your skin and gently polish the skin. You should be careful not to over-exfoliate as this can cause issues like dryness or irritation. “How much [exfoliation] is too much, is a very personal question,” says Dr. Engleman. “Some people can only handle exfoliating once a week, while others need to every day.” Read on for a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply them.

STEP 1: Start With Freshly Cleansed Skin

Before you begin using your facial sugar scrub, it’s best to cleanse your skin with a gentle face wash to remove any makeup, dirt, dead skin and impurities from its surface. We love the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser for this because it removes makeup, gently cleanses and hydrates. If you’re exfoliating your body, we recommend Nécessaire The Body Wash.

STEP 2: Gently Massage in Circular Motions

To start exfoliating your body, scoop out enough product to fill the center of the palm of your hand. For your face, a dime-sized amount of product should do the trick. Then, massage the sugar scrub onto your skin in gentle circular motions — the key word here is gentle. You don’t ever want to press too hard, as you could end up irritating your skin, especially on the face. 

STEP 3: Rinse Well and Pat Dry

Once you’ve thoroughly exfoliated your face, rinse the sugar scrub away with lukewarm water and pat your face or body almost completely dry with a soft towel. Be sure not to rub the towel into your skin, as this can create irritation. 

STEP 4: Replenish Your Skin With Hydration

Now that you’re feeling fresh-faced and glowing, it’s time to moisturize. Dr. Michael Kaminer, a Boston-based dermatologist, explains that the best time to moisturize your skin is while it’s still slightly damp, as this helps to lock in hydration. Reach for your favorite oil, lotion or cream, and gently massage it all over. We love the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream for the face, or the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin  for the body. 

STEP 5: Apply SPF and Makeup

If you used this exfoliating treatment in the morning, be sure to follow up your moisturizing routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers SPF 30 or higher.  Exfoliating and moisturizing can help create a velvety-smooth canvas for your base makeup products, and you’ll probably notice the difference during the application process. Without flakiness from dead surface skin cells, your foundation, CC cream or concealer won’t pill and will glide on effortlessly.

How to Use Sugar Scrubs on Your Body

For your body, focus sugar scrubs on areas that are most prone to dryness, like the kneecaps and elbows. Apply sugar scrubs to your legs, shoulders, chest and neck for a smooth, silky finish.

How to Use Sugar Scrubs on Your Face

When using a sugar scrub on your face, it’s important to ensure that the product is formulated for the face. Face scrubs formulated with sugar tend to have finer crystals that won’t be as rough on delicate areas. Apply a dime-sized amount of product to the palm of your hand and gently massage it onto the cheeks, forehead, chin and temples. Wash off the scrub with warm water and pat dry. It’s a good idea to check in with your dermatologist before using a sugar scrub on your face to ensure it’s right for your skin type.

How to Use Sugar Scrubs on Your Lips

Sugar scrubs on the lips are a game-changer if you deal with chapped, dry skin. Pick up a small amount of product on your fourth finger and gently scrub it onto the lip area to slough off dead skin. You’ll be left with a super soft and smooth pout.

Our Favorite Sugar Scrubs to Try

Here, we’re sharing our favorite sugar scrubs to try, for face, lips and body. 

L’Oréal Paris Pure Sugar Nourish and Soften Cocoa Scrub

Between the finely crushed cocoa and the luxurious coconut oil, this sugar scrub is nothing short of a delectable treat for your pores. Allow this cocoa-scented scrub to melt into your skin for gentle exfoliation that’ll leave your face  feeling softer,smoother and looking more refined.