How to Use a Sugar Scrub & Our Favorite Ones for Body Exfoliation

Used to gently slough away built-up dead skin cells that have been lingering on the skin’s surface, sugar scrubs are one of our favorite body care products by far. These body exfoliators typically smell wonderful and can leave our skin feeling smooth and soft. But, while we can almost all agree on our love for sugar scrubs, how many of us actually know the right way to use them? Below we’re sharing how to use a sugar scrub the right way and a few of our favorite body exfoliators to try!

The Benefits of Sugar Scrubs

Sugar scrubs allow you to gently exfoliate your body which is a necessary step in a skin care routine—after all the skin below our chin needs just as much love as the skin on our faces. Regular body exfoliation through the use of products like sugar scrubs can help to give you bright-looking, soft-feeling skin since it helps to slough away buildup of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. When dead skin cells build up on the skin’s surface they can cause the skin to appear dull and feel rough and dry, exfoliation is key to helping you address this buildup. Another benefit of sloughing away that buildup from the surface of your skin is that it can help your skin absorb and process your body creams and lotions as they won’t simply sit on top of the skin

How to Use a Sugar Scrub

First off, it’s important to note that how often you exfoliate depends on your skin type. But, the American Academy of Dermatology notes to be careful not to over-exfoliate. Over-exfoliating the skin can cause issues like dryness or irritation. So, while we recommend you make it a part of your routine, definitely don’t over-do it!

Step 1: Hop in the Shower & Get Steamy

To use a sugar scrub you’ll want to hop into a lukewarm shower with your scrub of choice and start by wetting your skin. Allow the warm water to fill the bathroom to create a bit of steam for a spa-like experience.

Step 2: Start at the Bottom & Gently Work Your Way Up

When you’re ready to exfoliate, grab a small palm-sized scoop of the scrub. Starting at your feet gently massage the product onto your skin in very gently circular massaging motions, working your way up to your arms and décolleté. Key word here is gently. You don’t ever want to press too hard or you can end up irritating your skin, so maintain a light touch throughout the exfoliation.

Step 3: Rinse Well & Pat Dry

Once you’ve exfoliated your entire body, step back into the steady stream of the shower and rinse the sugar scrub away. You can follow up with your go-to body wash to cleanse your skin. Then, using a soft towel pat—never rub—yourself dry but leave a little bit of dampness on the skin.

Step 4: Replenish Your Skin with Hydration

Now that you’ve exfoliated away that buildup of dead skin cells from the surface of your skin and patted (nearly) dry it’s time to replenish your skin with a little hydration. Board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Michael Kaminer explains that the best time to moisturize your skin is while it’s still slightly damp from the shower as this helps to lock in that hydration. Reach for your favorite body oil, lotion, or cream and massage it all over.

Our Favorite Sugar Scrubs From The Body Scrub

Now that you know about the benefits of sugar scrubs and how to use one in your routine, it’s time to find the best sugar scrub for you! Below we’re sharing two of our picks—from The Body Shop—to help you get your search started.

If You Love Fruity Scents: The Body Shop Mango Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub

If you’re someone who loves tropical-scented everything, this is the sugar scrub for you. The mango aroma is to-die-for and can instantly conjure up images of exotic beach vacations every time you reach for the scrub. Formulated with mango seed oil from India, the gentle body exfoliator helps to leave skin feeling soft and refined.

The Body Shop Mango Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub, $20 MSRP

If You Love Nutty Scents: The Body Shop Shea Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub

If you prefer a less fruity approach to your body exfoliation, reach for this sugar scrub from The Body Shop. With a subtle nutty scent and Community Trade shea butter from Ghana, this body exfoliator can help to buff away dead skin cell buildup leaving the skin feeling smoother and more refined.

The Body Shop Shea Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub, $24 MSRP

So, what are you waiting for? Start incorporating a gentle exfoliation session with a sugar scrub into your weekly skin care routine today!