Body scrubs tend to be a bit overlooked in a skincare routine.
We often use them as a last-resort problem solver, when skin is very dry or rough. Which is certainly not a bad approach, they are genius for smoothing away bumps and flaky patches.
But like with our faces, a regular routine delivers more consistent results, helping to eliminate congested areas on the body where blemishes like to unhelpfully spring up, as well as clearing the way for any moisturiser, body treatments or fake tan applied afterwards to be more effective.
Their other underrated benefit? If you can manage not to rush through the application, they can also be such an enjoyable, sensory treat that offers a moment of time out and a little luxury spa-like experience in our own bathrooms.
Many of our favourite options combine the benefits of a physical scrub with chemicals exfoliant ingredients like AHAs as well as nourishing oils and divine scents that linger. (Don’t forget, chemical exfoliants can be plant or fruit-based, the word chemical is used to differentiate them from the gritty particles of a physical scrub)
A product that combines the two makes the perfect pre-summer prep to banish a build-up of dry skin and then all through the warmer season when the skin on our bodies gets more exposure than usual. That summer skin also sees more environmental challenges like UV damage, layers of sunscreen, drying salt from the sea and air conditioning, which scrubs can help with.
Regular body scrubs make a big impact on the big difference in the overall appearance of your skin, just don’t go overboard. You don’t need to use them every day, once or twice a week is fine if used regularly. You’ll also need to remember to follow up with a hydrating body cream to add extra moisture afterwards.
There’s one more caveat to using these products. They can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage if they contain chemical exfoliant ingredients like lactic or glycolic acid. It means after using them, even if it’s the morning after using them, you need to protect your skin with SPF when you head outdoors.
Ginger & Me Sugar Body Polish
We are big fans of a scrub in a tube as things can get a bit slip-and-slide in the shower and an open tub can get caught with the shower spray. This sugar scrub provides a natural exfoliation and also contains skin-loving plant oils including kakadu plum oil, tamonol oil and seabuckthorn oil. It comes in three uplifting, mood boosting fragrances including Brave – a blend of lychee and guava.
Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub
If you’re a bit of a trend early adopter and like a textural and fun skincare, this is your best bet. Again the pouch makes it easy to deliver as much or as little as you need of this detoxifying blend that’s intended to tackle body acne, bumpy texture and flaky skin. It has a dual-action exfoliation system, including lactic acid to gently exfoliate and smooth, salicylic acid to clarify the skin and activated charcoal and manuka to help draw out impurities.
Kora Organics Invigorating Body Scrub
Packed full of natural goodness, this advanced-blend scrub has a host of nourishing ingredients and uses natural exfoliators like turmeric and rosehip to smooth and brighten skin. It’s also not too harsh and wont strip the natural protective barrier of skin.
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator Bergamot
Those with a particular bathroom aesthetic – or just expensive tastes – will love this chic body-care brand that uses face-worthy ingredients, but for neck down. Nécessaire’s scrub in particular is a popular option, using chemical (glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids) and physical (pumice and bamboo charcoal) exfoliants to deliver a fantastic finish. It comes in zingy bergamot or green eucalyptus scent, or, in a win for those sensitive to fragrance, a fragrance-free option.
Frank Body Summer Fling Mango Scrub
Australia’s Frank Body is known for its coffee body scrubs that work well but do leave a state in the shower. Many fans say its worth it, but this new options has a prettier colour at least! A limited edition, hydrating salt and sand scrub that smells delicious, and also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and mango seed butter.
