Exfoliation is a natural process. Your skin "knows" to shed dead skin cells about every 30 days. But that doesn't mean we can't help the process along. There are two types of exfoliation: Chemical exfoliation is a process where you apply a concentration of acid to help remove the buildup of dry skin. Mechanical exfoliation, on the other hand, uses physical grit, like a scrub, to slough away dead and dry cells from the outermost layer of your skin. Once the dead and dry skin is removed, dull skin regains its luster and radiance and often has a glow and can feel supple to the touch.
When used on the face and body, scrubs can be an invigorating part of your self-care ritual, and can be enjoyed for their sensory properties. Two of the most common scrubs are made from pantry staples—salt, sugar, and scrub. Each is composed of natural grit. Whether formulated in a lab or in your very own kitchen, these scrubs can have healing properties and leave your skin soft and energized. But how do you know what formula to apply?
Salt Scrubs
Salt is a common scrub ingredient, known as a natural detoxifier and also for its grainy texture. The sharp angles of sea salt granules make them a strong exfoliant (don’t bother with table salt—the refining process removes its beneficial properties). Because it’s more abrasive, choose salt for scrubbing notoriously dryer areas of your body—feet, elbows, knuckles and legs.
They are rich in minerals (depending on the type of salt used), they can be very dehydrating. Not at all suited to dry, sensitive skin types. Salt scrubs will typically stimulate circulation and thus can lead to redness.
When choosing a salt scrub, look for quality, mineral-rich salts like sea, epsom, and pink Himalayan, each with a host of detoxing properties. These are often full of magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which can benefit skin.
Sea salt also draws toxins out of the body and acts as an anti-inflammatory for sore muscles. Epsom salts, though not actually salt (they’re magnesium sulfate), are world-renowned for their detoxification powers and work best in the bathtub. Himalayan pink contains 84 trace minerals and elements which are actually very good for our body and skin.
If you Mix sea salt with an oil-based cleanser or moisturizer for a deep-cleaning scrub. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or herbs for an extra benefit of aromatherapy.
Caution: Salt scrub can be painful for wounds and cuts
Sugar Scrubs
Sugar scrubs are less abrasive than salt scrubs and don't burn if you have cut from shaving. They tend to be better for sensitive skin, they actually work great for exfoliating sensitive areas.
Sugar scrub doesn't contain any of the trace minerals found in salt scrub. However, it is a good source of glycolic acid, the most common AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), which works as a chemical exfoliant. It is a very weak acid that boosts the exfoliating power of your scrub by breaking down the bond between dead cells on the surface of your skin. But since it's a weak acid, it doesn't harm the skin. It helps protect the skin by providing a barrier that helps lock in moisture.
Coffee Scrubs
The simple act of scrubbing your body is enough to increase your blood circulation. Coffee scrub doubles this benefit as the caffeine present in coffee acts as a stimulant which extra improves the circulation of your body. That's the reason why you will instantly feel rejuvenated when you use coffee scrubs.
Coffee has anti-inflammatory properties because of the polyphenols and hydrocinnamic acid present in it which can help reduce inflammation and soothe inflamed breakouts, and its antioxidant properties help fight premature skin aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
Coffee can also reduce the appearance of cellulite. This is possible because coffee is a diuretic that dehydrates your body. So, when you apply a coffee scrub, the fat cells closest to your skin's surface tend to shrink in size. When applied under and around the eyes, it can minimize the appearance of puffy eyes because caffeine reduces swelling and inflammation.