Salty or sweet? A question we often ask ourselves when looking for a yummy snack to eat. But it’s also a question we should be asking when picking an exfoliator. Exfoliators are used to remove dead skin cells from the skin. It is important to exfoliate not only to remove those dead skin cells that can clog your pores, but also to help your skin absorb other products like serums, moisturizers, and SPF better. There are a few different types of exfoliators; chemical, granular substances, and exfoliation tools. In this post, we will be focusing on granular substances; salt or sugar. Both are natural exfoliated options that you won’t assume are very different. However, they are VERY different.
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.