A body scrub treatment by Viv's in-Houz spa; a mobile wellness, grooming and beauty spa in Nairobi and outskirts

Body Scrub Treatment – How to Get Smooth & Soft Skin

A beautician scrubbing a client's back during a body scrub treatment in Nairobi

In this post, you will learn what a body scrub treatment is, its benefits, when and how often to get a body scrub, and the materials used during a body scrub treatment.

What is a body scrub treatment?

A body scrub is a popular body treatment that is basically a facial for the body. It sloughs off dead skin cells and rubs away hard and flaky skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

Body scrubs usually include an abrasive material, usually sea salt, sugar, or ground coffee, mixed with an aromatic oily base that moisturizes and soothes your skin as it is scrubbed.

Health benefits of a body scrub

  • Slow the aging process. Just like the skin cells on your face, the cells on your body are regularly shed to reveal new, healthier skin underneath. That turnover process slows as we get older; to give it a nudge, reach for a body scrub. There are body scrubs that have topical benefits as well as remove toxins and promote healthy cell turnover.
  • Better skin health. As you massage it over your body, the exfoliating granules help to slough off dead skin, and the rubbing action itself boosts circulation and helps drain your lymph nodes hence increasing blood flow to the skin’s surface. Furthermore, your post-wash moisturizer will be better able to soothe and hydrate your skin.
  • Lift your mood. Being mindful of the refreshing texture against your skin and the captivating scent that fills the shower allows you to enjoy the treatment as it is happening—an experience that can lift your mood and affect your outlook as you continue your day or evening.

What is used to apply an exfoliating body scrub?

  • Exfoliating brush. This is usually a bristle brush used on the face or body to remove layers of dead skin cells.
  • Exfoliation sponge. These are a gentler way to exfoliate the skin.
  • Exfoliating glove. If you find brushes or sponges difficult to grip, you can use a glove.
The scrubbing gloves and body scrub.

When to do a body scrub treatment

To know if you need to exfoliate, just do a simple touch test. This approach works for any area of skin on your body. If you touch an area and it feels dry and/or rough, it might be time to exfoliate.

It is important to note though that if this same area is also irritated, red, or itchy, that is a sure sign not to exfoliate.

How often should you exfoliate?

Lack of exfoliation leads to a build-up of dead skin cells and could result in dry, dull, patchy, flaky skin, clogged pores, with uneven skin tone.

Because the skin is delicate, you should only use body scrubs once or twice per week. If you’ve never used a body scrub before, make sure you do a sensitivity test of the body scrub on a small patch of your skin.

Be careful not to over-scrub. Though your body skin is heartier than the skin on your face, it is susceptible to irritation. Always moisturize after you’ve dried off for smooth and nourished skin.

How long should it take to see results after exfoliation?

This has a double answer. After just 10 minutes you should see an improvement in your complexion if done properly. However, for the real long-term and highly noticeable results, it can take 6-8 weeks.

Body scrub tips

  • Since your skin regenerates the most at night, it may be most beneficial for your skin to exfoliate in the evening instead of in the morning to soak up all the benefits.
  • You can make your own buffing scrub with ingredients like olive oil, honey, raw sugar, ground cloves, oatmeal, and even ground coffee. Adding your favorite essential oils to the mixture transforms your shower into an aromatherapy session.
Vivian Nyaga, a mobile beauty therapist with Viv's in-Houz spa in Nairobi

Just like facials, body scrubs make people feel good. Would you want to try our body scrub treatments? Go to the booking page and pick your best appointment slot.

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Last Updated on October 1, 2020