Should you use a salt scrub or sugar scrub? Salt and sugar scrubs provide their own unique gifts to your skin and today we’re covering the pros and cons of each type of scrub.
Exfoliation is this invigorating process for the skin of out with the old, and in with the new. I mean who doesn’t like a good sloughing off of dead skin cells in order to reveal smoother skin?
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Benefits Of Exfoliation
- Smoother skin
- Helps prevent ingrown hairs
- Improves circulation
- Can help clear pores and blemishes
- Gives skin a hydration boost
- Can help fade scars and fine lines
- Rejuvenating and reinvigorating
To reap the benefits of exfoliation, it’s best to start out 1x/week and if your skin responds favorably, increase to 2-3x/week.
How To Use Salt and Sugar Scrubs
- Bathe or shower before applying body scrub to allow skin to soak in warm water to soften and prepare it for exfoliation.
- Wash your body with soap or body wash.
- Rub a small amount of body scrub on your hands, mitt, or brush.
- Massage in circular motions applying gentle pressure no longer than 30 seconds.
- Rinse body scrub off with warm water.
- Shave if you need to.
- Dry off.
- Apply moisturizer to help replenish your skin’s moisture levels. If your skin will be exposed to the sun, you’ll want to take extra precaution and apply a sunscreen because your skin is more prone to burning after exfoliation.
Salt vs. Sugar Scrub
Sugar Scrub
Sugar scrubs are composed of sugar crystals that act as physical exfoliators. Because of their small granule size, they are gentle on the skin.
Best for manual exfoliation for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Sugar scrubs are a great option for exfoliating sensitive skin because they are less abrasive than salt scrubs.
- Sugar isn’t acidic so a sugar scrub won’t cause irritation.
- Sugar scrubs can smooth and brighten skin.
- Sugar scrubs can help draw water into the skin facilitating hydration.
- Unrefined cane sugar with its nutrient profile can also replenish the skin.
Cons
- Sugar scrubs generally don’t offer any other health benefits other than exfoliation.
Best Sugar Scrub Products
BeautyCounter
Sugarbuff Body Polish in Lemongrass
This quickly became one of my favorite sugar scrubs after using it. It feels so luxurious and smells divine. The lemongrass scent that makes you feel like you’re having your very own spa day in your shower. It exfoliates but also leaves behind nourishing oils on the skin. My skin feels so smooth and silky after using it. This would be a scrub I wouldn’t recommend you use before applying self tanner as it does leave behind an oily feel to the skin.
I love that the sugar is finely milled, so it doesn’t feel abrasive like some sugar scrubs.
True Botanicals
Pure Radiance Sugar Scrub
This is such a decadent sugar scrub full of organic sugar, sandalwood, rich camellia, jojoba oils and kaolin clay. It exfoliates the skin but also supports the skin barrier. The scent is a blend of orange peel, cedarwood, and sandalwood- smells divine! It has larger sugar crystals and does leave the skin feeling smooth and moisturized. It leaves a slight residue but not as much as some of the others. This totally evokes a spa-like feeling. Plus, I love the amber hued glass jar.
DIY
Sugar Scrub Recipe
- ½ cup cane sugar or brown sugar
- ½ cup of jojoba oil
- a few drops of your favorite essential oil
Salt Scrub
Salt scrubs because of their bigger particle size can be a great exfoliant for knees, elbows, and feet and can also detoxify the skin.
Best for- brightening tired, dull skin. Also helps to moisturize dry parts of the skin, like elbows, knees, heels.
Pros
- Salt scrubs can be helpful if you want the added benefit of detoxification.
- Salt scrubs can also aid in the relief of sore muscles.
- Salt scrubs can give your skin a radiant glow.
- Salt scrubs can soften rough patches of skin due to salt’s gritty texture.
Cons
- Salt can sting if you have any minor cuts or broken skin.
- Salt because of its bigger granule size can be more abrasive and may not be the best choice for sensitive skin.
Best Salt Scrub Products
OSEA
Salts of The Earth Body Scrub
This was one of the first scrubs I fell in love with. The lavender scent it has is strong- which is very soothing. It turns into a milky consistency that helps exfoliate but also nourish the skin. It definitely leaves an oil on your skin afterwards. So if you would prefer no oil, you might want to steer clear of this one. I love using this when my skin feels extra dry and I want to really get in some extra moisture, but also some exfoliation. I wouldn’t recommend this exfoliant before using a self tanner since it is so oily.
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NatureofThings
Cleansing Body & Scalp Scrub
I discovered this scrub after it came in a Beauty Heroes box. I love the earthy smell – it reminds me of a spa I worked at. It is nice because the salt granules in it are very small and not as large as some of the other scrubs I tested out. It has a great little suds that happens when you rub it in your hands and add some water to it. My skin feels exfoliated, but there’s no residue left behind. I love that it also doubles as a scalp exfoliator/shampoo too! It leaves the hair feeling hydrated, but not weighed down or greasy. It comes in a tube that’s made of aluminum and I find as I get towards the end of the tube it is a little harder to squeeze out all the product. That would be my one drawback.
DIY
Salt Scrub Recipe
- 1 cup Mineral Salt (I like using Redmond Real Salt)
- 3 TBLS jojoba oil
- 3 TBLS almond oil
- 7-10 drops of essential oil of choice
**I like my salt scrub to be a little oilier and wet, but if you prefer a drier scrub use less oil.
Conclusion: Is a salt or sugar scrub better for the skin?
Personally, I favor a salt scrub! Not that I don’t love a sugar scrub too, but the benefits of a salt scrub surpass those of a sugar scrub and I’m all about getting the most bang for my buck! Not only do salt scrubs give your skin a glow, but they also help detoxify your skin, and relieve sore muscles.
Did I miss your favorite salt or sugar scrub? Share it below!
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Thank you for the recipe ideas!