6 Unexpected Body Scrub Benefits
Come for the soft, touchable texture, stay for clear, bright, glass skin. We’re talking about body scrubs, a hidden gem for benefits that extend beyond smooth skin. Once a luxe experience reserved for date nights and the shower (you know the one), scrubs are quickly becoming a vital part of effective body care routines for breakouts, hyperpigmentation, keratosis pilaris, strawberry legs, and more.
97% of testers reported softer, smoother skin after using our Buff It Out AHA Exfoliating Body Scrub, but that’s not the only perk of our newest arrival. Read on for the body scrubs hacks we recommend keeping in your back pocket.
EVENS OUT TAN LINES
Proponents of at-home self-tanners should always keep a good body scrub on hand. Exfoliating away dead skin cells ensures you have an even canvas to apply tanning products. If you enjoy self-tanning your face, get a similar result with the Day Maker Microcrystal Exfoliator. It evens out bumpy texture without irritating sensitive or acne-prone skin.
On the flip side, body scrubs can also be used for damage control. If you overdid it on the tanning mousse or forgot to re-apply your SPF after a day in the sun, lightly massage Buff It Out on uneven tan lines and orange splotches to reduce pigmentation. Note: We definitely don’t recommend exfoliating sunburned skin; let those damaged areas heal first.
PREVENTS INGROWN HAIRS AND RAZOR BUMPS
Ingrown hairs (hair that gets trapped under the skin) and razor bumps (ingrown hairs that show up after waxing and shaving) are a pain, but they don’t have to be a given. Exfoliate the skin regularly to unclog hair follicles, which will help prevent these bumps from showing up. Prepping the skin with a body scrub before grabbing a razor helps ensure a closer shave, too.
SOFTENS CALLUSES
If your favorite part of a pedicure is the pumice stone callus remover, this next tip is for you. Soften the heels by soaking them in a bath (you can also rub the Cleansing Balm on problem areas—under socks of course—for an hour or two). In-shower, exfoliate the feet using Buff It Out; its pumice physically sloughs off dry, dead skin, softening calluses and rough patches.
TREATS (AND PREVENTS) BODY ACNE
Just like the face, regular exfoliation is a necessary step on the path to clear skin. Look for body care that includes exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs), which help dissolve away dead skin cells and debris, unclogging pores. Because these acids also brighten tone, they have a fringe benefit for the marks and dark spots that bacne can leave behind, too. If you’re struggling to reach problem areas, invest in a handled loofah or similar application tool.
Complete your body acne routine by spritzing on our Back-Up Plan Acne-Control Body Mist. Made with salicylic acid, a BHA proven to treat pimples, it treats hard-to-reach breakouts on the back, bum, and more.
TARGETS SAGGING HANDS, KNEES, AND CHEST
The body is one of the first places to show signs of aging, like sagging skin and fine lines. Applying ample SPF everywhere is a must, but you can also support aging skin with a combination of exfoliation and retinol. Make sure you include your hands, knees, and chest while using Buff It Out. Then, restore moisture and speed up cellular turnover rate (the key to a more youthful complexion) by applying the Gentle Retinol Body Lotion nightly.
REDUCE BODY ODOR
Not trying to encourage anyone to skip deodorant or anything, but did you know exfoliating the armpits can help reduce B.O.? Body odor occurs when sweat and bacteria mix, especially common after spending time outdoors or exercising. Apply Buff It Out to remove impurities from the pores; for a deeper detox, leave it on as a mask for 10-15 minutes before washing away.
Shop the Buff It Out AHA Exfoliating Body Scrub, along with other body care must-haves, below.
