How to Use a Sugar Scrub for Glowing Skin

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Baby-soft skin, here you come
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Dry, flaky, or oily skin is a major bummer. And while you can find a rejuvenating treatment at the spa, you can also score smooth skin in the shower with a sugar scrub. Applying one properly (and frequently) can help exfoliate your body and remove dead skin cells, leaving skin silky soft. [1]

Things You Should Know

Certified esthetician Karina Villalta does not recommend using a sugar scrub on your face since the "skin is delicate" and “it can lead to micro-tears.” Wet your body with warm water to prepare it for exfoliation. Massage the scrub into your skin using gentle pressure, then rinse with warm water.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Choosing a Sugar Scrub

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  1. A coarse sugar scrub can irritate and even tear sensitive skin. Smaller sugar granules are gentler and less abrasive. [2]
    • Brown sugar is one of the softest sugars and works well on your face and body. [3]
    • Turbinado sugar (also known as raw sugar) tends to have larger particles so if you see it as an ingredient, be aware that it’s a rougher scrub. [4]
  2. While sugar is naturally a humectant (meaning it locks in moisture), some scrubs are more moisturizing than others. [5] Choose one with skin-replenishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut or avocado oil, glycerin, or essential oils if your skin is prone to dehydration.
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  3. Look for scrubs that include essential oils to match your needs. For example, if you're stressed out, a lavender scent is calming. [6] And if you're feeling fatigued, lemon or peppermint scents are energizing.
    • Other popular aromatherapy scents include eucalyptus for clearing your sinuses, patchouli for soothing anxiety, and rosemary for increasing concentration. [7]
  4. Using basic ingredients from your pantry like olive oil, honey, and brown sugar, you can DIY a sugar scrub at home . [8]
    • Whipping up your own sugar scrub means you can control exactly what goes in it, thus avoiding any chemicals or additives that could be harmful to you or the environment.
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Part 2
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Applying the Sugar Scrub

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  1. Warm water will soften your skin and prepare it for exfoliation. A good rule of thumb is to soak in the tub or stand under the shower for 5 to 10 minutes before you begin scrubbing.
    • Water that’s too hot can dry out your skin. The optimal temperature for your skin is a lukewarm temperature below 105 °F (41 °C) (if your skin is turning red, it’s too hot!). [9]
    • If you’re going to shave your legs, do so before using the sugar scrub to avoid stinging and irritation.
    • Wash your skin before you scrub to remove sweat, dirt, and makeup. Otherwise scrubbing could push it further into the skin.
  2. With gentle pressure, rub the sugar scrub into your skin in a circular motion using the pads of your fingers. [10] This not only sloughs off dead skin, it also boosts circulation and stimulates the production of collagen in your body, a protein that helps fight wrinkles and keeps skin looking young. [11]
    • Start at the top of your body and work down.
    • Be careful not to scrub too vigorously as it could damage your skin.
  3. There’s no need to use shower gel or soap following your scrub. For extra hydration and smoother skin, let the scrub sit on your body for a couple of minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
  4. Gently use a towel to pat your body completely dry.
  5. Once you’re dry, apply lotion or body oil to moisturize your newly exfoliated skin. Do this immediately after drying off while your pores are still open and able to absorb the moisturizer easier and faster. [12]
    • Have a jar of extra virgin coconut oil laying around. It can double as a cheap yet effective moisturizer thanks to its high level of saturated fats. Only use it if you aren’t prone to breaking out. [13]
    • Always apply sunscreen after exfoliating as your skin is more vulnerable. Use one that's SPF 30 or higher and has broad-spectrum protection. [14]
  6. Sugar scrubs shouldn’t be part of your daily beauty routine. Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin so aim to use a sugar scrub no more than three times per week at most. [15]
    • Don’t use a sugar scrub on skin that’s sunburned or highly sensitive. You should also avoid it after any type of medical or cosmetic surgery or after a chemical peel - in both instances, your body is trying to recover from what is essentially a trauma and any harsh scrubbing could prevent proper healing. [16]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How many times a week should you use a sugar scrub?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can use a scrub 2-3 times a week. More frequent use may cause irritation.
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  • Question
    What is a sugar scrub good for?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A sugar scrub removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. It's great for making skin look clear and refreshed.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Can I use sugar to scrub my face?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You'll want to mix the sugar with something hydrating like olive or almond oil. Oil helps the sugar spread and avoids creating tears in the skin.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      References

      1. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      2. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      3. ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/emilie-davidson-hoyt/sugar-skincare_b_2133060.html
      4. ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/emilie-davidson-hoyt/sugar-skincare_b_2133060.html
      5. ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/emilie-davidson-hoyt/sugar-skincare_b_2133060.html
      6. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      7. ↑ https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/most-commonly-used-essential-oils
      8. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      9. ↑ https://www.skinvision.com/articles/best-shower-temperature-for-your-skin
      1. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.byrdie.com/benefits-of-exfoliating--5ae35b9d8e68c/slide2
      3. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/the-best-time-to-moisturize
      4. ↑ https://draxe.com/coconut-oil-for-skin/
      5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs
      6. ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/how-often-should-you-exfoliate
      7. ↑ https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19920704/body-scrub-uses/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To use a sugar scrub, first take a 5 to 10 minute shower, which will soften your skin and make it easier to exfoliate. After you shower, massage the scrub into your skin using gentle, circular motions. For extra smooth skin, let the scrub sit on your body for a couple of minutes. Then, rinse it off with warm water. The scrub will cleanse your skin, so you don’t need to use soap after rinsing it off. Since your skin may be a bit sensitive after the scrub, gently pat yourself dry with a towel so you don't irritate it. Once you’re dry, apply a light lotion or body oil to keep your newly exfoliated skin moisturized. To learn how to choose the right sugar scrub for your skin type, read more from our Beauty co-author!

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