Every skin care regimen should include an exfoliation method.  Exfoliation is key to removal of dead skin and regeneration of new, healthy, beautiful skin.  There is a wide variety of scrubs available in store and online for you to pamper your body with.  With such an assortment, the question arises “Which scrub is right for me?”  Let’s take a look at some of the types out there and discuss what each type can do for you.

• Salt scrubs– Dead sea salts have been used for their miraculous skin benefits for generations.  These salts improve circulation, help balance skin’s natural moisture levels, release toxins and impurities from the body, and help reduce inflammation.  A list this grand is sure to give you a new outlook on salt scrubs.  It is important to keep in mind that salts can be more abrasive than other scrubs which means salt scrubs are more likely to cause skin irritation if used incorrectly or used on broken, irritated, or sensitive skin.  Those with high blood pressure should consult with their doctor prior to integrating a salt scrub into their skin care routine as well.  This precaution will prevent any possibility that introducing salt to your body on a regular basis will have a negative effect on your health.
• Sugar scrubs – Whether pure cane sugar or brown sugar, the benefits of sugar in skin care can be seen almost instantaneously. Sugar is an alpha-hydroxy which promotes healthy, glowing skin. It is a natural moisturizer, as well as a humectant which means not only does it add moisture to your body, it also helps draw and seal in the most natural form of all moisturizers: water.  Sugar is a gentle but effective scrub; it’s safe enough to use on children.

Being armed with this information puts you one step closer to treating your skin to the Love and care it deserves.  These scrubs work wonderfully by themselves.  However, many scrubs have additives that increase their qualities and benefits to your skin.

• Coffee – Ground coffee beans enhance the level of exfoliation any scrub base.  Coffee is excellent for battling cellulite as it helps redistribute fat cells and decreases the formulation of additional fat cells. It also helps constrict varicose veins making them smaller and less noticeable. Not to mention, used in the morning, a coffee scrub can be a great pick up; the perfect way to jump start your day.

• Walnut shell –While often used as an additive to scrub bases, walnut shell is equally effective as a standalone scrub. Ground walnut shell is a mild, gentle additive that packs an exfoliating punch for those who have extremely sensitive skin and need to avoid more abrasive scrubs.

• Butters – Natural butters enhance the moisturizing qualities of a scrub base.  Incorporating butters introduce the scrub itself as a moisturizer and create a sealant so water is locked in and absorbed into the skin without clogging pores.  This is a great selection for those with dry skin.  Additionally, butters have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, and help relieve stress.

Whether you opt to use a salt scrub, a sugar scrub, or even a walnut based scrub, incorporating exfoliation will undoubtedly improve the quality of your skin’s health and appearance.  The best way to decide is to try a few out.  Be sure to read the product label and select scrubs that have the ingredients you want and don’t have the “extra” stuff that’s unsafe for your body, mind, and spirit.

Happy Scrubbing!