Do I Use A Body Scrub Before or After Soap?

A common question asked by consumers is if they should use a body scrub before or after soap. This article helps answer this question.

Everybody has their created shower routines and preferences but there are recommended limits when dipping into your scrub. The body scrub has many benefits when used in the right ways. Are you still wondering which way is right? We have gone through several sources to let you know whether to use the body scrub before or after the soap.

Using Body Scrub before Soap

Mohiuddin (2019) showed that cleaning the body before using a body scrub with quality soap removes sweat, dirt, and makeup from your skin's surface. This way, you will have a clean base to scrub the dead skin cells away with a body scrub.

 This then softens the skin allowing new layers of skin cells to get out as the dead cells wash away. Thereafter, the skin is prepared for oil, serum, or any moisturizer for softer skin.

Using Body Scrub after Soap

Many people don’t use a body scrub before cleansing with soap. However, people say that there are great skin benefits when doing so.

When scrubbing, removes dead skin cells, residue, dirt, and other things from the surface of your skin.  When cleansing, it washes away dead skin particles and cells that the scrub lifted, and after that, you have a smoother and cleaner surface to moisturize. Jin& Laopanupong (2021) reported that   having clean skin before you scrub has an impact on the depth of your scrubbing. Getting the first layer off will allow for deeper scrubbing of dead skin cells and other impurities.  Ending your routine with your body scrub will allow your skin to attain the benefits of the added moisture thereby enjoying the prevailing sweet smell of the scrub as well.

Which Is Better?

Using body scrub after the soap is the more usual method of taking shower. But using a body scrub before the soap is also acceptable, with fewer disadvantages. It’s upon you based on your preference on whether to use a body scrub before or after soap. Users can try both methods to see which is suitable for their skin will also help as long as they use quality soap and body scrubs, and they are good to proceed.

How Do You Use Body Scrub Effectively?

The first step is to choose which scrub is the best for your skin type and the goal you want to achieve. There is plenty of scrub option to choose from including:

• Coffee scrubs
• Moisturizing body scrubs
• Herbal body scrubs
• Sugar scrubs

Ravisankar et al.  (2015) showed that the severity of any dry spots and the type of your skin should be considered before going for a body scrub.

Should You Scrub Your Whole Body?

You would want to cover every body part when using a body scrub. Scrub the entire body paying particular attention to any areas you want to smooth over or spots with dry skin.

Areas such as the face, lips, and head should be avoided. Scrubbing is done using face-specific products to avoid over-moisturizing or drying out. Do not scrub the skin on your lips using a body scrub; it is made of a sensitive membrane and should be avoided. Sunscreen or moisturizer can be used in this matter.

How Many Times In A Week Should You Use A Body Scrub?

According to Neill (2012), The skin is a delicate organ and should not be over-scrubbed. Scrubbing 1-2 times a week is typically safe if you want to get the correct balance with your body scrub. Our skins are unique and each scrub contains different ingredients. To avoid an entire body reaction, try a new scrub on a small patch of your skin. This is known as the ‘’patch test.” It should be done with any new skincare product.

When Is It Unsafe To Use A Body Scrub?

Though it is safe to scrub dry skin, in some circumstances is not safe to use a body scrub. It is not safe to use a body scrub on areas of the skin that have:

• Sunburn
• Open wounds
• Rash
• Bug bites
• New tattoos

Scrubbing your skin with such features can slow down the rate of your skin’s healing. Larger issues such as infection or spread can emerge by scrubbing these areas. The expiry of a body scrub should also be considered before using your scrub. Seeing things like molds or appreciating a foul smell will indicate that your scrub is not safe to be used.

Time to Scrub

Everyone loves to enjoy themselves at home. Doing it once or twice a week will make you enjoy it. Stocking your bathroom with a body scrub, an herbal body lotion and floral–smelling body soap brings happiness. Remember to pay special attention to areas of your skin that have dry patches and thoroughly moisturize after every scrub. If you find that body scrubs are too harsh to use, you can scrub without a body scrub by using these 5 great body scrub alternatives:

• Rolling exfoliators
• Dry brushing
• Body peels
• Exfoliating lotion
• Exfoliating gloves

Learn more about each of these options to know how to use them, how often and the type of skin they are best suited for.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the article has answered your question, "do you use a body scrub before or after the soap?" Since you know when, how, and why to use body scrubs, invest heavily for healthy and radiant skin. You are likely to share your experience with body scrubs if you follow the right ways.  At times is compromising whether to use the body scrub before or after the soap. Each has its merits and demerits.  It is recommendable to use a body scrub before soap for optimum effectiveness, but it's up to you to know what works best for your skin.

References

Jin, C. Y., & Laopanupong, T. (2021). Protecting and Resolving Facial Skin from UV Rays and Air Pollution. Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Research, 2(1).

Mohiuddin, A. K. (2019). Skin Care Creams: Formulation and Use. Dermatol Clin Res, 5(1), 238-271.

Neill, U. S. (2012). Skin care in the aging female: myths and truths. The Journal of clinical investigation, 122(2), 473-477.

Ravisankar, P., Koushik, O. S., Himaja, V., Ramesh, J., & Pragna, P. (2015). Acne-causes and amazing remedial measures for acne. J Pharm Res, 5.