DO YOU USE BODY WASH OR BODY SCRUB BEFORE OR AFTER?

You can use several cleansing products to cleanse off dirt and sweat.  These products include body wash, scrubs, toners, abrasives, and facial masks. You need to know how to use more than one product simultaneously.

The most common cleansing products are body wash and scrubs. You might be wondering which of the two products should be used first. This article will guide you on using body scrubs and body wash.

What is a Body Scrub?

Body scrubs are meant to clean off dead skin cells. Brennan et al. (2006) clarified that scrubs are mostly made of rough ingredients such as salt and sugar suspended in an n oil base.  Some contain large particles, while others have small particles depending on which body part they intend to clean. Those used to scrub the face have relatively fine particles. The dead, dry skin tends to lie on the skin’s surface. The dead skin naturally sheds off. However, the process might become slow over time, making the dead skin build on the surface.  When these dead skin cells heap up on the skin, the skin becomes dull, rough, and sometimes acne. You need to scrub your skin to remove the dead skin cells regularly. The process will also eliminate other impurities from the skin. According to Ghadage et al. (2021), scrubbing the skin has other benefits such as promoting body circulation, softening skin, smoothing skin, and freeing ingrown hairs.

How to Use Body Scrubs

You do not need to use body scrubs daily. It takes time for dry skin cells to build up on the skin surface. You can use them at least two times a week. Before applying the scrubs to the skin, wet your skin using warm water for about 5 minutes. Then, apply the scrub gently in circular motions. You can start from the feet moving upwards.  Repeat the process about 3 times. Rinse the scrub thoroughly. Before using it on the whole body, you can do patch testing to ensure you are not allergic to any ingredient in the scrub. Always check the condition of the scrub if you previously used it. Do not use it if it has a smell or mold.

Where should I Scrub?

You might be wondering if you can use this product for the whole body. Body scrubs can be used to scrub any part of the body. However, some areas are drier than others. Pay more attention to the drier areas. Some areas are very sensitive, and you should avoid over-scrubbing them.  If you notice any irritation or inflammation, seek medical attention. Do not use a body scrub on your face unless it is indicated that it is a face scrub.  If you have open wounds, sunburns, new tattoos, and rashes, avoid scrubbing them, and you may feel irritated.

What is a Body Wash?

A Body wash is a detergent similar to soaps but in the form of liquid. They are more moisturizing than bar soaps. People with sensitive skins may choose to use body wash over body soaps. The body wash is thick while others are thinner but perform the same function. They contain ingredients that soften the skin and wash off the dirt.  They also have a silky and smooth texture that makes you feel good on your skin. Unlike body scrubs, you can use body wash daily when taking a shower. You can replace your normal bathing soap with a body wash. You can use them to clean any part of the body. Nazarko (2007) warned that using body washes on the face is not advisable. Your face has more sensitive skin than the rest of your body. There are other facial cleansers you can use on your face.

How to Use Body Wash

You can use body wash differently and achieve your goal of cleaning the body off dirt, sweat, and smell. You can squeeze body wash on the hands and apply it to the body, then use a soft bathing towel to scrub the body. Some may squeeze some body wash on the bathing towel and scrub the body gently.  Others enjoy it as a bubble bath by adding the body wash to the bathing water. Whichever way you choose can be effective. However, avoid using too much body wash since it might stick on the skin. 

What Should Come First; Body Wash or Body Scrub?

Having known the use of these two body cleansers, you need to know which should come first. Remember that body scrubs are meant to remove hard, dry skin cells from the skin while body wash washes off the dirt. Body scrubs should be used after body wash. Many people do not agree with this; they have used them before.  However, it might not give you the best results. You should use a body wash first to clean off dirt and oil. Then, use a body scrub to wash off any remaining dead skin cells on the skin.  The body washes also act as a base for a thorough cleaning to be done by the scrub. Body scrub contains some oil that leaves the clean skin moisturized and soft.

How to Choose Body Scrub and Body Wash

There are many body scrubs and body wash on the market. You can also make cleansers at home. If you buy them from the market, always check the ingredients to see which suits your skin. Harmalker & Lai (2005) recommended buying body wash or body scrub with mild ingredients if you have very sensitive skin. Choose body scrubs with medium-sized scrubbing particles as very fine scrubs may not give you the best results.

Conclusion

Washing your skin with bar soap might not be the perfect way to eliminate dirt, sweat, and dead skin. You need to use other products such as body scrubs and body wash.  A body scrub will help you eliminate dead skin cells. Body wash will aid in removing dirt and sweat. You should scrub your boy at least twice a week. Use body washes any time you shower. A body scrub should be used after body wash for better cleaning results.

References

Brennan, J. G., Grandison, A. S., & Lewis, M. J. (2006). Separations In Food Processing. Food Processing Handbook, 429.

Ghadage, P. K., Mahamuni, S. S., Kachare, D. S., & Kachare, M. D. (2021). Formulation And Evaluation Of Herbal Scrub Using Tamarind Peel. Research Journal Of Topical And Cosmetic Sciences, 12(1), 39-42.

Harmalker, S., & Lai, K. Y. (2005). Liquid Hand Soap And Body Wash. In Liquid Detergents (Pp. 471-506). CRC Press.

Nazarko, L. (2007). Bathing Patients With Care And Dignity. British Journal Of Healthcare Assistants, 1(2), 73-76.