What is body scrub and step-by-step how to use body scrub

8 Aug 2022

Beauty

Get smooth, soft skin with exfoliating body scrubs brimming with botanical ingredients

Do you have a tub of body scrub sitting at the back of your bathroom cupboard? Incorporate it into your skincare routine. If you’re wondering what a body scrub actually does, and how to use it, we’ll break it down for you.

If you’re new to the world of body scrubs, take a look at our natural exfoliators at Rabot 1745.

Body scrubs from Hotel Chocolat

What is body scrub?

In simple terms, a body scrub is a cream or paste containing abrasives like sugar, salt or coffee grains that are used to exfoliate the dead skin from the surface.

Why is exfoliation important?

On your face, exfoliation lifts impurities and dirt from the skin, decreasing the likelihood of your pores clogging. 

Using a scrub on your body can help with circulation, stimulate the production of new cell growth and prolong your tan. Regular exfoliation creates smoother, more radiant-looking skin, and can help improve signs of ageing and acne.

How to use body scrub: step by step

Using a body scrub is relatively simple and straightforward if done correctly. It’s important not to over-exfoliate as this can irritate the skin and cause dryness. 

To use body scrub correctly, follow these simple steps:

  • First, rinse your skin in warm water. You can use a muslin cloth or flannel for this.
  • Next, rub a small amount of body scrub between your hands and massage over your body.
  • Rub the body scrub in gentle, circular motions with either your hand or an exfoliating glove.
  • Scrub your skin for no longer than 30 seconds.
  • Rinse liberally with warm water.
  • If you want to shave, shave afterwards (exfoliation lifts dirt and dead skin cells out of the way, allowing for the blade to glide more smoothly over the skin)
  • Wash your skin using your regular body wash or soap.
  • Pat your skin dry with a towel.
  • Apply a moisturiser if you wish.

A body scrub accelerates cell turnover and production. By incorporating regular exfoliation into your skincare routine, you will see a noticeable improvement in your skin’s silky smoothness.

Body scrub and a selection of beauty products

How often should I exfoliate with a body scrub?

Exfoliating on a regular basis is great for your skin, especially in the hot weather when you’re more likely to sweat and pick up dirt. But it is possible to over-exfoliate, so how much is too much?

  • The general rule of thumb is to exfoliate 2-3 times a week if you have normal skin.
  • If you have oily skin, you can exfoliate a little bit more often, especially on the face.
  • For sensitive or very dry skin, it’s only recommended to exfoliate once a week.

If you’re using body scrubs frequently, it’s important to remember not to exfoliate too much as this can strip the skin of barrier oils and moisture.

Can I use body scrub to exfoliate my face?

It’s vital that you do not use a body scrub on your face as the skin on your face and body are very different. For one, the skin on your face is much more sensitive than your body, so you risk irritating the skin on your face.

If your skin is a little bit more on the sensitive side, we suggest gentler scrub ingredients such as:

  • Ground macadamia
  • Fine sea salt
  • Oats (a top tip is to combine oats with manuka honey for a soothing face mask)
  • Coffee grounds
  • Honey

If you have slightly oilier skin, you can use slightly harsher exfoliants. But it’s best to save the very abrasive exfoliants for your body, as you can risk damaging your delicate facial skin.

Exfoliating can improve problematic skin conditions such as acne, brightening dull or dry skin, improving blood circulation and your skin’s appearance, as well as providing anti-ageing benefits.

Facial exfoliating scrub

Botanical body scrubs from Rabot 1745

At Hotel Chocolat, although we are best known for our quality chocolate, we are also experts in providing skincare you can count on. We have applied the same stamp of fine quality and passion into our Rabot 1745 skincare range.

When it comes to your skin, it’s important to invest in quality products that you can trust. Your skin is an organ, and it should be given the same care and attention as the rest of your body. Whatever your skin type, we have just the right scrub for you.

Coffee body scrub

Natural ingredients are always best when it comes to skincare. Cheaper products may contain harsh chemicals that may irritate or dry out your skin.

Invest in the best with our Coffee Body Scrub, made out of Arabica coffee granules and sea salt. This perfect combination lifts dead skin cells and unclogs dirt from pores. We’ve also added nourishing cocoa butter, almond and argan oil to keep your skin hydrated during exfoliation.

Sugar and sour orange body scrub

If you’re looking for something a little lighter for summer, why not try our Sugar and Sour Orange Body Scrub.

Containing sugar instead of coffee, this scrub is a little more intensive and is sure to leave your skin feeling invigorated. To balance out the exfoliation of the sugar, we’ve incorporated argan and jojoba oils for added smoothness, infused with citrus essential oils for that zesty punch. 

Sour Orange Body Scrub

Skincare with Hotel Chocolat

All of our scrubs are packaged in 75% reusable coffee cups, which are made from corn, bamboo and wood fibre. We are committed to being more sustainable, and already 94% of our products are made from reusable or recyclable packaging. 

If you’re looking for quality, sustainable skin care products you can rely on, browse our Rabot 1745 skincare collection to find your perfect match today.