I think I’ve inherited my mother’s spirituality — and, yes, I’m going somewhere with this. I was crippled with all sorts of illnesses this past month — and the very second my mother suggested rubbing my hands and legs with a little bit of sea-salt post showering to ward off ‘negativity’, I decided to do it. Now, I cannot attest to the legitimacy of this suggestion, but I can tell you this. My skin looked a better than normal — it felt supple, smoother, and softer.
And when I finally realised that the salt-scrubbing was working in my favor, I decided to do a little research of my own. I was right. Salt does benefit the skin, and it’s probably why I’m seeing a difference…but experts are of the opinion that sugar-based scrubs are just as beneficial. Now — though both are forms of manual/physical exfoliation, there are a few things that set them apart from each other, apart from the obvious. So — how do you decide which one’s ideal for you? Read on.
Scrub It Off. But With What?
Salt Scrubs Are Detoxifying
Fact: Remember that these scrubs contain larger granules than sugar-based scrubs, and are a little more abrasive and grittier in comparison — and that’s why rougher patches of skin on the body (like the elbows, knees, feet, and hands) can benefit from these types of scrubs. Not just that — there’s a reason why athletes and sportspersons scrub their bodies with salt. It contains minerals that pull toxins from the body and eases inflammation and soreness naturally.
Con: But keep in mind that this scrub isn’t ideal for those with dry, sensitive skin — salt is dehydrating, and an abrasion caused by the scrub can lead to redness and inflammation. Make sure you’re not using it on sunburns or inflamed skin.
Sugar Scrubs Are Moisturising
Fact: This scrub is gentler on the skin, and doesn’t cause dryness — it draws water into the skin instead. This is perfect for those with dry and sensitive skin-types, and can be used on the face as well as the décolletage. Remember Glycolic Acid? Sugar is a source of this AHA, and can therefore, exfoliate gently yet effectively for smoother-looking skin.
Con: Frequent use of sugar can lead to Advanced Glycation End — a condition that occurs when a build-up of sugar leads to skin-ageing. In very simple terms — when sugars hook up with the very proteins that endow your skin with firmness and elasticity (known as glycation) — collagen and elastin — they become weak and discoloured. This manifests as wrinkles, sagging, and lines on the skin. All you have to do is ensure you’re not overusing the scrub. Make sure you’re not using this on sunburns or inflamed skin either.
How Do You Whip Up These Scrubs Quickly?
Salt
- Mix 1/4 cup of coconut oil with half a cup of Epsom salt.
- Mix in a tablespoon of olive oil for added moisture.
- You can add a few drops of an essential oil like rosemary or peppermint to the mix.
- Store the scrub in an air-tight container, and use as per your skin’s requirements.
Sugar
- Mix half a cup of coconut oil with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
- You can add a teaspoon of Vitamin E oil for added moisture.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of citrus zest (orange or lemon) or a few drops of an essential oil to spruce it up.
- Transfer it all to an air-tight container at room temperature.
If DIYing Is Too Much Of A Task…
Whether you’re DIYing a scrub or buying one, make sure you’re not exfoliating too much. Limit the sloughing and rubbing to twice or three a week; and observe how your skin is responding to a scrub. If you notice side-effects, stop using it immediately.
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