Exfoliation is an essential aspect of any skin care regimen. It removes dirt and prevents a variety of problems such as hyperpigmentation and acne. Regular exfoliation can increase the efficacy of products by enhancing penetration. However, deciding between a salt scrub and a sugar scrub may be confusing for some people. In this post, we will look at the differences between sugar scrub and salt scrub, their benefits and drawbacks, how to use them, and which one is ideal for your skin’s needs. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is The Difference Between Salt And Sugar Scrubs?
The main difference between salt and sugar scrubs lies in their texture and particle shape.
Salt Scrubs
Unrefined salt is typically used in this scrub. Salt has large granules with sharp edges. Due to this, salt scrubs are considered more abrasive than sugar scrubs and are not used on sensitive areas.
Sugar Scrubs
Similar to salt scrubs, unrefined sugar is generally used to create these scrubs. Sugar granules are perfectly round in shape. They remove the oil from the skin without being too harsh on it. Now that you know the main difference between salt and sugar scrubs, let us move on to the pros and cons of each product.
Salt Scrubs Vs. Sugar Scrubs: Benefits And Drawbacks
As with any skin care product, knowing the benefits and drawbacks of these homemade body scrubs will help you pick the right one for you and avoid irritation.
I. Salt Scrubs
The benefits of salt scrubs are as follows: Benefits
The granules present in this scrub are quite abrasive. As such, you can use them to remove the tougher dead skin cells from drier areas of the body. Salt is said to have detoxifying properties. The trace minerals in this scrub can perform the role of natural purifiers and remove the toxins from the skin. This makes it a great option for inflamed areas of the body. However, more research is needed to support this claim. As per anecdotal evidence, the salt granules in this scrub typically break down into sulfate and magnesium when combined with water. These compounds are absorbed by the skin, thus soothing it and relaxing sore and tired muscles.
Drawbacks
Due to their abrasiveness, salt scrubs can irritate delicate skin and cause it to become inflamed.
II. Sugar Scrubs
The benefits of sugar scrubs are as follows: Benefits
Sugar scrubs tend to be less abrasive and work well on sensitive skin. Anecdotal evidence suggests that sugar scrubs contain trace amounts of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron. These elements can improve the appearance of the skin by replenishing all the nutrients lost throughout the day.
Drawbacks
While sugar scrubs are fantastic exfoliators and can introduce nutrients to the body, the results are not as apparent as those seen with salt scrubs. The results also depend on the manual exfoliation technique. This is why these are recommended to people with sensitive skin. More scientific research is needed to explore this further.
Salt Scrub Vs. Sugar Scrub: On Which Body Parts Should They Be Used?
You should use salt scrubs to remove the grittier dead skin cells from areas with tougher and drier skin. This includes:
Hands Elbows Knees Feet
Sugar scrubs are great for areas with more sensitive skin like:
Face Inner thighs Décolletage
Now that you know which scrubs are suitable for which body parts, let’s discuss the best way to use them for better results. Knowing how often should you exfoliate your skin is crucial to better understanding the usage of these scrubs. Read the next segment to find out more.
What Is The Best Way To Use Salt And Sugar Scrubs?
For the best results, we recommend using salt and sugar scrubs at least twice a week. This will get rid of the dead skin cells from your skin, unclog the pores, and soothe inflamed skin. The key is to start gently while you learn what your skin can handle. Mentioned below are the different ways in which you can apply salt and sugar scrubs, depending on the body part that you are applying them on.
Salt Scrubs
As touched upon before, you should use these scrubs to clean tough, dry areas with a lot of dead skin cells. The best way to do this is as follows:
Sugar Scrubs
As this scrub is primarily used on the face, the best time to use it is during your morning or night skin care routine. It will help remove all the dirt clogging the pores and go a long way in keeping your skin refreshed.
Salt And Sugar Scrub Recipes
Salt and sugar scrubs may not always be available at your local drugstore. Luckily, they can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients.
1. Coffee Salt Scrub
You Will Need
1/4 cup of salt 1/4 cup of ground coffee 5 tablespoons of coconut oil (room temperature)
Instructions
2. Green Tea Sugar Scrub
You Will Need
1 cup of sugar 2 green tea bags 1/2 cup of hot water 1/4 cup of coconut oil
Instructions Coffee and tea contain caffeine and antioxidants, giving them anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Lavender Salt Scrub
You Will Need
¼ cup of sea salt ½ cup of coconut oil 2 tablespoons of dried lavender 15-20 drops of lavender essential oil An airtight jar
Instructions Can you mix salt and sugar for a scrub? Yes, you can mix salt and sugar for a scrub for exfoliating to give you soft and smooth skin. Does salt lighten skin? Salt is quite abrasive, which makes it ideal for removing tougher dead skin. This will give your skin a brighter and healthy appearance. Can salt and sugar scrubs be used on your face? Yes, you can use both salt and sugar scrubs on your face. Avoid using coarse sea salt and unrefined sugar as they are both abrasive and may be harsh on your face. Indulge in the luxury of homemade body scrubs by watching this guiding video. These easy-to-make, natural body scrub recipes use simple ingredients from your kitchen and offer revitalizing benefits for smoother, radiant skin. Click play to find out how!