Body Scrubs 101: All Of Our Personal Faves
Jo is a former Adore Beauty staffer and qualified dermal therapist with over decade of experience in the beauty industry.
She co-hosted our award-winning podcast Beauty IQ Uncensored for 4 years, interviewing names like Caroline Hirons, Katie Jane Hughes and Chris Appleton to name a few.
You'd think in isolation that I would've chilled out on the fake tan, wouldn't you? Nope. Not me. Doing my weekly fake tan (read more about the stink-free ones I use here) has been the only thing that has kept me feeling human after months of wearing tracksuits.
There's literally no point in me applying fake tan, I've got nobody to impress. But I use it as a self-care practice. It makes me feel better. Except when I forget to moisturise for 3 days in a row and my skin starts to get super itchy, and the tan starts to resemble the skin of a shedding reptile.
That's when I recognise it's time to scrub. Now, I don't use physical scrubs on my face because I have sensitive skin, but on my body - yes, thank you. I've got a full collection.
Why You Should Be Scrubbing Your Body:
You can't deny that most of us take pretty good care of our faces but we completely neglect our bodies. It's the truth. Sometimes I get out of the shower and stare at my body moisturiser and deliberately don't apply it because a) I'm lazy, and b) I'm cold and I want to put my pyjamas straight on.
If you're neglecting your body care routine, you can find out more about how to build a routine for your body here, or learn more about Coco & Eve's new body trio here.
Now, back to body scrubs. Exfoliating with a physical scrub helps to manually remove the build-up of dead skin cells from the uppermost layer of the skin. Resurfacing the skin in this way stimulates the regeneration of new cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath.
There are chemical exfoliants, or chemical/physical hybrids you can use on your body, but for the purpose of achieving a super even, flawless-looking faux glow, I go with a physical scrub. Actually, that's not entirely true, if I've got stubborn tan around my hairline on my neck, I get it off with Liquid Gold.
My Other Top Tanning Tips:
Using a scrub or an exfoliating mitt is the first step in a flawless tan - but what other tips do I have, you ask?
- Before tanning, rub moisturiser between your palms and swipe under your arms to prevent that collection of tan in the crease of your armpit
- Also moisturiser dry areas like the elbows, knees and feet for a more undetectable application
- If you're using an express tan, do not moisturise after your first shower - allow 6-8 hours for the tan to develop (applying moisturiser can stunt to development of the tan)
- Use a high-quality mitt to do your tan - it'll reduce streaks and patchiness
- Don't use body tan on your face. Get yourself a proper face tan - trust me.
My Current Go-To Body Scrubs:
innisfree Green Tea Pure Body Scrub
If K-Beauty is your vibe, and you're searching for a bargain, this one might be for you. This 2-in-1 product is a body cleanser combined with scrub that gently exfoliates dead skin cells and cleanses the skin on your body to keep it clean and smooth. It contains Jeju green tea and natural scrub particles made of walnut shell powder to clear away dead skin cells and congestion.
Compagnie De Provence Shea Body Scrub
This is a stand out for me because of its smell. Ugh, it's DIVINE. The scent of white florals and creamy, sweet musk will transport you to a boutique bed-and-breakfast in the South of France. This scrub combines the exfoliating power of Apricot Kernels with Shea Butter so skin is as hydrated as it is smoothed, and the added benefits of Vitamins A, D, E and F to ensure body skin is in tip top shape, nourished and regenerated.
Oribe Cote d'Azur Body Scrub
Bougie bitches, unite. This luxurious body scrub is right up your alley. I bought Oribe's Cote d'Azur fragrance because I love it so much. This scrub contains exfoliating ingredients like Diamond Powder and Sugar, paired natural oils like Sweet Almond, Meadowfoam & Starflower Oils that soften and hydrate skin.
Lowengrip Healthy Glow Body Scrub
With a scent of lush honey and musk, this gentle scrub helps to smooth skin texture and improve tone without irritation, providing hydration as you scrub. It contains pre and probiotics to strengthen your skins natural barrier and beta carotene to smooth and add radiance, so you'll leave the shower with softer, smoother skin.
