Beginners Guide to Exfoliating your Body: Salt vs. Sugar Scrub

Salty or sweet? A question we often ask ourselves when looking for a yummy snack to eat. But it’s also a question we should be asking when picking an exfoliator. Exfoliators are used to remove dead skin cells from the skin. It is important to exfoliate not only to remove those dead skin cells that can clog your pores, but also to help your skin absorb other products like serums, moisturizers, and SPF better. There a few different types of exfoliators; chemical, granular substances, and exfoliation tools. In this post, we will be focusing on granular substances; salt or sugar. Both are natural exfoliated options that you won’t assume are very different. However, they are VERY different.

Salt Scrubs

Salt scrubs are considered the rougher of the two granular substances. It can help clear out larger particles from the skin that are grittier. It is best to use a salt scrub on feet and elbows. These are places on your body that tend to have the toughest skin to get through. If you do have sensitive skin salt scrub is not recommended.

Salt is much more coarse. As you can see it’s bigger so it really help get rid of dead skin.

Sugar Scrubs

Sugar scrubs are considered the sweeter of the two (pun intended). Sugar scrubs can be used on more sensitive areas like the décolletage or even face (depending on skin type). It is a less abrasive form of exfoliation and if you are gentle should be very cleansing for your skin.

Sugar is a much smaller granular. So it will be more gentle on your skin.

Exfoliating Tips:

Exfoliating is recommended to be done regularly, but not every day. It is recommended that you should be exfoliating at least once a week to get rid of dead skin cells. It should be done gently as to not hurt the skin.
You should wash your face with lukewarm water and then use the scrub in small circular motions and rinse with water.
Listen to your skin. If it is looking irritated by the exfoliation change the type of exfoliator you are using, give your skin a break, or talk to your dermatologist.
Make sure you moisturize after exfoliating.

I will always prefer sugar scrubs over salt. They have different purposes but for me, I use sugar scrubs weekly. Your skin on the face is so delicate that using a sugar scrub could only cause more breakouts. In my mind, if consuming sugar breaks my face out, rubbing it all over my face can’t be good. However, I do use sugar scrubs on the rest of my body. I have found that exfoliating my legs especially has changed the appearance and feel of my legs. My legs are so soft, all my ingrown hairs are gone, and my scars are much less noticeable. I have gotten into the routine of washing with body wash, exfoliating, and then shaving. It has changed my skin completely.

Salt scrubs can be very rough on soft skin. So to not damage skin use them to achieve the perfect pedicure. The bottoms of our feet tend to become rough and lack moisture. If you find that your feet have dead skin a salt scrub is perfect for you!

Salt and Sugar are easy to find at any local grocery store or online. Making homemade exfoliating scrubs can be the perfect way to have money for yourself or to even gift them to others. The recipe is very flexible and can be customized. Each recipe can be personalized and will make a very special gift.

Salt Scrub recipe

1 cup of sea salt (this can be Dead Sea Salt, Himalayan Sea Salt, Epsom Salt, or Black Sea Salt)
¼ cup of carrier oil (this can be jojoba oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or almond oil)
10-20 drops of essential oil (this is the part that can be completely customized based on your favorite scents)

Instructions