By Heather Blascak, Lead Massage Therapist for the Village Health Clubs & Spas
Many people equate body scrubs to summertime. Bathing suits, shorts and tank tops make us think of perfecting our skin in order to show it off. In actuality, however, winter is the most beneficial time to exfoliate our skin. That dry, chilly air may be refreshing, but it also evaporates moisture from the skin, leaving it dry and flaky.
These environmental stressors and the dietary changes that come with the holiday season can lead to a buildup of skin’s natural oils, causing bumps, spots or dry patches. The best remedy to combat these irritants is regular exfoliation to clarify and refresh the skin. A professional body scrub provides a thorough and effective way to show off healthy, flawless skin year-round.
We know it’s important to use body scrubs to exfoliate and buff away impurities and dead skin, leaving the body smoother and softer, but they have a host of other benefits for the skin that are often overlooked. The abrasive properties of sugar and salt scrubs unclog pores, help prevent ingrown hairs, remove dull dead skin and can help reduce scarring and acne. There are also chemical properties of these ingredients that provide additional skin beautifying benefits.
Sugar scrubs are a popular choice in many spas. Sugar is ideal for those with sensitive skin because it is a natural humectant, which means it absorbs water into the skin and leaves it ultra-hydrated. Sugar contains a high level of glycolic acid (or AHA), which assists in cell turnover and helps break down dry, dead skin. This powerhouse ingredient is used in many skincare products to create nourished, younger looking skin.
Salt results in a slightly more abrasive scrub, making it a better choice for stubborn, extremely dry skin. Salt contains a combination of trace elements such as calcium, magnesium and potassium that can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, flush out toxins, improve skin texture and accelerate cell turnover. Salt also has antibacterial properties, which can help relieve itching as well as calm irritated skin.
Both types of scrubs can help unclog pores, leaving them primed and ready for any serum, oil or body moisturizer. The ingredients in these products are more effective, can provide greater results and can penetrate deeper into the skin when applied after a body scrub treatment. Either one you choose will transform the look and feel of your skin. Sloughing away dry, unhealthy skin cells promotes new cell growth and regenerates the skin, leaving it firmer and younger looking.
The final per of a body scrub treatment is the utterly indulgent experience that accompanies it! Dry brushing, hot stones, full body massage and scalp treatments are just a few of the many options offered when receiving a body scrub treatment. Each is followed by a luxurious combination of nutrient-rich mud, oil or moisturizer to complete the treatment.
A professional body scrub can take your skincare routine to the next level by refreshing and rejuvenating the skin. The Spa at DC Ranch Village offers both a refreshing citrus sugar scrub and a mineralizing salt scrub to accommodate all your skincare needs.
