When it comes to skincare routine, you might have well integrated the cleansing and moisturizing steps, but are you exfoliating your skin as well? Today, we’re going to share with you all you need to know about natural sugar scrubs , from the origin, to their numerous benefits and use tips. We bet that after reading this post you’ll want to start scrubbing your skin right away!
What are sugar scrubs made of?
In terms of ingredients, sugar scrub is pretty much self-explanatory since it’s primarily made of – surprise, surprise – sugar . Essential oils are also usually added to the formula to bring fragrance and aromatherapy.
In Bali, there are two types of sugar being produced: palm sugar and cane sugar. On the one hand, palm sugar comes from the sugar palm, also known as aren palm, black sugar palm and kaong palm, among other names. This feather palm can reach a height of 20 meters and grow naturally everywhere in Indonesia. Each part of the palm is used, from the roots to the young and budding leaves in the top; from the fibers around the trunk, to the sago inside it. But the most famous produce of the sugar palm is, certainly, its sugar, which in Indonesia it’s called “gula merah” (red sugar) or “gula semut” (ant sugar). On the other hand, cane sugar is obtained from sugar cane that can reach a height between 2 and 6 meters. In 2021, more than 2,40 million metric tons of sugar cane were produced in Indonesia! Sugar cane is used in many Hinduism ceremonies in Bali, such as Galungan and Metatah, so local people plant it in their gardens to have it at hand. At Bali Life Body Care, our Muda Sugar Scrub and Energi Sugar Scrub are made from cane sugar, which is good for all skin types and softer than palm sugar.
What are the benefits of natural sugar scrubs?
You’ve probably heard a million times that too much sugar is bad “in” your body, but it’s actually really great “on” your body! Our natural eco-friendly scrubs are just as effective as any other non-organic scrubs and – truth being said – more often than not, products made from all-natural ingredients are more likely to give you the best results . These are the benefits of using natural sugar scrubs:
1. Are suitable for all types of skin
A lot of people think they shouldn’t use body scrubs if they have dry skin. Quite the opposite! Unless you have preexisting irritation, sugar scrubs are ideal for any type of skin, including delicate and sensitive skin, since this cosmetic easily melts away upon contact with water.
2. Remove dead skin cells
The main action of sugar scrubs is exfoliation, which consists in removing the outer layer of dead skin cells. Essentially, it encourages cell renovation and brings more radiant skin to the surface.
3. Work for both face and body
Sugar is less abrasive than other types of scrubs, so it can be safely used on your face and body skin. Feel free to use sugar scrubs to exfoliate your lips too! This is quite a forgotten part of the body, but it needs to be scrubbed as well. Our natural sugar scrubs – which are edible if you must! – neutralize any discoloration and dark spots that may be present, leaving lips looking great, even without color on them.
4. Hydrate skin naturally
Sugar is a natural humectant, this is, it retains moisture and ensures skin is kept hydrated. Don’t forget to use body cream after scrubbing for the full effect of hydration. We recommend our Halus Body Lotion to complete your moisturizing skincare routine.
5. Improve skin texture
Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid that works to dissolve the glue that holds dead skin cells together. After using sugar scrub, you’re literally washing impurities away to reveal brighter skin.
6. Prevent ingrown hairs
Using sugar scrub helps unclog pores and remove textured skin that can lead to those annoying ingrown hairs. Therefore, it’s a good idea to exfoliate your skin before shaving to get better results.
7. Make tan last longer
Exfoliating your skin before sunbathing or getting a spray tan, makes both the “real” and “fake” tan last longer. Having removed the old layer of dead skin cells, tanned skin will look smoother and even.
8. Help remove toxins
Even if you have a good skincare routine, outside factors you can’t control such as pollution and pesticides may contribute to skin deterioration. Using sugar scrubs can help rid daily toxins your skin is exposed to, making it look healthy and glowing.
9. Slow down premature aging
Regular exfoliation boosts skin circulation, which in turn stimulates collagen production. This protein is responsible, among other properties, for skin’s elasticity. In other words, using sugar scrubs can directly influence the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
10. Relieve stress
Sugar scrubs usually include essential oils that work to clear the mind and promote balance. Our Muda Sugar Scrub is made of cempaka flower oil, that brings a pleasant fragrance claimed to calm and reduce stress. Our Energi Sugar Scrub contains Balinese coffee, with a scent that enhances attention, speed of memory and alertness mood.
How and how often are sugar scrubs used?
Clean your skin with soap before applying sugar scrub on your face and body. While still damp, apply a small amount of the product to your skin and rub it with your hands in small and gentle circles. After 30 seconds, rinse the remaining sugar thoroughly with warm water. Make sure to focus on rough areas such as elbows, knees and heels. Also, to always keep the sugar scrub bacteria-free, either use clean hands when scooping it out of the container or use a clean, dry spoon.
Unlike cleansing and moisturizing, which are skincare steps to be done daily, it’s better not to apply sugar scrub on your body everyday. Overexfoliation can lead to dried and irritated skin, as well as disrupting natural skin barrier, so consider it a sweet treat for your skin and use sugar scrub once to two times per week. If your skin is sensitive, you may want to exfoliate it only once a week. Facial exfoliation is recommended to be kept up to three times a week, but only if you have oily skin. Once or twice a week is sufficient in case you have sensitive, acne-prone or dry skin.
Now that you know the importance of using sugar scrubs, don’t hesitate to integrate them as part of your beauty routine! At Bali Life Body Care you can choose between the Muda Sugar Scrub and Energi Sugar Scrub, both amazing natural options to treat your skin to the next level.