The benefits of physical exfoliation for your skin’s health as well as its effect on how you look are enormous.
It’s one of the best ways to keep your skin free of dead skin cells which can clog pores and lead to dullness and bumpy skin.
Regular exfoliation with a body scrub will reveal fresh skin cells and give you a healthy glow and smoother looking skin.
By now, lots of people incorporate the process of exfoliation into their regular skincare routine.
Body scrubs are produced by most major skincare brands.
You can also easily make your own at home as there are a lot of DIY body scrub recipes to be found.
You can buy or make scrubs for use on your body as well as for your face alone.
However there are lots of different types of body scrub out there, which can be confusing.
The main body scrubs you’ll see on the market include sugar scrubs and salt scrubs.
They are probably the two most common scrubs around.
It would be easy to assume that salt scrubs and sugar scrubs do the exact same thing, and that is just remove dead skin cells.
However there are some marked differences between them both which should be considered when deciding which one to use.
Salt scrub vs sugar scrub: which is best?
Below is a salt scrub vs sugar scrub comparison which includes both the benefits and the drawbacks of each type.
What is a salt scrub?
A salt scrub is comprised of salt mixed in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or olive oil (or a blend of any oils).
Sometimes essential oils are added to the mix because of their benefits for the skin, and the scent.
This mixture is then rubbed on to skin to dislodge and remove dead skin cells, and smooth out any bumps in the skin.
What is a sugar scrub?
A sugar scrub is prepared in the same way as a salt scrub, and is sugar mixed in with a carrier oil.
It’s then manually rubbed on the body to remove built-up dead skin cells, just like a salt scrub.
Salt vs sugar scrub: what’s the difference?
The way you use a salt scrub vs a sugar scrub is no different.
To get the best results out of either, you rub them on your skin in circular motions.
As well as exfoliating to remove dead skin cells, this method increases blood flow to the skin to leave it with a healthy glow.
However, although the two scrubs might seem very similar, there are some notable differences between a salt scrub vs a sugar scrub.
The size of the salt and sugar granules and the difference it makes
This salt scrub vs sugar scrub comparison might seem odd, but the size of the granules in each really does make a difference to how they work.
It also means there are optimal places to use them on your body.
Sugar particles are generally smaller than salt particles, and have rounded edges.
Salt granules are usually bigger and have sharper edges to them.
The larger, sharper granules in salt body scrubs are more abrasive than sugar and are good for tough skin areas of the body.
These include feet, elbows, legs and hands where salt scrub will be really good at removing dry skin.
A sugar body scrub will be less harsh to use and is good for more sensitive areas that require a gentler exfoliating effect.
This could be all over if you have sensitive skin, as well as on the face which is more delicate.
The health benefits of salt scrub vs sugar scrub
Sugar and salt are both natural ingredients that have different skin benefits from each other.
Sugar is a natural humectant which draws water into the skin, leaving it more hydrated.
Salt, on the other hand, is a natural detoxifier which actually absorbs toxins away from your skin.
That’s not where the health benefits end though when it comes to salt vs sugar scrubs.
Salt also contains trace minerals which reduce inflammation and muscle soreness.
In addition to this salt has antiseptic properties and will remove bacteria from the surface of the skin.
Another of the benefits of body scrubs containing salt is that they have a tightening and firming effect on the skin.
Salt scrub vs sugar scrub side effects
The larger particles in salt scrubs can scratch the skin and cause damage, whereas sugar skin scrubs are much less abrasive.
Salt can also sting if it gets into cuts or abrasions, which is of course unpleasant. Sugar doesn’t cause stinging like this.
Another disadvantage to a salt scrub is that it absorbs water away from the skin and can therefore have a drying effect.
Is a salt scrub or sugar scrub better for your skin?
When comparing a salt scrub vs sugar scrub there are definitely lots of main differences between the two.
You still might be wondering, however, which of these types of scrubs is best for you to choose.
One of the benefits of sugar scrubs is that they are suitable for delicate skin, so if you have a sensitive skin type then a sugar scrub is a good option.
The smaller particles won’t aggravate your skin, and you will still get all of the benefits of a gentle exfoliation.
Combine this with the humectant properties of sugar, and you’ll end up with softer skin with no irritation.
If you have rough skin that isn’t sensitive then a salt scrub will be your better option.
The coarse granules (which vary in size depending on the type of salt you use) will easily eliminate any rough texture and leave you with smooth skin.
At the same time, salt will give you a tighter skin tone, cleanse any bacterial skin conditions and soothe sore muscles.
Sugar scrub vs salt scrub: the conclusion
At the end of the day, any manual exfoliation with either a salt scrub or a sugar scrub will take you from having dull skin to more radiant and gorgeous skin.
Both will make your skin look smooth and glowing, and will get rid of bumps and ingrown hairs as well as dulling dead skin cells.
The main difference between the two is the granule size and how suitable each one is for your own skin type.
A salt scrub should not be used as a facial scrub as it is just too harsh for the soft skin of your face.
A sugar scrub may not be tough enough if you have really dry and rough skin.
Additionally, both salt and sugar have different benefits which both contribute to healthy skin so the choice comes between the hydrating effects of sugar or the detoxifying effects of salt.
A great way to make your own salt scrub vs sugar scrub comparison is to make a homemade body scrub of each.
There are some great sugar scrub recipes and homemade salt scrub recipes available.
When it comes to salt scrubs vs sugar scrubs, use the information above to choose the right one for your own skin.
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