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Pampering yourself is never time wasted. Perhaps you’re long overdue for some self-care, or maybe you put it on your calendar every week. Either way, sometimes it can be fun to shake up your skin care routine and try something new, like a sugar scrub.

Sugar scrubs are ideal for exfoliating your skin, leaving you feeling soft and smelling great. However, there are right and wrong ways to use them. Here’s how to use sugar scrub and reap its sweet benefits.

How to Use Sugar Scrub Correctly

Sugar scrubs slough away dead skin cells and leave you with a healthy, glowing, radiant appearance. Here’s what you need to know and how to use sugar scrubs safely.

What Are Sugar Scrubs Made Of?

Sugar scrubs are made of granulated sugar and oils, such as coconut or argan. They can also contain shea butter, chamomile extract and salicylic acids. They are available in many formulations, although you can make them yourself at home with whatever ingredients best benefit your skin.

Are They Safe for Your Face?

Sugar scrubs should be used with care, as they can damage the skin if you scrub too hard. As such, it’s best to avoid using them on your face unless formulated for it, as misuse can lead to redness, irritation and scratches. However, their texture makes them ideal for use virtually everywhere else, including rough, scaly feet.

How Often Should I Use Sugar Scrub?

You don’t want to do a sugar scrub exfoliation every day because they can be harsh if done too often. Overdoing it can dry out your skin and make it too sensitive, and you want to give your body time to recover. Use your best judgment, but you can exfoliate about once a week if you’d like.

How to Use Sugar Scrub Step by Step

There is a right and wrong way to use sugar scrubs, and you want to ensure you use them properly so you don’t damage your skin. Here are the steps to take.

1. Keep It Clean

Start with a clean slate. The best time to use a sugar scrub is in the shower after you’ve washed yourself. This way, there won’t be any dirt or impurities that could aggravate your skin when you scrub. You’ll also be warm and prepped for the product.

2. Get Circular

Scoop up your scrub — enough to fill the center of your palm should do. Gently rub into your skin in a circular motion, but don’t apply too much pressure. Sugar scrubs can be coarse and you don’t want to damage your skin. Think slough, not scour.

3. Rinse Off and Moisturize

Rinse your scrub away with lukewarm water — hot water can be too irritating to your skin. Pat dry gently with a towel after you step out of the shower, and avoid rubbing your freshly scrubbed skin too hard. Then, apply a thick, rich body moisturizer while still slightly damp to lock in moisture.

Make Your Own Honey Sugar Scrub

There are many sugar scrub recipes you can make at home. Here’s one that will leave you moisturized as well as exfoliated.

You will need the following: 

1 cup liquified coconut oil

1 ½ cups white granulated sugar

¼ cup raw honey

Essential oil of your choice (optional)

Combine coconut oil, sugar, honey and essential oil in a bowl. Mix until well combined. Store in an airtight container and use for up to two months.

How to Use Sugar Scrub for Beautiful Skin

Sugar scrubs eliminate impurities and dead skin to reveal a healthy and beautiful glow beneath. The best formulas will leave you soft and smelling great. They’re a sweet way to pamper yourself, and you deserve to.