Body Scrub After Care: The First Thing To Do Post-Scrub
Few skincare rituals rival the indulgence of a good body scrub. There's something incredibly satisfying about the sensation of smooth, polished skin after a thorough scrubbing or exfoliation session. It's a moment we eagerly anticipate, a luxurious treat we often include in our regular shower routines.
However, in the midst of the joy of scrubbing, many tend to overlook a critical post-scrub step: moisturizing and hydrating the skin. This first post-scrub step shouldn't be made an afterthought; it's a pivotal aspect of skincare that guarantees your skin remains healthy, vibrant, and glowing, and we're here to elaborate on why.
The first thing to do after a body scrub
The first step following a scrub is to generously apply a moisturizing body lotion. A 2016 study explains that while skin exfoliation maintains a healthy glow, it can result in a temporary disruption of the skin barrier.
Our skin has a natural barrier called the lipid layer, which helps retain moisture and protect against external aggressors. However, exfoliation disrupts this barrier, stripping away natural oils and moisture from our skin. This leaves our skin exposed and in need of replenishment.
Without proper hydration after scrubbing, our skin becomes susceptible to damage, irritation, and accelerated aging. By applying a nourishing moisturizer after scrubbing, we help restore the lipid layer, lock in moisture, and strengthen the skin's defenses.
What happens if you skip the lotion after scrubbing?
Well, the consequences can be more severe than you might think. Without proper hydration, your skin may experience the following:
- Increased sensitivity
- Redness and irritation
- Dry patches and flakiness
- Dull complexion
Benefits of using a lotion after a body scrub
After indulging in the invigorating ritual of a body scrub, applying lotion is like giving your skin a much-needed drink of water. Here are the benefits of using lotion after a body scrub:
- Hydration: Lotion replenishes moisture lost during exfoliation, keeping the skin hydrated and preventing dryness.
- Nourishment: It delivers essential nutrients to the skin, promoting its health and vitality.
- Softness and Suppleness: Lotion helps to maintain soft, supple skin by sealing in moisture and preventing moisture loss.
- Soothing: It can soothe any potential irritation caused by the scrub, calming the skin and reducing redness or sensitivity.
- Enhanced Results: Incorporating lotion into your post-scrub routine enhances the results of the scrub, leaving your skin smooth, refreshed, and revitalized.
- Overall Skin Health: By keeping the skin hydrated and nourished, lotion contributes to overall skin health, ensuring it remains healthy, vibrant, and glowing.
Choosing the best lotion for post-scrubbing
To avoid these pitfalls and keep your skin looking its best, it's essential to choose the right lotion. Look for products enriched with hydrating ingredients like organic shea butter and CBD oil. Organic shea butter is renowned for its moisturizing properties, as it's rich in vitamins and fatty acids that nourish and soothe the skin. Meanwhile, CBD oil boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, helping to calm irritation and protect against environmental stressors.
One exceptional product that ticks all the boxes is Tub Therapy's After Scrub Love Organic Shea Butter and CBD lotion. Formulated with premium-quality ingredients, this luxurious lotion provides intense hydration and skin-loving nutrients. It's gentle yet effective, making it suitable for all skin types, even sensitive or problematic skin. Plus, its subtle scent and silky texture make every application a sensory delight.
Show your skin some love after scrub: Tub Therapy's After Scrub Love CBD Lotion, $19 each with free shipping
How to use a lotion after scrubbing
Applying lotion the right way after a body scrub is just as crucial as the scrub itself for several reasons. Proper application ensures maximum benefits by allowing the moisturizer to penetrate deeply into the skin, enhancing absorption, and locking in hydration.
It also helps prevent irritation and maintains skin health by restoring the skin's natural barrier function. By forming a protective layer on the skin, properly applied lotion prolongs the effects of the body scrub, resulting in smoother, softer, and more radiant skin.
1. Pat Dry: After rinsing off the scrub, gently pat your skin dry with a towel. It's important not to rub your skin vigorously, as this can cause irritation, especially after exfoliation.
2. Apply Generously: Take a generous amount of lotion and apply it to your damp skin. The moisture from the water will help the lotion spread more easily and absorb better into your skin.
3. Massage In: Use gentle, circular motions to massage the lotion into your skin. Focus on areas that may be drier or more prone to roughness, such as elbows, knees, and heels.
4. Allow Absorption: Give the lotion a few minutes to fully absorb into your skin before getting dressed. This allows it to work its magic and lock in moisture effectively.
5. Reapply as Needed: Depending on your skin type and the climate, you may need to reapply lotion throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and comfortable. Listen to your skin's needs and adjust your moisturizing routine accordingly.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your skin receives the full benefits of the lotion after a body scrub, leaving it feeling nourished, hydrated, and silky smooth.
What NOT to do after a body scrub
After scrubbing, it's important to avoid certain activities to protect your newly exfoliated skin. Here are the things you should avoid after scrubbing your skin:
1. Don’t expose your skin to direct sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight without SPF protection to prevent sunburn and increased sensitivity.
2. Don’t tan and sunbathe: Refrain from tanning beds or prolonged sun exposure to prevent skin damage and premature aging.
3. Don’t go to a steam room or sauna: Steer clear of steam rooms or saunas immediately after scrubbing to avoid irritation or sensitivity.
4. Don’t over-exfoliate: Resist using products containing AHAs or other chemical exfoliants to prevent over-exfoliation and skin damage. Exfoliate no more than 2-3 times per week, or once a week for sensitive skin, to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. Adjust frequency based on skin type and sensitivity.
Our verdict?
While we all appreciate the benefits of a good body scrub, it's essential not to overlook the crucial step that follows: moisturizing and hydrating the skin.
As tempting as it may be to revel in the newfound smoothness post-scrub, remember that lotioning up is the first line of defense for maintaining skin health and radiance. By nourishing your skin with a hydrating lotion after scrubbing, you not only replenish lost moisture but also help fortify its natural barrier against external aggressors.
So, the next time you treat yourself to a luxurious scrub, don't forget to follow it up with a generous application of a moisturizing lotion. Your skin will thank you for the extra care, leaving you with a lasting glow that radiates beauty and confidence.
