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Scrubs---Let's Get Down to the Nitty Gritty

Mar 1st 2019 Posted by Nicole body scrubs, history of scrubs, important, scrubs, sugar scrubs,

Do you know what a body scrub is—and why it deserves a permanent spot in your skincare ritual? With more attention being given to how we care for our bodies, scrubs are becoming just as essential as soap. A body scrub is a skincare product designed to remove dead skin cells through exfoliation. In the process, it also helps cleanse the skin, boost circulation, and prep your skin to better absorb moisturizers. The result? Skin that feels clean, rejuvenated, and radiant.

Scrubbing Through the Ages

Body scrubs aren’t just a modern trend—they’re rooted in centuries of beauty rituals across cultures:

  • Eastern traditions: Women gathered weekly to bathe, relax, and bond while scrubbing their bodies—a ritual of connection and care.
  • Ancient Egypt: Both men and women used scrubs made with coarse exfoliants, honey, and perfumed oils to hydrate and protect their skin from the desert heat.
  • Native American practices: Tribes like the Comanche used natural exfoliants like ground corn and river sand to purify the skin before ceremonies.

These traditions remind us that exfoliation is more than skincare—it’s self-care.

Why We Need to Scrub

As we age, the glue-like substance that holds our skin cells together (called desmosomes) thickens. This makes it harder for our skin to naturally shed dead cells, leading to a dull, uneven, and less-toned appearance. Add in environmental stressors, hormonal shifts, and vitamin deficiencies (especially A and D), and it’s clear: exfoliation is essential.

Here’s a quick skin science fact:
We shed 30,000–40,000 skin cells every hour, and it takes about 27–30 days for new cells to reach the surface. Without exfoliation, those fresh cells stay buried beneath layers of buildup.

Today, body scrubs have become a must-have in any well-rounded skincare routine. They do more than just remove dead skin and surface impurities—they help stimulate your body’s natural healing process, promote cell renewal, and even reduce excess fluid retention, leaving your skin with a fresh, healthy glow.

Most scrubs follow a simple formula: an exfoliant + nourishing oils + essential oils or fragrance. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one for your skin?

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common exfoliating ingredients—sugar, salt, nutshells, and coffee grounds. Each has its own texture, benefits, and level of abrasiveness. The key is finding one that’s effective enough to slough off dead skin, but gentle enough to protect and preserve your healthy skin barrier.

Here’s what you need to know:

Salt Scrubs

  • Made with varying grades of sea salt
  • Larger granules = more intense exfoliation
  • Great for detoxifying and healing
  • Can be drying, so extra oils are added to balance moisture
  • Use with care to avoid microtears in the skin

Sugar Scrubs (Our Favorite!)

  • Made with white, raw, or brown sugar
  • Brown sugar is gentle yet effective
  • Sugar is a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Naturally contains glycolic acid (AHA) to promote cell turnover
  • At Earth Born Beauty, we exclusively use sugar in our body scrubs for its skin-loving benefits

Coffee Scrubs

  • Packed with anti-inflammatory properties
  • Helps reduce the appearance of cellulite and skin dimples
  • Caffeine improves circulation and tightens skin
  • Perfect for beach season prep or a morning pick-me-up for your skin

Choosing the Right Scrub

Your ideal scrub depends on your skin type and how much abrasiveness your skin can tolerate. Whether you go for sugar, salt, or coffee, the goal is the same: to support your skin’s natural renewal process and keep it looking fresh, healthy, and vibrant.

While aging is inevitable, exfoliation is your secret weapon to maintain glowing skin at every stage of life.

Our Founder's Favorites: From Black Pearl to Bananas

Her personal go-to? Our Black Pearl Pore Cleansing Facial Scrub. I love how the activated charcoal draws out toxins and impurities while gently cleansing my skin. It’s a powerhouse for detox and glow.

But when I’m in the mood for a DIY treat, I whip up my favorite Banana Sugar Agave Scrub/Mask. It’s packed with potassium and vitamins C & E to promote clear, radiant skin, while the sugar and agave hydrate and soften.

DIY Banana Sugar Agave Scrub/Mask

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp agave nectar
  • ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Mash the banana with a fork until smooth.
  2. Mix in the sugar, agave, and vanilla.
  3. Wet your face with a warm washcloth.
  4. Apply the scrub/mask and leave on for 7 minutes.
  5. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Your skin will feel soft, hydrated, and ready to glow!

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