Body Scrubs vs Dry Brushing: Which One Is for You?

Exfoliating is the key to soft, fresh skin. Body scrubs have long been the go-to way to exfoliate, but the beauty industry game is always changing. Now we've got body polishes, and the age-old practice of dry brushing has hit the mainstream in recent years. Here's what you need to know about body scrubs, body polishes, and dry brushes.

Body Scrub vs. Body Polish

The difference between body scrubs and body polishes comes down to one thing. "Both exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells and smooth however a body scrub also cleanses skin while a body polish is for exfoliating and moisturizing and not for cleansing," explains Murphy-Rose.

Body scrubs use grainy ingredients like sugar or oats to slough off dead skin and reveal the smoothness and radiance beneath. They're popular for a reason—you can see and feel the results immediately. Fine, soft grains are better than anything too sharp or jagged, as the latter may leave little tears in the skin. "It is best to avoid harsh or abrasive scrubs that contain large, irregularly shaped or jagged granules which may lead to microtears in the skin and can lead to redness, irritation and sensitivity," Garshick notes. Microbeads are also on their way out since they're notorious for polluting the oceans and rivers.

Body polishes are relatively new to the market. They're pretty much the same as body scrubs, but some formulations are gentler, like Dove's Exfoliating Body Polish, since the beauty industry is trending toward nourishing ingredients like oils, clays, and coffee grounds. "Body polish" is mostly a marketing term, but it can feel brand new. And anything that gets you excited about skincare and self-care is a good thing.

How to Apply a Body Scrub

For the best results, make sure you're scrubbing correctly. Garshick recommends to "First dampen your skin with water, apply a small amount of body scrub to the body, rub it in using small circular motions and then rinse it off using lukewarm water. After, it is best to pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer to the skin."

Here are some additional tips tips: 

• Use your hands. No need to use a brush; your hands will do the best work. If you feel wary about dipping your fingers into the container, use a clean wooden spoon to scoop out the product, then apply the scrub to your body with your hands.
• Scrub toward your heart. This is a spa secret, and the claim is that it's best for circulation. Start at your feet and massage the scrub in a circular motion up the legs and the torso. Continue at your fingertips and massage up the arm.
• Don't scrub every day. It's tempting to scrub daily since the results feel so good, but over-exfoliating can be harsh on your skin. Do it only a couple of times a week. If you have sensitive skin, do it even less frequently, and be gentle with yourself.
• Follow up with a body oil or moisturizer. Since scrubbing can strip your skin of moisture, make sure to restore it every time.

What Is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing might seem novel but it's actually an ancient Ayurvedic technique. Also known as skin brushing, it involves taking a special tool called a dry brush—which typically has a long wooden handle and stiff, natural bristles—and massaging your entire body with it from your feet up.

Murphy-Rose further explains, "Dry brushing is a technique that, when performed properly and consistently, can yield healthier and younger-looking skin by exfoliating, assisting lymphatic flow and stimulating collagen production. Dry brushing is performed with a flat large bristle brush with bristles that are stiff but soft. In order to achieve visible results, you should be consistent for at least 2 weeks. Start three times a week and increasing to daily if tolerating well without irritation," she adds.

What are the Benefits of Dry Brushing?

The benefits? There are plenty!

• Relieves tension
• Detoxifies skin
• Exfoliates
• Stimulates cell growth
• Improves circulation
• Facilitates lymphatic drainage
• Temporarily minimizes the look of cellulite

"The physical exfoliation increases cellular turnover to reveal softer, brighter, more youthful skin. Stimulating collagen production can help to improve skin texture, tighten skin and reduce fine lines. Many believe that dry brushing also increases blood flow and even lymphatic flow which helps the body to get rid of toxins and waste more efficiently, similar to massage," says Murphy-Rose. Garshick does note that those with sensitive skin should steer clear of dry brushing.

How Do You Dry Brush?

1. Get naked and step into the shower. Do not turn the water on; this should be a dry process, as the name hints.
2. Starting at your feet, brush your skin from your toes on up to the top of your thighs. Short, swift strokes are best. Always move toward the heart. 
3. Now go over the same area, but do slow, circular motions. 
4. Brush from your stomach up to your chest. This might be a sensitive area but will get desensitized as you get acclimated to dry brushing. 
5. Move on to your arms, going from the fingertips on up to the shoulders. 
6. Brush the skin on your buttocks from bottom to top. 
7. Brush the lower back on up to the shoulders. 
8. When finished, store your dry brush away, then take a warm shower. 
9. Immediately after showering, apply a generous amount of body oil or moisturizer all over your body.