What is body scrub?
Body scrub is both a product and a spa treatment. As a spa treatment, a body scrub (body polishing) uses different variations of fruit or plant extracts, oils, lotions, creams, salt, sugar, etc. to exfoliate and moisturize the skin.
As an exfoliating product, say for a diy body scrub at home, the exfoliating scrub might consist of essential oils, sugar, salt and a base oil (such as almond oil).
Benefits of body scrub
Body scrub benefits will be similar whether you receive a body scrub spa treatment or do it yourself. First, the exfoliating process rids the skin of dead skin cells to allow your skin to breathe.
Once sloughed off, the skin has a more youthful, glowing appearance. The application of a natural moisturizing lotion immediately following seals in moisture and hydrates the skin.
The result is refreshed skin that will be soft and smooth, feeling like silk!
Other body scrub benefits include that the scrub is excellent for nurturing the skin and increasing circulation. The spa treatment is very relaxing for the physical body and mind.
This treatment is luxurious to receive and provides the ultimate exfoliating experience.
What to expect from an exfoliating procedure
A body scrub spa treatment might be offered as part of a spa package or stand-alone. Scrubs vary in how long they last and may be part of other spa treatments.
Always confirm what your spa treatment will entail when booking your appointment. If you have allergies or sensitive skin, inquire about the product details before making the appointment.
Do not shave the day of your exfoliating scrub treatment.
Your therapist will guide you to the room and indicate how you will position yourself on the table. After they leave for your privacy, you will disrobe completely.
Depending on the facilities and the treatment, you may or may not be laying on a wet table. Once positioned and covered with the linens provided, the massage therapist will return.
For most body scrubs, the therapist will ask a female guest if she wants her abdomen included. If so, they will gently apply a drape to the breast area prior to exposing the abdomen. This allows for modesty while the therapist works.
As they move along, they will ensure you are not completely exposed while they work.
However, this is a full body scrub treatment. They will apply the mixture all over your body, excluding the breasts and genital areas.
Most body scrubs start at the feet (either face up or down) and work their way up. This application is quick and not to be considered a massage.
After the body scrub has been applied, the next step will vary, depending on the type of exfoliating spa treatment you are receiving.
If your service includes a wrap, or is part of a body wrap spa treatment, you will be wrapped (cocooned) for a duration in insulating towels and blankets.
In such instances, a lotion is generally applied along with the body scrub for an intense moisturizing effect while being wrapped.
Whether or not you are wrapped, following the application, the scrub will be removed. If you received your treatment on a wet table, you will be rinsed off with a Vichy shower.
If not, you will either shower off (often in an in-room shower) or the therapist will use hot wet towels to remove the mixture.
If lotion was not applied previously, then as a finishing touch, a hydrating lotion will be applied to moisturize your skin.
After your treatment and how often to have a body scrub
After your body scrub, your skin will glow and be so soft and smooth, feeling like new!
Drink plenty of water. As with any spa service, massage or bodywork treatment, scrubs release toxins in your system and need to be flushed out.
Stay relaxed, try to avoid UV ray exposure (natural or otherwise) as the skin will be more susceptible.
Refrain from caffeine and alcoholic beverages as these are dehydrating and will add toxins back into the system.
Body scrubs are wonderful and can be very relaxing. Because scrubs exfoliate the skin, we suggest that people do not receive more than one a week.
If your skin is sensitive to body scrubs or you notice negative changes in your skin, receive or perform this service for yourself even less frequently.
Note: If you have any issues with your skin, ask the spa if this treatment would be advised or not. In addition, ask the spa or massage therapist if there is a particular spa treatment that would be best suited for your skin condition.
Always confirm with your doctor or dermatologist that the spa treatment you want is safe for you to receive if you have any health concerns. Every situation is different, so please tend to your own specific needs–and enjoy!
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