Types of Scrubs at a Spa

You can get many types of scrubs at a spa, depending on your skin type and your skin care objectives. The common denominator in scrubs is that they all contain an agent to exfoliate (or remove) the dry, dead upper layer of skin cells, which enables you to begin hydrating the new skin. This process of "scrubbing" leaves you with a brighter tone and a more polished, even complexion. Choosing the right spa scrub depends on your skin's individual characteristics.

Sensitive Skin

• Honey works well with sensitive skin

  Having a fair complexion that sunburns easily or tends to have rosacea requires a creamy buff using honey or fruit extracts. Honey is naturally anti-bacterial as well as anti-fungal. One type of scrub available at spas mixes brown sugar, almond oil, vanilla and honey. The scrub may also contain a humectant, such as glycerol, which draws humidity from the air into your skin.

Dry Skin

• Almonds have natural oils that help fight dry skin

  The important thing about choosing a scrub for dry skin is that you do not want the scrub to remove natural oils. The most beneficial scrubs use items such as honey and ground almonds or oatmeal. Almonds have natural oils that are released when ground. Oatmeal gently scrubs the skin, and honey provides a gentle buff.

Normal Skin

• Sea salt scrub is good for normal skin

  Sugar scrubs or sea salt scrubs are great ways to exfoliate without using chemicals. Sugar is the milder scrub because the granules are smaller and melt more quickly than sea salt. These type of scrubs get the job done without leaving residue behind to clog your pores. Rubbing the scrub over the skin increases circulation, which in turn encourages collagen production, and collagen helps skin maintain elasticity. The sugar or salt is mixed with an oil which delays melting and has a nice fragrance.

Oily Skin

• Ground oatmeal softens skin

  Many spa scrubs for oily skin contain oatmeal, which is highly absorbent and great for softening the skin. Oatmeal combined with brown sugar for polishing, aloe vera for healing and lemon juice for drying work together for a healthy and natural scrub.

Cellulite Scrub

• Some spas offer cellulite scrubs that use salt and ginger for their warming effect on the skin, because warming increases skin circulation and fights cellulite. A literature review of scholarly articles on the subject reveals that researchers do not have a complete understanding of why some people get cellulite and some people don't, or how best to fight it. These scrubs may be effective but as of now, there is no proof.

Additional Information

• Dermatologist Jeffrey Benabio writes in "The Dermatology Blog" that scrubs can be soothing and provide skin with a soft, healthy glow, but overdoing scrubs can be harmful to new skin. He cautions that moderation is important when it comes to using scrubs, and advises once every two weeks is often enough to get good results, as more frequent scrubbing can irritate the skin.