With spring upon us, there’s no better time to think about giving your skin that much needed boost! Take a look at why sugar scrubs are the best way to give your skin a good, gentle exfoliation. The skin on our body and face is constantly renewing itself. Just like all living things, it has its own cycle it uses to keep us healthy – shedding dead cells and creating new ones. Unfortunately, our skin does not always do the ‘shedding’ part perfectly, leaving old cells on the surface of our skin. Having old cells on our skin can give our skin a dry, dull appearance, and can even contribute to dry skin, uneven skin tones and blotchiness. Old skin cells can also block and clog pores, causing bacteria to linger and cause acne. Why Exfoliate? Exfoliation is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, as it helps to remove and clear away those old, lingering cells. Removing these cells unclogs the pores allowing for a deeper clean. Doing this helps prevent acne and breakouts. Exfoliating also encourages cell renewal, leaving your skin looking fresher and smoother. As we age, the process of cell regeneration naturally slows down. This means that our skin is not as fast at shedding the old cells on its own. You might be carefully cleansing, toning and moisturizing your skin but if you aren’t exfoliating, then your skin will never be as healthy and clear as it could be. Exfoliating will also boost your current skincare routine – making it easier for your cleanser to work deep down into your pores and allowing more moisture to deeply penetrate the skin. Exfoliating regularly will keep your skin looking fresher, younger and healthier. Why Sugar? While eating sugar is not that good for you, sugar is a fantastic skincare product that both your face and body will love. Here’s three benefits of using sugar on your skin: •Firstly, sugar is a natural humectant – it draws moisture into the skin. This means that sugar will hydrate your skin and help to seal that moisture in. •Secondly, sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) which when applied, encourages new cell regeneration and can also help reverse the effects of ageing and sun damage. Glycolic acid also helps to protect the skin from harmful toxins. •Thirdly, sugar’s fine particles make it an excellent choice as an exfoliant, as it scrubs away dead skin cells from the surface to reveal the healthy skin underneath. In the past, salt scrubs have been popular, but individuals and salons are starting to realise that sugar is a much better, healthier choice. While salt has a rough edge which can irritate the skin, sugar has a softer, more rounded edge, making it suitable for sensitive skin and the only choice for facial exfoliation. How to Use a Sugar Scrub On your face: Using your fingertips, rub the scrub into your skin using small, circular motions. Start at the base of your neck and work your way up to your hairline using firm, but gentle pressure. Massage the scrub in until most of the sugar has dissolved before removing it with warm water. On your body: Pre-soak your skin first in hot water either in the shower, or in the bath. Allow your skin to soften for a few minutes in the water before applying the scrub in a circular motion. Once most of the sugar has been massaged in and dissolved, return your body to the water to rinse off. You should only use a topical scrub once or twice per week, as overuse can irritate, and dry the skin. If you want healthy, naturally glowing summer skin, then regular sugar exfoliation is a must. The Sun Garden has created an extensive collection of decadent sugar scrubs to exfoliate your skin, revealing skin that is soft, supple and better than ever. Try one of our luxurious sugar scrubs, and put your best face forward!