The scrubwhich some also call gommage, is that cosmetic that helps you keep the smooth, luminous and smooth skina freeing it from the cells of the most superficial layer which are desquamating. A process that is accentuated in summer, when sun exposure and tanning make it even more evident, with unsightly white skins. For this time of the year, the most suitable scrub must exfoliate, but with more gentleness than usual, so as not to attack the skin already stressed by the sun’s rays, the heat, the chlorine of the swimming pools, as well as sea water.
“The most suitable products to prepare or enhance the tan, as well as stimulate the underlying cell renewal, must also leave it soft and hydrated, without scratching or reddening the skin“, points out Umberto Borellini, cosmetologist and lecturer at various universities. We sifted through 14 formulas, preferring 4.
Read below for what reasons we chose them.
The formula
«The exfoliating action on the cells of the stratum corneum is obtained in two ways: thanks to substances such as lactic acid or alpha hydroxy acids, or mechanically through a granular part based on salt, sugar, minerals, vegetable powders such as apricot or olive stones. It is therefore a superficial action, which smoothes the skin and also makes it easier to absorb subsequent treatments (nourishing, soothing, but also slimming or draining) », explains Borellini.
«To complete the formula, emollients such as avocado oil, olive, marshmallow extractwith soothing properties, as well as butters such as shea, cocoa and coconut to give comfort to the skin and restore the hydrolipidic mantle », specifies the cosmetologist.
To this are added ingredients with elasticizing, draining or refreshing virtues, depending on the type of scrub proposed: there are some for every cosmetic need and for every pocket. We, considering the time of year, have given preference to more delicate and rich scrubs, discarding those that are too aggressive or where excessive allergens were present. It is no coincidence that we have favored formulas with high percentages of natural substances and vegetable fats, the best for taking care of the skin in the summer.
How to recognize the various ingredients by reading the label
“Considering that they are in descending order, it is better to choose products that list some assets in the first three items: sodium chloride is salt, while maris sal is sea salt, persea gratissima oil is avocado oil, with restorative, restorative and softening properties and rich in fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin E and beta-carotene. Glycerin and ethylhexyl stearate, on the other hand, are emollients of natural origin. Helianthus annuus seed oil is sunflower seed oil, a vegetable oil with 60% linoleic acid with a light texture, without residual fat », remarks our expert.
Proof
Except when a different procedure was recommended, we used scrubs in the shower, after normal cleansing, distributing the product on the body and insisting (gently) on the elbows, knees and soles of the feet, where the skin tends to thicken. We avoided sensitive areas and rinsed with plenty of warm water.
We then considered the comfort on the skin immediately after use and after a few hours, the brightness or, conversely, redness or dehydration. Other important factors were the scent, the pleasantness of use, the beauty or practicality of the packaging and the value for money.
Advice
«Once or twice a week the scrub eliminates dead cells and thickening, leaving the skin soft and smooth, therefore even more luminous. It is not necessary to rub vigorously: a light massage is sufficient. However, remember that after scrubbing the skin is more fragile, so always protect it from the sun’s rays and apply a moisturizer. To ensure an even tan, exfoliate the skin a few days before you expose yourself (without forgetting to apply plenty of sunscreen with adequate SPF), perform a scrub every week to keep it radiant, while at the end of the summer season the scrub frees you of the horny layer, enhancing the ‘residual tan », concludes Umberto Borellini.
THE 4 BEST SCRUBS:
Our Lab testers: Umberto Borellini, cosmetologist and lecturer at various universities; Laurence Donnini, journalist.