Navigating the world of body care can feel like decoding a never-ending list of beauty buzzwords. Take body scrubs and body polishes—both promise smooth, radiant skin, but they work in very different ways. The difference may seem subtle, but it’s bigger than you think.
If you've ever wondered which one to pick (and when), we’re breaking it down, so you never second-guess your choice again.
Picture this: You step into a steaming hot shower, reach for your scrub and feel that satisfying grit as it works its magic. It’s the skincare equivalent of a deep-cleaning reset—no-nonsense and straight to the point.
Made with coarser exfoliants like salt, sugar or ground coffee, body scrubs physically buff away dead skin, revealing a fresher, smoother surface underneath. If your skin’s feeling dull or rough, this is your go-to for an instant glow-up. But because scrubs are more abrasive, they can leave skin feeling a little dry, so following up with a body lotion or oil is key.
Think of polishes as the refined, spa-day version of a scrub. Instead of coarse grains, they use gentler exfoliants like rice powder, ground almonds or fruit enzymes to buff the skin with a creamy, hydrating touch. The result? A soft, dewy glow—no extra moisturiser required.
Texture: While scrubs are gritty and grainy for deep exfoliation, polishes have a smoother and creamier feel.
Exfoliation Level: Scrubs work harder, making them ideal for rough patches. On the other hand, polishes are milder and great for everyday maintenance.
Hydration: Scrubs may leave skin needing extra moisture whereas, polishes exfoliate while keeping skin soft and nourished.
Best For: Scrubs tackle dryness and dullness fast and polishes give a gentler, glow-boosting finish.
So, which one should you reach for? It depends on what your skin needs. A scrub is perfect when you need a full reset, while a polish keeps things smooth and hydrated. Or better yet, use both—scrub for a deep cleanse, then polish to lock in that glow.
Picture this: You step into a steaming hot shower, reach for your scrub and feel that satisfying grit as it works its magic. It’s the skincare equivalent of a deep-cleaning reset—no-nonsense and straight to the point.
Made with coarser exfoliants like salt, sugar or ground coffee, body scrubs physically buff away dead skin, revealing a fresher, smoother surface underneath. If your skin’s feeling dull or rough, this is your go-to for an instant glow-up. But because scrubs are more abrasive, they can leave skin feeling a little dry, so following up with a body lotion or oil is key.
Think of polishes as the refined, spa-day version of a scrub. Instead of coarse grains, they use gentler exfoliants like rice powder, ground almonds or fruit enzymes to buff the skin with a creamy, hydrating touch. The result? A soft, dewy glow—no extra moisturiser required.
Texture: While scrubs are gritty and grainy for deep exfoliation, polishes have a smoother and creamier feel.
Exfoliation Level: Scrubs work harder, making them ideal for rough patches. On the other hand, polishes are milder and great for everyday maintenance.
Hydration: Scrubs may leave skin needing extra moisture whereas, polishes exfoliate while keeping skin soft and nourished.
Best For: Scrubs tackle dryness and dullness fast and polishes give a gentler, glow-boosting finish.
So, which one should you reach for? It depends on what your skin needs. A scrub is perfect when you need a full reset, while a polish keeps things smooth and hydrated. Or better yet, use both—scrub for a deep cleanse, then polish to lock in that glow.
Picture this: You step into a steaming hot shower, reach for your scrub and feel that satisfying grit as it works its magic. It’s the skincare equivalent of a deep-cleaning reset—no-nonsense and straight to the point.
Made with coarser exfoliants like salt, sugar or ground coffee, body scrubs physically buff away dead skin, revealing a fresher, smoother surface underneath. If your skin’s feeling dull or rough, this is your go-to for an instant glow-up. But because scrubs are more abrasive, they can leave skin feeling a little dry, so following up with a body lotion or oil is key.
Think of polishes as the refined, spa-day version of a scrub. Instead of coarse grains, they use gentler exfoliants like rice powder, ground almonds or fruit enzymes to buff the skin with a creamy, hydrating touch. The result? A soft, dewy glow—no extra moisturiser required.
Texture: While scrubs are gritty and grainy for deep exfoliation, polishes have a smoother and creamier feel.
Exfoliation Level: Scrubs work harder, making them ideal for rough patches. On the other hand, polishes are milder and great for everyday maintenance.
Hydration: Scrubs may leave skin needing extra moisture whereas, polishes exfoliate while keeping skin soft and nourished.
Best For: Scrubs tackle dryness and dullness fast and polishes give a gentler, glow-boosting finish.
So, which one should you reach for? It depends on what your skin needs. A scrub is perfect when you need a full reset, while a polish keeps things smooth and hydrated. Or better yet, use both—scrub for a deep cleanse, then polish to lock in that glow.