Body Scrub UK: Exfoliating Salt, Sugar and Coffee Scrubs
First Lady London has been making skincare for deeper and melanin-rich skin tones since 2003. Our UK body scrub range covers mineral-rich salt scrubs, sugar scrubs and creamy face and body scrubs, so you can pick the exfoliation that suits your skin, not just the one on the shelf.
What does a body scrub actually do?
A body scrub uses fine grains such as salt, sugar, coffee or ground apricot kernel to buff away dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Used regularly, that helps skin feel smoother, makes it easier for moisturiser to absorb and can take the dull, rough look off elbows, knees, legs and arms. It is a simple weekly step that makes a visible difference to how your skin feels.
If you want the full background on the different types of scrub, read our guides to Salt Skin Exfoliators: Unlocking the Amazing Benefits for a Radiant Body and The Transformative Benefits of Salt Scrubs.
Our body scrubs
Salt body scrubs
Salt scrubs give the strongest, most mineral-rich exfoliation, which makes them a good fit for the thicker skin on elbows, knees, heels and legs. The First Lady Himalayan Exfoliating Salt Body Scrub combines Himalayan salt with sunflower, almond, olive and sesame seed oils, so it buffs away dullness while the oils leave skin feeling soft. The Spa Dead Sea Salt Exfoliating Body Scrub uses coarse Dead Sea salt crystals with natural oils and vitamin E for a deeper, spa-style scrub. Learn more in Himalayan Salt Body Scrub for Dry Rough Flaky Skin, Himalayan Salt Body Scrub Benefits and Dead Sea Salt Scrub.
Sugar scrubs
Sugar grains are softer and dissolve as you massage, so sugar scrubs suit people who want a gentler scrub. The Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub and the Papaya Mango Sugar Scrub are made for face, body and lips, with shea butter and nourishing oils to help preserve moisture. Our guide Can Sugar Help with Exfoliation? Benefits + Skincare Tips explains how sugar exfoliates.
Creamy face and body scrubs
Our scrub creams are smooth, creamy formulas you can use on the face and the body. Choose from Arabica Coffee and Cocoa Butter, Apricot, Charcoal, Argan and Carrot, Cucumber and Avocado, Papaya and Almond or Turmeric and Ginger. Each has its own focus, from the gentle apricot kernel scrub in Apricot Kernel Scrub Benefits for Face & Body to the pore-clearing charcoal scrub in How to Deep Clean Your Pores with Activated Charcoal Scrub, the coffee scrub in How Arabica Coffee & Cocoa Butter Scrub Transforms Your Skin and the brightening Turmeric + Ginger Skin Scrub: 7 Benefits for Smoother, Brighter-Looking Skin.
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How to use a body scrub
Step 1: Wet your skin
Use the scrub in the bath or shower on warm, damp skin so the grains glide rather than drag.
Step 2: Massage in small circles
Take a small amount and work it over one area at a time, using gentle circular movements. Let the scrub do the work. Pressing harder does not exfoliate better and can irritate skin.
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly
Rinse off completely with lukewarm water, then pat dry rather than rubbing.
Step 4: Moisturise straight away
Apply your body lotion or oil while skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture. Use a scrub two to three times a week at most, and skip it on skin that is sunburnt, broken or sore.
Which body scrub is right for you?
Dry, rough or flaky skin
Start with the Himalayan salt scrub. Salt buffs away rough patches while its oils soften the skin. See Dry, Rough Skin? Why a Himalayan Salt Scrub Could Transform Your Body Care Routine.
Sensitive or easily irritated skin
Choose a sugar scrub or a creamy scrub and use it once a week. Patch test on a small area first and stop if skin stings.
Dull or uneven skin tone
The Turmeric and Ginger Scrub and the Papaya and Almond Scrub are made for a brighter, more even look. If you have dark marks, our hyperpigmentation guide explains what else can help.
Tired skin that needs a lift
The Arabica Coffee and Cocoa Butter Scrub pairs gentle exfoliation with a coffee aroma and cocoa butter to hydrate.
A note for deeper skin tones: scrub gently. Over-scrubbing can irritate the skin, and on deeper skin tones irritation can leave dark marks behind. Gentle, regular exfoliation works better than hard, occasional scrubbing.
Body scrub FAQs
How often should I use a body scrub?
Two to three times a week is the most that most skin needs, and once a week is plenty for sensitive skin. Stop if your skin feels tight, sore or looks red.
Can I use a body scrub on my face?
Only use a scrub on your face if the product says it is for face and body. Our creamy scrubs, and the sugar scrubs, are made for face and body. Our salt scrubs are body scrubs, so keep them below the neck. Avoid the eye area.
What is the difference between a salt scrub and a sugar scrub?
Salt grains are harder and give a stronger exfoliation, so they suit tougher areas such as elbows, knees and feet. Sugar grains are softer and dissolve as you massage, which makes them gentler.
What is the best body scrub for dry skin?
A scrub that combines exfoliation with nourishing oils or butters is a good choice for dry skin, such as the Himalayan salt scrub with its blend of sunflower, almond, olive and sesame seed oils, or a sugar scrub with shea butter. Follow with moisturiser straight after.
Do I still need to moisturise after a scrub?
Yes. Exfoliating removes the surface layer of dead cells, and moisturiser then absorbs more easily. Apply your lotion or oil straight after you pat dry.