Most scrubs on the market are either salt-based or sugar-based, but how do you know which one to pick up? Exfoliation is an important part of your body care routine, and choosing the products in this category should be equally as important. Chances are, at some point, you've used both; but which one is actually better for you? What makes them different other than being salt-based and sugar-based? 

To understand what is better for you, let's go over the differences so you can make the right choice for your routine. 

Salt Scrubs 

A salt scrub is a scrub that uses salt as a physical exfoliant. One of the reasons why salt scrubs are so well-loved is that salt can detoxify your skin. The type of salt used in the scrub can and will make a difference since different types of salts have different benefits. 

The downsides of this product include the fact that salt can also dehydrate your skin, which might not be ideal for people with more sensitive skin. 

Sugar Scrubs

Sugar scrubs are products that use sugar to exfoliate your skin. One reason to love them is that they focus on nourishing rather than detoxing. Much like salt, different types of sugar offer different levels of exfoliation and benefits. Another reason to love sugar scrubs is that they can draw water into your skin, which can help with hydration. 

There is no huge downside to using sugar scrubs. However, Nordstrom states that if you overuse them, it can lead to advanced glycation, which happens when sugar accumulates on your skin, causing it to age quicker. 

What's better for you? 

Choosing which is better between salt scrubs and sugar scrubs comes down to skin type and personal prefrence. 

According to beauty brand Basin, sugar scrubs are better for those with sensitive or dry skin. Salt scrubs, on the other hand, are ideal for those with normal or oily skin. 

You do not need to stay loyal to one type of scrub; you can use both. Just be mindful of how that impacts your skin. Perhaps, you might find that you prefer a salt scrub on your body and a sugar scrub on your face or something along those lines. 

It's also worth noting that you should only be using sugar or salt scrubs once or twice a week. Do not use either type of scrubs if you have sunburned skin or any kind of skin irritation.