How to Use Body Scrub: Simple Steps for Smoother Skin in Dubai

When you think of body scrub, a physical exfoliant used to remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother skin. Also known as skin scrub, it’s one of the most basic yet powerful tools in any skincare routine—especially in Dubai, where heat and dry air leave skin rough and dull. Using it right isn’t about scrubbing harder—it’s about timing, technique, and choosing the right type for your skin.

There are two main types of body scrub, a topical treatment that physically exfoliates the skin using granular particles: salt and sugar. Salt scrub, a coarser exfoliant made from sea salt, often used for thick or calloused skin works well on feet, elbows, and knees. But in Dubai’s dry climate, most people find sugar scrub, a gentler exfoliant made from granulated sugar, often blended with oils for hydration more forgiving. Sugar dissolves as you rub, so it’s less likely to irritate sensitive skin—and it holds moisture better, which matters when the air outside feels like a desert.

You don’t need to scrub every day. Twice a week is enough for most people. Always do it after a warm shower or steam—heat opens your pores and softens dead skin, making the scrub work better. Apply it in circular motions, not back and forth. Focus on dry areas: heels, knees, arms. Don’t scrub your chest or face unless the product says it’s safe for those areas. Rinse with lukewarm water—hot water strips natural oils. Pat dry, not rub. Then lock in moisture with a simple lotion or oil. Skip the scrub if your skin is sunburned, broken, or irritated. And if you’ve just had a Moroccan bath, a traditional steam and scrub ritual common in Dubai spas, you’ve already done the heavy lifting—no need to scrub again right after.

People in Dubai often skip body scrub because they think it’s just a luxury. But it’s not about pampering—it’s about function. Dead skin builds up faster here. Sweat, dust, and AC dry out your skin faster than you realize. A weekly scrub keeps your skin breathing, helps lotions absorb better, and even reduces ingrown hairs from shaving. You’ll notice your clothes feel softer against your skin. Your tan looks more even. You feel lighter when you move.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve tried every scrub, steam, and bath in Dubai. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works: how to pick the right scrub, how to time it with your spa visits, what to avoid after a hammam, and why some people swear by lactic acid after scrubbing. Whether you’re new to this or you’ve been doing it for years, there’s something here that’ll make your next session better.