Body Scrub in Summer: Tan, Sun, Shaving – When It Works
A body scrub in summer feels especially good after a day at the beach or before a holiday: your skin feels smoother, and sand, sunscreen and sweat are thoroughly washed away. At the same time, your skin is under more strain in the warm season – from sun, shaving, salt water and chlorine. In this article you will find out when a scrub suits summer, when you should skip it, what happens to your tan and self-tanner, and which scent suits hot days.
Contents12
- Why a body scrub is different in summer
- When a body scrub makes sense in summer
- When you should skip it
- Body scrub in summer and your tan: what happens?
- Body scrub in summer before self-tanner
- How to use a body scrub in summer
- Which scent suits hot days?
- Storing your body scrub properly in summer
- After the body scrub: the right care in summer
- How often should you use a body scrub in summer?
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
Why a body scrub is different in summer
In winter, a scrub is mainly a warming shower ritual. In summer, a few factors come into play that you should know about:
- More sun: Your skin is exposed to UV radiation more often and is often more sensitive after a long day outdoors.
- More residue: Sunscreen, sweat, sand and salt build up on the skin.
- More shaving: If you shave your legs or underarms more often, you more often have freshly irritated skin.
- Tan: Many people want to keep their summer tan for as long as possible.
- Heat: The scrub itself should not sit in the blazing sun either.
That does not mean you should give up body scrubs in summer. Timing just matters more.
When a body scrub makes sense in summer
- A few days before your holiday: For a smooth skin feel before you head to the beach.
- In the evening after a beach day: But only if your skin is not red. Then the scrub is a thorough addition to your normal shower.
- On rough areas: Elbows, knees and heels take more strain in summer.
- Before self-tanner: About a day beforehand, so the colour turns out more even (more on this below).
- As a regular shower ritual: Once or twice a week, ideally in the evening.
When you should skip it
Just as important as the right moment are the situations in which your skin needs a break:
- With sunburn: Red, hot or peeling skin needs rest and cooling, not a scrub. Wait until your skin is completely back to normal.
- Directly after shaving or hair removal: Salt on freshly shaved skin often stings. According to the product notes, our VEGAN FOX scrubs are not suitable directly after hair removal. Better: scrub the day before and shave the next day.
- With irritated skin: Here too, the product note says: not for irritated skin.
- With mosquito bites, scratches and small wounds: Leave these areas out.
- Right before a long day in the sun: Better scrub in the evening and apply moisturiser and sun protection the next morning.
If you are unsure how your skin will react, or if you have skin problems, have it checked by a doctor or dermatologist.
Body scrub in summer and your tan: what happens?
The most common question in summer is: "Will I scrub off my tan?" The honest answer: not with a single scrub. Your skin renews itself constantly, and dead skin flakes come off even without a scrub. A scrub mainly removes this top, loose layer. However, if you scrub very often and with a lot of pressure, you tend to speed up this shedding. For a tan that lasts as long as possible:
- Do not scrub more than once or twice a week.
- Massage gently rather than rubbing hard.
- Moisturise well afterwards so the skin does not dry out and flake.
- If your skin peels after too much sun, do not rub it off – that is a sign it needs rest.
Important: an even tan is no reason to skip sun protection. After the scrub, apply sunscreen as usual the next day.
Body scrub in summer before self-tanner
With self-tanner, on the other hand, scrubbing is a fixed part of the preparation. The usual order is:
- Scrub one day before: This helps the skin take on the colour more evenly, especially on knees, elbows and heels.
- Shave the day before as well: Freshly shaved skin is more sensitive.
- Apply self-tanner to dry skin and leave it to develop according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not scrub straight afterwards: Wait a few days before your next scrub, otherwise the colour will become patchy.
How to use a body scrub in summer
Application in summer is the same as at other times – with a few small adjustments:
- Stir: According to the manufacturer, our scrubs should be stirred briefly before use, because oils and salt can settle in the jar.
- On damp, clean skin: Rinse off briefly first, especially after the beach, so sand and sunscreen are not massaged in.
- Circle gently: Massage in a small amount with slow, circular movements, without pressure.
- Rinse thoroughly: Lukewarm rather than hot – which is more pleasant in summer anyway.
- Pat dry and moisturise: Gently pat your skin dry and then apply light care.
Slip hazard: because the scrubs contain nourishing oils and butter, the shower floor can become slippery. Rinse it briefly afterwards.
Which scent suits hot days?
All three VEGAN FOX body scrubs are based on salt and apricot kernel powder and contain shea butter and jojoba oil. They differ mainly in scent and in some of the nourishing oils:
| Scrub | Scent | Special feature according to product information | In summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peppermint | clear, cool, minty | Peppermint leaves, grape seed oil, 99 % natural ingredients | Refreshing after hot days |
| Ginger | warm and spicy, slightly citrusy | Ginger root, grapefruit peel oil, avocado oil, 99 % natural ingredients | For cooler summer evenings |
| Coffee | aromatic, slightly bitter | Ground coffee, grape seed oil, 98 % natural ingredients, contains fragrance | For coffee lovers and as a morning ritual |
Each scrub contains 300 g and comes in a jar with an aluminium screw lid. If you cannot decide, take the VEGAN FOX scrub trio with all three varieties. According to the product information, the trio saves you €8.80 compared with buying them individually.
Storing your body scrub properly in summer
One point hardly anyone thinks about in summer: according to the manufacturer, the scrubs should be stored at room temperature and protected from direct sunlight. A bathroom windowsill in the midday sun or a beach bag in the car are therefore not good places. In the warmth, oils and butter can soften – which makes stirring before use all the more important. You will find more tips in the article Storing cosmetics properly in the heat.
After the body scrub: the right care in summer
After scrubbing, your skin feels fresh and receptive. In summer, a light moisturiser that absorbs quickly is usually enough. A few tips:
- Pat dry instead of rubbing: A light cotton towel such as a hammam towel is pleasant for this because it does not scratch.
- Give rough areas extra care: Heels and feet get a foot cream. What a simple routine looks like is explained in the article Summer foot care.
- Sun protection the next day: As always, regardless of the scrub.
- After the pool or the sea: Rinse off chlorine or salt first, then moisturise. More on this in the article Skin care after swimming.
How often should you use a body scrub in summer?
For most people, one or two applications a week are enough – which is also what the manufacturer of our scrubs recommends. More often is not better in summer: your skin is already under more strain from sun, water and shaving. A fixed scrub evening in summer, when you take a few minutes for yourself in the shower, is a good habit. Plan it so that it does not come directly after sunburn, shaving or a long day at the beach.
Do you also go to the sauna in summer? How to use a scrub there is explained in the article Body scrub before the sauna. You will find all vegan care products in our care products collection.
Related reading: Body scrub before the sauna: how to use it, scents and the most common mistakes · Skincare after swimming: how to care for your skin after chlorine and salt water · Storing Cosmetics in the Heat: Car, Beach Bag and Bathroom
Conclusion
A body scrub in summer is a lovely ritual if you choose the right time: in the evening, once or twice a week, not on sunburnt, irritated or freshly shaved skin. A gentle scrub will not remove your tan, and before self-tanner it is actually an important step. Fresh scents like peppermint suit hot days particularly well – and a spot out of direct sunlight keeps the scrub in good condition.
Frequently asked questions
Will a body scrub remove my tan?
Not a single, gentle scrub. It mainly loosens skin flakes that would come off anyway. If you scrub very often and hard, you tend to speed up shedding – so scrub no more than once or twice a week.
Can I scrub with sunburn?
No. Red or peeling skin needs rest. Wait until your skin is completely back to normal.
Scrub before or after shaving?
Ideally the day before shaving. According to the product notes, our scrubs are not suitable directly after hair removal, and salt often stings on freshly shaved skin.
When should I scrub before self-tanner?
About a day beforehand. After applying it, wait a few days before your next scrub so the colour does not become patchy.
Which scent is most popular in summer?
On hot days, many people reach for peppermint because the scent is clear and cool. Ginger and coffee are warmer and suit cooler evenings well.
Personally written by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam and sauna operator at Lake Kulkwitz for more than 18 years.