Do I Use Body Scrub Before or After Soap?
(Ishan @seefromthesky/Unsplash)
One of the most important things any man can do is develop an organized grooming routine. The first, and arguably most important part, of grooming is hygiene. How you wash yourself and take care of your body determines how well the rest of your grooming routine will land. It doesn’t matter how expensive your cologne or pomade costs. It does nothing if you apply it to dirty skin and hair.
Let’s be honest—body scrubs are one of those grooming products people either swear by or completely ignore. You’ve probably wondered: Are they actually necessary? Or, do I use body scrub before or after soap?
Short answer: use soap first, scrub second. But the longer answer is far more interesting (and worth knowing if you care about keeping your skin healthy).
What Is a Body Scrub?
A body scrub is kind of like a soap, in that it is meant to help clean your body, but in a very different way. Soap, including pine tar soap and shampoo, is a chemical approach to removing dirt, grime, and especially oil from the surface of the body. Soap binds to the oils and grime on your body, allowing them to be easily rinsed off with water.
A body scrub is a mechanical cleaner. Rather than chemically binding, it uses a gritty substance, such as sugar, apricot seed powder, or salt, to wear away whatever it targets. The purpose of a body scrub for hygiene/grooming is to exfoliate the skin.
As our skin replaces itself, old layers are pushed to the top, where they dry out and flake off, eventually replaced by layers underneath. Sometimes this outer layer of skin can build up tough bits of keratin (the stuff that makes our hair and nails) and create a rough, itchy, or bumpy texture. Exfoliants, like body scrubs, remove this outermost layer and help keep skin feeling smooth, fresh, and clean.
Benefits of Exfoliating Body Scrub
When done right, exfoliating transforms your skin from dull to refreshed. The right scrub can:
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Improve skin texture and tone
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Help unclog pores and reduce acne
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Prevent ingrown hairs (especially before shaving)
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Boost circulation for a healthier glow
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Enhance the effects of moisturizers and body oils
Getting the Right Exfoliating Scrub For Your Skin Type
Exfoliating scrubs aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of product. The right one for you depends on your skin type, environment, and goal. Here’s a breakdown to help you pick:
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Sugar scrubs: Sugar scrubs are the “soft touch” option. Their smaller, rounder crystals make them gentler on your skin’s surface, ideal if you’re prone to irritation. The natural glycolic acid in sugar also helps with mild chemical exfoliation—so you get a two-for-one effect without harshness.
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Salt scrubs: Salt scrubs are coarser and more abrasive, which makes them perfect for thicker or oilier skin. They’re also naturally antiseptic—great for body acne or anyone who sweats a lot. The downside? They can sting if you’ve got cuts or nicks.
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Pine tar scrubs: If your skin needs a reset, go pine tar. Packer’s Pine Tar Scrub combines natural antiseptic properties with fine exfoliating grit, making it ideal for sensitive or inflamed skin. It’s like a detox for your pores—cleansing without stripping your skin barrier.
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Industrial scrubs: Mechanics, machinists, and roughnecks commonly use industrial scrubs to cut through grease and grime that soap alone can’t touch. The grit is extremely fine, so it removes dirt without scratching your skin. When paired with natural solvents or soaps, they break down oils and adhesives that would normally linger.
So, Soap or Body Scrub first?
If you’re cleaning your body, always start with soap first to get a clean slate. Soap removes the layer of oil and surface dirt. Once that’s gone, your exfoliating scrub can actually reach and lift away the dead skin cells underneath.
Doing it in reverse just rubs the grime around—like waxing a dirty car.
How to Use Body Scrub (the Right Way)
Let’s get practical. Here’s the simple, skin-safe framework used by dermatologists and estheticians:
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Start with clean, wet skin. Use warm water and a natural soap, like Packer’s Pine Tar Soap.
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Massage gently in circular motions for 30–60 seconds per area. Focus on rough zones—elbows, knees, heels, shoulders.
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Let it sit for about 30 seconds before rinsing. This gives the active ingredients time to work.
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
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Moisturize immediately. Your skin’s barrier is fresh and ready to absorb hydration—don’t skip this step.
A word of advice: Using a loofah or exfoliating mitt at the same time as an exfoliator is generally considered overkill. Too much friction can lead to microtears and irritation.
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Body?
Exfoliants are powerful stuff, you don’t need to use them every day. Once or twice a week is plenty for almost everyone, especially if you use a scrub that’s noticeably gritty. If your skin is very oily, you might want to up it to three times per week, but you should defer to the guidance of your dermatologist or the manufacturer’s directions.
Using a body scrub daily will leave your skin feeling raw and damaged. This is particularly true for men with sensitive skin. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to take a break from the scrub and switch to a healing soap like Packer’s Pine.
Our pine tar soaps naturally soothe inflamed skin and are a favorite among people with sensitive skin and dermatological issues like eczema or dermatitis. Give your skin a break and use pine tar soap for a few weeks before getting back to a regular exfoliating routine.
Myth-Busting Moment: More Scrubbing ≠ Better Skin
Contrary to popular belief, scrubbing harder doesn’t mean cleaner skin. It actually damages your moisture barrier. Gentle, consistent exfoliation is far more effective than brute force.
The result? Smooth skin without the sting.
Beyond Exfoliation: The Full Routine Matters
An exfoliating scrub is just one piece of the larger skincare equation. Real results come from a consistent shower routine that covers all bases: a high-quality soap, a restorative shampoo, and a hydrating moisturizer.
Exfoliating clears the path. Soap and shampoo handle the deep clean. Moisturizer seals it all in. When these steps work together, your skin and hair stay balanced, healthy, and—let’s be honest—better looking. And don’t forget hydration from the inside out. Water still does what no product can—it keeps your skin cells resilient and your hair less brittle.
Frequently Asked Questions on Using Exfoliating Scrub
Does Packer’s Pine Sell Body Scrubs?
Yes, our pine tar scrub is a great addition to your hygiene routine. It can be purchased in a one-pack, three-pack, or in a combo bundle with our soap.
Do I Use Body Scrub Before or After Body Wash?
After soap. Soap clears dirt and oil; scrub removes dead skin afterward.
In What Order Do You Exfoliate Your Body?
Wash, exfoliate, rinse, then moisturize. Think: cleanse → polish → protect.
Should I Use Body Scrub on Wet or Dry Skin?
Wet skin. Dry scrubbing is too harsh unless you’re using a soft brush designed for it.
Do I Use Body Scrub Before or After Shaving?
Before. Exfoliating helps lift hairs and prevent razor bumps.
Can Body Scrub be used on the face?
Most shouldn’t. Facial skin is thinner. Use a dedicated facial exfoliant with smaller particles or chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid.
What Is the Best Body Scrub for Dry Skin?
The best body scrubs for dry skin include pine tar or glycolic acid. Pine tar scrubs, like Packer’s Pine, are especially effective because they clean, soothe, and protect all at once.
