Nevada State Board of Cosmetology Practice Exam

The primary purpose of a body scrub in esthetics is to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. This process helps to slough off the outer layer of dead skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing fresher, healthier skin underneath. Exfoliation through body scrubs can also improve the skin's texture, enhance its appearance, and increase the effectiveness of subsequent skincare products by allowing them to penetrate more effectively into the skin. Moreover, this process can stimulate circulation, which is beneficial for overall skin health.

While moisturizing the skin and providing fragrance can be secondary benefits of some body scrubs that contain moisturizing agents and aromatic ingredients, the fundamental action and intention behind using a body scrub focuses primarily on exfoliation. Ingredients in a scrub may include natural exfoliants like sugar, salt, or microbeads which contribute directly to removing dead skin cells. Tightening loose skin is not a typical effect of a body scrub, as this generally requires treatments like firming creams or procedures that specifically target skin elasticity.