Polished to Perfection

Body polishing is no longer a luxury reserved for brides-to-be. Indian salons are making this skin-loving ritual a mainstream favourite, and here’s why you should be paying attention.

Picture this: you step out of a salon, not just with a radiant face but with baby-soft, glowing skin all over. That’s the magic of body polishing—a skincare ritual that has been steadily making its way to the popular treatment list. No longer limited to high-end spas, body polishing is now an accessible, go-to service for anyone looking to level up their self-care game.

With an increasing focus on full-body wellness, salons across India are offering body polishing treatments that promise to exfoliate, detoxify, and hydrate your skin. From Ayurvedic scrubs to high-tech polishing machines, the industry is embracing a wide spectrum of techniques to cater to different skin types and preferences. But what’s driving this trend? And what are the latest innovations that make body polishing a must-try experience? Let’s dive in.

WHY BODY POLISHING IS GAINING POPULARITY?

1. Rise of skin consciousness

With social media filled with glass-skin goals and self-care routines, Indians are becoming more aware of the importance of skincare beyond just the face. “Body polishing effectively removes dead skin cells, deeply hydrates, and rejuvenates the skin, giving it a smooth and radiant appearance,” says Remy Albuquerque, Senior Beauty Expert, Looks Salons. Unlike regular scrubs, body polishing gently removes only the upper layer of dead skin cells, making the skin softer and more refined.

2. Elevated grooming

Earlier, body polishing was considered an indulgence reserved for brides or pre-vacation prep. But today, more people are incorporating it into their regular salon visits, treating it as an essential grooming service like waxing or facials. Salons have picked up on this shift and are now offering budget-friendly packages that make body polishing a more frequent affair.

3. Ayurvedic and natural ingredients

India’s love for natural skincare is stronger than ever, and salons are catering to this demand with body polishing treatments infused with ingredients like sandalwood, turmeric, coffee, and sea salt. “Ingredients like seaweed, mud, clay and aloe vera are commonly used in body wraps, while cocoa and shea butter polishing include vitamin E mixed with natural oils such as sunflower oil, rice bran oil, and argan oil,” adds Albuquerque. Ayurvedic scrubs, organic sugar-based exfoliators, and clay detox treatments are gaining traction, making the process not just effective but also deeply nourishing.

4. High-tech innovations

Technology is also playing a big role in revolutionising body polishing services. Many high-end salons are incorporating tools like ultrasonic skin scrubbers, LED therapy and microdermabrasion techniques to give clients a more intensive treatment with longer-lasting results. “Chemical peels using glycolic acid, salicylic acid and lactic acid are among the trending treatments in salons today,” says Albuquerque, highlighting the growing preference for high-tech solutions in skincare.

Popular body polishing trends

• Chemical peels: Using ingredients like glycolic acid and lactic acid, these treatments help exfoliate deeply while promoting skin renewal.

• Body wraps with exfoliating ingredients: Infused with seaweed, algae and paraffin wax, these treatments offer deep hydration along with detoxification.

• Cocoa and shea butter polishing: Ideal for dry skin, this luxurious treatment nourishes and softens with natural oils and vitamin E.

• Gold and diamond polishing: A favourite among brides, these luxe treatments use micro gold and diamond particles to give a luminous glow.

• Fruit enzyme peels: Papaya, pineapple and citrusbased peels are becoming a hit for their gentle yet effective exfoliation, making them suitable for sen sitive skin.

• Charcoal detox polishing: Ideal for city dwellers exposed to pollution, this deep-cleansing treatment removes toxins and purifies the skin.

• CBD-infused body polishing: Slowly making its way into premium salons, CBD (cannabidiol) polishing is said to calm inflammation and deeply hydrate the skin.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A BODY POLISHING SESSION?

If you’ve never tried body polishing before, here’s a quick rundown:

• The therapist starts with dry brushing to boost circulation.

• A gentle exfoliating scrub is applied and massaged in circular motions.

• The scrub is rinsed off, followed by a hydrating mask or essential oils.

• A soothing massage seals in the moisture, leaving your skin soft and rejuvenated.

Most sessions last between 45 to 90 minutes, and it’s recommended to get the treatment once a month for best results. “Unlike body scrubs, which can be harsher on the skin, body polishing focuses on hydration and gentle exfoliation, ensuring a more refined and nourished result,” says Albuquerque.

FINAL GLOW-UP: IS BODY POLISHING WORTH IT?

Absolutely! Whether you’re prepping for a big event or just want to pamper yourself, body polishing is an easy and effective way to maintain soft, healthy, and glowing skin. “We have seen a noticeable rise in demand for body polishing, as more customers realise its benefits in improving skin texture and evening out skin tone,” notes Albuquerque. With salons making it more affordable and accessible, there’s no reason not to hop on this trend. So, the next time you book your salon appointment, don’t just stop at a facial—give your whole body the glow-up it deserves!