Body polishing treatments are becoming a go-to for skin-conscious clients. Kanishka Ramchandani gets experts to decode this rising trend, and share what professionals need to give full-body glow-ups.

The skin is the largst organ of our body. Yet, when it comes to skin treatments, we tend to limit ourselves to our face. This situation is rapidly changing as salons and skin clinics are gearing up to serve the Insta-savvy, well-travelled client who wants flawless skin all over.

Once seen as an indulgent pre-bridal ritual, body polishing is now becoming a regular part of full-body skincare routines for both women and men. The treatment, which blends exfoliation, hydration and rejuvenation, is not only about luxury—it’s about holistic skin health. For salon professionals and skin therapists, staying updated on this rising trend is crucial.

UNDERSTANDING THE SKIN BETTER

A sharp uptick in requests for body polishing has been noticed across salons and medi-spas, particularly among urban clientele. “Body polishing treatments aim to exfoliate the superficial dead skin cells which may be followed by infusion of hydrating and nourishing ingredients to reveal a smoother, brighter and hydrated skin. This treatment can also be used to target specific concerns of the skin such as tanning, pigmentation, dryness, oily skin as well as antiageing treatments. The trending body polishing treaments include microdermabrasion, chemical peels and hydrafacial,” says Dr Jigna Thakkar, Founder and Director, The Aesthetic Zone.

Richa Agarwal, RD Beauty & Wellness Expert and Founder-Director of Cleopatra Salons, agrees, “Yes, there has been a noticeable rise in demand due to pre-bridal prep, self-care trends, social media influence and the desire for radiant skin.”

Seasonal concerns such as dullness, body acne, ingrown hair and uneven tan also drive clients to seek targeted body polishing treatments. Salons are coping by expanding their service menus, investing in training and introducing specialised treatments that go beyond traditional scrubs.

RICHA AGARWAL, RD BEAUTY AND WELLNESS EXPERT AND FOUNDER-DIRECTOR, CLEOPATRA SALONS

DR JIGNA TAKKAR, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, THE AESTHETIC ZONE

CUSTOMISING THE TRENDS

While scrubs were once the go-to exfoliation method, today’s body polishing rituals are layered experiences that involve multiple steps—from dry brushing and deep exfoliation to massage, detox wraps and hydration.

According to Agarwal, some of the most sought-after body polishing treatments today include: Ayurveda Herbal, Dead Sea Polish, Coffee Polish, Hawaiian Exotic Fruit Flower, Green Tea and Shea Candle Polish.

Clients are increasingly seeking plant-based, exotic and sensory experiences in their treatments. “Popular ingredients for body polishing treatments include coffee, sugar, sea salt, essential oils, fruit, dry flowers, shea butter, gold dust, green tea, Dead Sea salt and natural exfoliants such as walnut and orange peel shell powder,” she adds.

Luxury salons are also offering seasonal specials like monsoon detox polishes and winter hydration rituals, combining aromatherapy and healing oils with exfoliating pastes and wraps.

LOOKING BEYOND EXFOLIATION

“Granular scrubs depend on the manual circulatory movement of the hands to exfoliate the dead skin cells. The variation in the hand pressure leads to uneven exfoliation of the skin. It can also cause microtears in the skin barrier making the skin more prone to infection and environmental damage,” says Dr Thakkar.

Richa Agarwal elaborates, “Body polishing deeply exfoliates, hydrates and brightens the skin. Unlike regular scrubs, it offers a complete treatment with massage, nourishment and skin renewal.”

Another significant benefit is that it prepares the skin to absorb serums and moisturisers better, making it a great first step in multi-modality body care treatments.

WHAT’S THE RIGHT AGE TO START?

While there’s no specific age to begin, most skin professionals recommend introducing body polishing treatments from the early 20s onward—especially for clients exposed to pollution, stress and body hair removal. It’s also ideal before important events such as weddings or vacations.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD IT BE DONE?

Depending on the skin type and goals, clients can opt for treatments every 3-4 weeks. Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin may need customised frequency after a professional consultation.

UP YOUR SERVICE GAME

The rise in demand means salons can no longer offer generic scrubs and call it body polishing. Clients expect results—and the industry is responding with trained professionals and high-performance devices.

“Therapists receive training in skin analysis, exfoliation techniques, pressure points, product application and hygiene protocols to ensure optimal results,” says Agarwal.

Alongside manual polishing, many premium salons now incorporate professional devices to enhance treatment outcomes.

From handheld scrubbers to ultrasonic skin spatulas and microdermabrasion tools, technology is adding a professional edge to body polishing treatments. Some popular devices include:

• Hydrodermabrasion Systems – For deep cleansing and hydration

• Ultrasonic Spatulas – For gentle exfoliation and product penetration

• LED Therapy Panels – To calm inflammation post-polishing

• Dry Brushing Machines – To prep the skin and stimulate lymphatic flow

• Body Buffers – Mechanical exfoliators for back and shoulder polishing These devices not only enhance effectiveness but also reduce treatment time and improve client satisfaction.

GET GLOWING

Body polishing is evolving from a one-off luxury to a holistic body care essential. With informed clients demanding results and sensorial experiences, beauty professionals must level up with training, treatment innovation and technology.

Dr Thakkar states, “Therapists should have a thorough understanding of skin anatomy, different exfoliation techniques, contraindications, product knowledge and after care advised to the clients. Hands on training should also be provided.”

For professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve, investing in advanced products, customised protocols and smart tools is the way forward.

Let the glow begin—beyond the face.