by Andrea McKenna Brankin
"You are Not Alone, Really" - Coping with the Ups and Downs of Expat LifeINTRO YEAR OF SNAKE , SNAKESKIN
I don’t like snakes. Scary! But in terms of Chinese New Year Zodiac, I’m pretty keen on the idea. Snakes are said to have an innate ability to uncover hidden truths, express elegance and are associated with transformation. Key to this theme, however, is that of shedding the snake skin and start with a brand new plan or a shiny new you. This is where the self care comes in.
Don’t throw out the old…exfoliate it.
Think body scrubs for 2025! Lauded for years as a way to swipe away dead skin, oils and debris, using a body scrub (or face or hair) can truly polish away the old self and bring out the new radiant skin and person you are underneath the burden of past years.
As an athlete, I’ve always used body scrubs for not only skin care but also for circulation. Sidebar, it’s said to help with dimples and cellulite too. So there was me, starting in my 20s, using a loofah and eventually a granular body scrub to strip away the negative, whether it was a fat patch or just a bad workout mentally.
Since then, I use body scrub as a time to literally remove any negativity or mental vibe that is holding me back. The end result, even when I don’t feel like doing it, is rejuvenated skin and a refreshing attitude to go on with the day. For the quick effort to slather on, do a quick scrub and rinse, it’s totally worth the end result. For me, anything that lifts my mood is a tool in that mental health toolbox. Ultimately, body scrubs create a soothing self-care routine that helps you relax and unwind.
While in the past, many of the body scrubs used nut shells or ground apricot pits to slough away skin, nowadays, we have a wonderful selection of sugar and salt versions that are divine on your skin. Here are a few stores (online and IRL-in real life-) where you can start your scrubbing journey.
My four top shops and choices for body scrubs are:
(1) Lush Cosmetics (6 locations in Singapore) features my favorite scrubs, including the jasmine-infused Rub Rub Rub. They also carry such basic scents as orange, but also rock the Snow Fairy scrub, Magic Crystals scrub and Swirl of Happiness sugar scrub. You can’t beat the names!
(2) Sephora is always a good place to go for skincare. I recently found a Cotton Flower scrub and a coconut one. I’m sure there are many more in the 11 Singapore stores and online.
(3) The Body Shop is an old favorite, as it has been around for skincare and body products for longer than the others sprouting up today. It has a Shea Sugar body scrub, Avocado body scrub and British Rose body exfoliator (same meaning as scrub).
(4) Bath and Body Works has a ton of body scrub options, which often change with each new season’s scents. The 9 shops in Singapore may have different options, but I was able to find some at the online store, such as, Champagne Toast (more champers, not bread), Japanese Cherry, Brightest Bloom and Into The Night.
Amazon carries a bunch of skin exfoliators, but one I love is the L’Occitane almond shower scrub, which you can also buy at the L’Occitane online store. Not to be outdone, iHerb carries a few nice ones too, including a Dove brand brown sugar and coconut body scrub. Dove has a history of excellent and effective skin products, so don’t poo poo the OTC brand! Dr. Teal’s brand also is featured on iHerb with a Shea Butter & Almond Oil scrub.
If you prefer to DIY it, there are many basic scrub recipes on a quick Google search. I like this one: Coffee, coconut oil. That’s it! Coffee helps detox your skin and coconut oil does its moisturizing magic the only way it can—smelling amazing.
Overall, it feels so good to take care of your skin on the outside and your mind and heart on the inside. I hope you will take some time this year to give yourself some self-care, in the shower or out.
 | A mental health advocate and author of the book Bipolar Phoenix, Andrea runs the AWA Listen Ladies Group, providing confidential support for members at regular meetings. You can reach her at listenladies@awasingapore.org |
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