A face scrub is a skincare product used to exfoliate your skin. It helps in the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, reducing the chances for clogged pores and acne breakouts.
When dead skin cells build up on the surface of your skin, it can result in your complexion looking dull. That's where exfoliation—namely using a face scrub—can come in handy. When you rid the surface of your skin of dead skin cell buildup, this can leave your complexion looking brighter and feeling smoother.
Scrubbing first can remove residue, dead skin cells and dirt from the surface of your skin. Following this step with cleanser helps wash away any dead skin cells or particles on skin's surface that were lifted by the scrub.
Exfoliation plays a key role in skin care. The process helps by getting rid of dead skin cells and cleaning your pores while reducing the appearance of acne, fine lines, and wrinkles. Regular exfoliation also allows for better penetration of serums and moisturizers so that they work more effectively.
Face wash cleans oil/dirt from your face by using chemicals such as soap. Facial scrub cleans oil/dirt from your face by using exfoliants, such as ground up walnut shells or microbeads.
YES: if you're using a cellulose- or jojoba-wax based scrub which is mild. You can use it daily since the scrub particles are gentle and will not over-exfoliate. NO: if you're using a walnut/apricot or dermabrasion-based scrub, then just once-a-week usage is recommended.
In general, you should exfoliate your face only twice per week. For best results, exfoliate after you've used a face wash and rinsed thoroughly with warm water. You can use a daily facial cleanser which is appropriate for both morning and nighttime face washing.
While it seems like scrubbing would keep the pores unclogged and therefore reduce blackheads and pimples, the blockages that cause blemishes occur much deeper in the follicle. Scrubs might help improve minor bumps and breakouts, they just aren't going to be effective against a stubborn case of acne.
Physical Scrubs Might Lead to Micro-Tears
Harsh face scrubs might cause micro-tears in your skin, which can damage your skin in the long run. In order to avoid this, make sure the face scrub you've chosen is dermatologically approved and doesn't contain large beads that might permanently scar your face.
Your skin needs moisture, especially after you exfoliate. Using a super-hydrating facial moisturizer after you exfoliate helps replenish any moisture loss from exfoliating. Apply sunscreen. “If you can't tone it, tan it” might be your mantra for your midsection, but the sun isn't going to do your face any favors.
Gently rub it on your skin in small circular motions, using your hand or an exfoliating glove. Scrub your skin gently for no longer than 30 seconds. Rinse your skin liberally with lukewarm water.
Start by washing your face with your regular cleanser. Then, take a quarter-size amount of your face scrub and apply it to your face in circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Gently massage the scrub onto the skin for as long as your specific product recommends, usually from 30 seconds to a full minute.
You can try a cleanser first, then an exfoliating face scrub. Or, you can exfoliate then cleanse the skin. The best thing to do is what works best for your skin. There are benefits to both.
Repeated over-exfoliation, manipulation, friction and skin tampering can slow down the healing process, introduce bacteria, and cause epidermal cells on and around blemishes to thicken, darken, and get larger as the body struggles to defend itself from constant “self-assault”.
The bottom line is that with proper usage, scrubs likely won't hurt you—even those with large, jagged particles. There are, of course, other ways to exfoliate your face, and derms generally recommend opting for gentler chemical exfoliants.
Occasional gentle exfoliation is generally fine for the skin, but exfoliating skin with acne can cause inflammation and redness. Blemishes can't be scrubbed away. In fact, too much scrubbing can cause irritation and make things worse. Remember, your skin is a sensitive organ and should be treated gently.
Exfoliating in the evening can help to increase the efficiency of the skin cell turnover, resulting in a clearer complexion and fresher, healthier skin. As mentioned above, if you experience redness easily, it may be better to exfoliate at night. Your skin will have a longer time to recover!
Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly. Physical methods, on the other hand, may be too abrasive to use multiple times a week.
You can use a scrub to remove the top part of the blackhead but that does not take care of the underlying cause. The blackhead will soon resurface. Instead, try a well-formulated product with BHA (salicylic acid). Salicylic acid is an amazing ingredient for getting rid of blackheads.
"Exfoliating every day can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can cause breakouts," says celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas. "It can also cause irritation because you're removing the top layer of skin before it can heal." Negative, long-term effects are also a concern.
Lack of exfoliation leads to build up of dead skin cells, and could result into dry, dull, patchy, flaky skin, clogged pores, with uneven skin tone.