The main difference between scrub and exfoliator is that scrub is a cream-based skincare product that contains tiny exfoliating particles while an exfoliator is a mechanical or chemical agent you apply to the skin to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin.
Dr Susan Mayou from the Cadogan Clinic adds that "peels are really powerful and go deeper within the skin than scrubs do, and are perfect for some skin conditions and complaints."
Benefits of using exfoliant first
When you exfoliate before cleansing, you are lifting the dead skin cells, excess oil and impurities away from your skin. Then the cleanser comes through to help wash it all away, along with other things like makeup and acne-causing bacteria.
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.
Body scrubs are a type of physical exfoliant that uses ingredients, like sugar or sea salt, to remove dead skin cells. This helps skin look brighter and may prevent future acne breakouts.
"Over-exfoliation causes irritation, inflammation like acne, makes you more susceptible to sunburn and you can lose moisture and disrupt the natural skin barrier," says Dr. Chiu, who recommends limiting exfoliation to once or twice a week.
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.
Though any time of day will work, exfoliating in the morning is ideal because the skin repairs itself at night,2 potentially leaving a layer of dead skin cells just begging to be sloughed off.
To sum it up, here are the differences between cleansers and scrubs: Cleansers wash your face more gently than scrubs do. Cleansers remove dirt and oil from the face while scrubs remove dead skin cells as well. A cleanser is used regularly while scrubs need not to be used frequently.
While, again, exfoliating your body isn't necessary, Hirsh said hands, feet and sometimes arms and legs can benefit from regular exfoliation. You don't have to show the same caution with those body parts as you do with your face, neck and chest, she said. Clay recommends being careful with certain foot treatments.
After exfoliation, apply a face mask as per your skin need or concern. A face mask after the exfoliation helps in sealing in the moisture. It also helps to tighten pores. Don't choose a peel off after exfoliation, go for a hydrating face pack.
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin using a chemical, granular substance, or exfoliation tool. Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells to make room for new cells every 30 days or so.
Exfoliation is important for dry or flaky skin. Avoid mechanical exfoliation on dry skin, because the process is drying and it can lead to microtears. AHAs are effective for dry skin. Glycolic acid will help remove dead cells sitting on the surface of the skin and encourage healthy skin turnover.
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.
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.
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Step 3: Exfoliator or clay mask
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells while clearing pores. Clay masks work to unclog pores, but can also absorb excess oil. These masks are best applied at night to remove leftover dirt and help the skin soak up other products.
Cleaning the face before exfoliating allows you to start with a fresh slate. Exfoliation dives into the pores, more so than a mild cleanser. It's important to remove your makeup and clean your face on a daily basis. It's not always necessary to exfoliate with the same frequency.
So, does vitamin C exfoliate skin? Unlike exfoliants that can chemically (AHAs) or physically (face scrubs) remove dead skin cells, the answer to “does vitamin C exfoliate skin?” is no. But it does promote healthy cellular turnover and the production of new skin cells, which is beneficial for proper exfoliation.
When it comes to morning versus night exfoliation, you're going to reap the best benefits from exfoliating in the morning time. This is due to the oils your skin produces overnight. You'll be able to more smoothly remove all impurities, dead skin, and oils, when you exfoliate in the morning, rather than at night.
For most skin types, Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL recommends daily chemical exfoliation, and then incorporating mechanical exfoliation into your regimen about once a week.
Regular exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to keep older skin looking youthful and bright. As we age, our skin's natural exfoliation process slows down and causes a buildup of dead, dull skin. Exfoliating helps speed up cellular turnover, softening fine lines and wrinkles and diminishing hyperpigmentation.
What age should I start exfoliating? You can start exfoliating your skin as early as your teen years, from 14 onwards. During this time you may find your skin to become imbalanced and a lot more oily than it was before. This excess oil can lead to some problems, like breakouts, blackheads and spots.
For blackheads, though, regular exfoliation can help remove excessive amounts of dead skin cells that can lead to clogged pores. The process may also gently remove existing blackheads.