Contents
We teach the intricacies of using a facial scrub, explain how to choose the most useful for your skin, and give a comparative description of abrasive particles of different origins.
Why you need a facial scrub
The general name for the processes of exfoliation of skin cells is exfoliation (you can – peeling). It is highly discouraged to neglect it: dead cells accumulated on the surface of the skin slow down cell renewal, interfere with the regulation of sebum and interfere with the penetration of active ingredients. If dead cells accumulate more than normal, the complexion fades, pores become clogged, black dots and peeling appear. All hope for facial scrubs.
Regular use of scrubs can smooth out the texture of the skin, charge it with health and give it radiance. And exfoliation accelerates skin regeneration, which increases its elasticity and firmness.
Exfoliation Methods
It may seem that exfoliation is easy, but there are some nuances. Let’s start with the basics. Exfoliation can be chemical or mechanical.
Chemical peeling includes the use of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, salicylic, glycolic, citric, tartaric, lactic acid, and enzymes (eg, pumpkin, papaya enzymes). All categories of substances dissolve dead cells.
Mechanical exfoliant affects the skin by friction. Scrubs with artificial or natural abrasive particles are used here, as well as special tools: brushes, exfoliating wipes, sponges and gadgets such as Clarisonic.
Scrub Benefits
Unlike acid peels, which increase the risk of hyperpigmentation, scrubs can be used at any time of the year. If you use acids, you need to apply SPF cream to your skin all year round and remember to renew it, while scrubs do not require this.
Regular use of chemical exfoliants is more effective for deep exfoliation, but continued use of acidic exfoliants can dry out the skin and make it more sensitive to the sun. Scrubs in this sense are safe – it is enough to use them 1-2 times a week to get a noticeable result.
Choosing a chemical exfoliant on your own is a whole quest: you need to find the type of acids that is best for you, determine their required concentration, and correctly introduce acid products into your regular facial care. There are no such problems with a scrub: it is easy to choose it – focus only on the dispersion of exfoliating particles.
How to choose a scrub
The main thing is not to buy an unfamiliar product blindly. Ask the seller for a tester to see and evaluate the size and softness of the abrasive particles.
Types of scrubs
A scrub is a two-component cosmetic product that consists of a base and abrasive particles. The base can be a cream, gel or oil. There are two types of abrasives – natural and synthetic. Before buying a scrub, evaluate the size of these particles.
Types of abrasives in facial scrubs | Size and shape | Pros | Cons |
Natural: crushed grape, peach, apricot, raspberry seeds, crushed egg and nut shells, coconut flakes, fine sea salt, sugar, ground coffee, volcanic sand | standardized size, often irregular shape, sharp edges possible | effective cleansing | May leave microtrauma and cause irritation, not recommended for sensitive skin. |
Synthetic: particles of cellulose, polyethylene, nylon powder | even rounded shape, size varies | gentle and painless exfoliation, suitable for sensitive skin | There is a possibility of insufficiently effective exfoliation. |
The composition of scrubs
Small granules renew the upper keratinized layer of the epidermis, removing impurities and dead cells, and promote skin regeneration.
Enriched with oils and active ingredients, the base makes the exfoliation process delicate.
Also, the composition may contain acids and enzymes – to enhance the effect.
Choosing a scrub according to skin type
How often you can use the scrub depends on your skin type.
Normal and dry: 1 time per week or less.
Oily: up to 2 times a week.
Thin and sensitive: either not use at all, or choose the softest abrasive (small synthetic granules).
Scrubs for oily and combination skin
Facial scrub with absorbent charcoal “Clean Skin Active”, Garnier
Intensively cleanses pores, eliminates excess sebum. Contains charcoal, salicylic acid, blueberry extract.
Facial Sugar Scrub to Reduce Blackheads, L’Oréal Paris
Exfoliates, smoothes and nourishes the skin, relieves fatigue. Contains three types of sugar and kiwi grains.
Scrubs for dry and sensitive, aging skin
Soft scrub, la Roche-Posay
Gently exfoliates, cleanses, evens out the skin texture. Includes thermal water, soft exfoliating ingredients.
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Facial scrub with pineapple and papaya Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub, Kiehl’s
Light enzyme peeling is combined with mechanical exfoliation, the tone and relief of the face are evened out, the skin becomes radiant.
Scrubs for all skin types
Scrub cleansing and giving radiance to the skin “Apricot”, Garnier
Thanks to perlite and apricot kernel, the skin becomes smooth and radiant. Organic apricot oil nourishes and softens the epidermis.
Application rules
It seems to be clear how to use the scrub correctly: applied to the skin – massaged – washed off. In fact, the process is a little more complicated.
First you need to slightly steam the skin, then the keratinized particles will soften and be removed without resistance, and the pores will open and more readily succumb to cleansing. So before squeezing the scrub out of the tube, take a shower or warm up in a bath or hammam (the latter is more beneficial for the skin).
The way to use a facial scrub is universal: apply it on damp skin to soften its “adhesion” to the skin. Distribute with light circular massaging movements for 1-2 minutes to increase blood microcirculation. It is not worth rubbing the skin strongly: the more delicately the abrasive particles glide over it, the less the risk of mechanical damage.
Wash off with warm or cool water. There is an option to remove the remnants of the texture with a warm, damp towel, but only professional cosmetologists can do this well. Pat your face dry with a towel.
Scrub should be used 1-2 times a week, depending on skin type.
© Healthy-Food
© Healthy-Food
© Healthy-Food
Extra care after scrub
Skin care after a scrub involves applying the usual arsenal of products: masks, serums and creams. After exfoliation, the skin is more willing to accept and conduct beneficial components, so do not miss the moment.
After scrubbing, do not use acid-containing products – skin injured by even the most gentle abrasives can respond with irritation.
Precautions
Scrubs are contraindicated for problematic skin with inflammation: abrasive particles damage it and contribute to the spread of microbes over the entire surface, which provokes the appearance of new inflammations. If your skin is prone to acne, a gentle chemical exfoliation with low-acid products is more suitable.