Most people use some kind of product on their face every day. This could be a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, or even makeup.
But how often do you think about using a face scrub as part of your skincare routine? While it may not be an everyday essential like a cleanser, a face scrub can be beneficial, even if you have dry or sensitive skin.
What Is A Face Scrub?
A face scrub is a skincare product that contains small, exfoliating particles. When you massage this face product onto your skin, these particles help remove dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities that can accumulate on the surface of your skin.
This can leave your skin feeling softer, smoother, and brighter. It can also help other skincare products, like serums and moisturizers, work better since they don’t have a layer of dead skin to penetrate.
Benefits of Using A Face Scrub
There are numerous benefits to using a face scrub as part of your skincare routine. This includes removing dead skin cells, preventing breakouts, evening skin tone, and improving product absorption.
Removes Dead Skin Cells
One of the most important jobs of a face scrub is to help slough off dead skin cells. As we age, our skin’s natural cell turnover process can slow down, which causes dead skin cells to accumulate on its surface.
This gives the skin a dull, dry, or uneven texture. Removing these dead skin cells with an exfoliating scrub reveals the fresh, healthy skin underneath and allows for better product absorption.
Helps Prevent Breakouts
While some people are hesitant to use a face scrub if they’re acne-prone, it can actually be quite helpful in preventing future breakouts.
Face scrubs work by keeping pores from getting clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin, which are one of the main causes of breakouts.
This doesn’t mean you should use any facial scrub if you’re acne-prone. Be sure to choose a this face product that’s labeled “non-comedogenic.” This indicates that the formula won’t clog your pores and cause more issues.
Can Even Skin Tone
If you struggle with uneven skin tone, a good face scrub might just be the thing you’re missing from your routine. When you remove that top layer of dead skin and debris, your face will immediately have a more even-toned appearance.
But that’s not all; using this face product consistently over time can also help reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. Using a scrub can also help achieve fresh skin.
Improves Absorption of Skincare Products
Because a face scrub helps clear the skin’s surface of any dirt or dead skin, your other products, like moisturizers, serums, and treatments, can work much better.
Research has shown that a buildup of dead skin on the face can act like a barrier, making it harder for these products to absorb properly and deliver the results you’re looking for.
Using this face product regularly allows for better penetration and efficacy of your other skincare products.
How Often Should I Exfoliate My Face?
Exfoliating your face with a face scrub too often can irritate, but the same can be said if you don’t use one often enough. This means finding a balance between the two that suits your individual needs.
To figure this out, start with exfoliating just once or twice a week. If your skin seems to tolerate this well, you can gradually work up to using this face product more frequently if needed.
For oily skin types, especially in humid climates, using a scrub up to three times per week is fine.
Dry and sensitive skin, however, should stick to the lower end of the spectrum, using a gentle face scrub only once or twice weekly, especially during colder, drier seasons. Of course, this may be adjusted based on your skin’s tolerance levels.
It’s always important to listen to your skin and find what works best for you. If you notice any signs of irritation like dryness, redness, burning, or tightness, it’s usually a good sign that you’re overdoing it.
Should any of these symptoms arise, simply discontinue using your scrub for a week and cut back to just using it once a week upon your return.
Finding a gentle, effective scrub, and then adjusting usage based on your individual needs is key when incorporating a scrub into your skincare routine.
Choosing the Right Face Scrub
While it’s important to choose a face scrub based on your individual skin type, needs, and concerns, some universal guidelines are good to be aware of before you purchase one.
Know Your Skin Type
Face scrubs aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of skincare product. Before purchasing a face scrub, consider if you have dry, oily, normal, sensitive, or combination skin, since this will affect your choice in face scrub.
Those with dry or sensitive skin might prefer a scrub with finer exfoliating particles and a more hydrating formula.
And those with oilier skin might benefit from a face scrub with more intense, gritty exfoliating ingredients. No matter your skin type, always err on the side of choosing a scrub that’s more gentle rather than harsh to avoid redness and irritation.
Be Mindful of Ingredients
Just like you would when shopping for food or other cosmetics, it’s just as important to be aware of the ingredients list in a face scrub, as it can vary quite a lot from one product to another.
Some scrubs rely on natural ingredients to achieve exfoliation, like sugar, brown sugar, or jojoba beads. Other formulas may contain chemically exfoliating ingredients, which dissolve rather than scrub the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
You should also avoid face scrubs that contain harsh chemicals, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors.
All these ingredients can be quite irritating for some people.
Consider Your Skin Concerns
Do you struggle with things like breakouts, dullness, or signs of aging? Then it’s important to take these into consideration when browsing scrubs, as certain ingredients cater specifically to certain issues.
For example, a scrub containing salicylic acid may benefit oily and acne-prone skin.
While face scrubs formulated with vitamin C and antioxidants can help reduce hyperpigmentation and the look of fine lines. Consider what’s most important to you to narrow down your face scrub choices1.
How To Use A Face Scrub
Just like other products in your medicine cabinet, such as toothpaste and contact lens solution, using a face scrub requires following a few important steps to ensure your skin benefits rather than breaks out in a rash.
Follow these simple instructions below to reap all the benefits that come with regular face scrub use.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Face Scrub Use:
- Start with a Clean Face – Before even thinking about applying a face scrub, always begin by gently but effectively cleansing your face and neck of any dirt, debris, or makeup. Tepid or lukewarm water is generally recommended for cleansing, as extremely hot or cold water can shock and irritate the skin.
- Apply the Scrub – Once your face is totally free of any impurities, take a pea-sized amount of your chosen face scrub and place it on your fingertips. Then, gently apply it to your wet skin using gentle, circular motions.
- Be Gentle With Exfoliation – It’s easy to want to use a heavy hand, especially when you feel the gritty particles in the formula doing their thing. But resist the urge to scrub your face aggressively, as this could actually cause damage to your skin’s delicate surface and result in redness, sensitivity, and even more breakouts. Instead, always opt to massage a face scrub onto the skin using light to medium pressure, always going in gentle circular motions for the best results.
- Rinse Thoroughly – To prevent the product from getting left behind in pores or fine lines and possibly causing irritation or breakouts, rinse your face completely with lukewarm water.
- Moisturize Afterward – Because face scrubs work to slough away dead skin, they can be a little bit drying, especially if you have dry skin. So after every use, immediately apply a nourishing, hydrating moisturizer to the skin and lock in moisture.
Popular Types of Face Scrubs
Finding a great face scrub for your specific needs, budget, and lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some of the most sought-after face scrub varieties:
Physical Scrubs
Physical scrubs, sometimes also referred to as manual exfoliators or exfoliating polish, usually utilize natural ingredients, such as nut shells, seeds, honey scrubs, or sugar granules, to physically remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin2.
One benefit of choosing a physical face scrub is that it gives immediate results you can see and feel. But physical scrubs do require a gentle hand, since too much pressure or over-exfoliating can damage the skin, causing irritation and compromising its natural barrier.
This is especially true for more abrasive face scrubs that contain rough particles like crushed apricot pits or walnut shells.
If you’re new to the world of exfoliation, it’s generally best to start with a face scrub containing gentle ingredients like jojoba oil, jojoba beads, or sugar granules, especially if your skin is sensitive.
Chemical Scrubs
Instead of relying on friction like a physical or manual scrub, a chemical face scrub uses chemicals—alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and enzymes are common—to dissolve the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together3.
While some find the idea of chemical exfoliants scary, they’re typically well-tolerated and quite gentle. They’re often even a better choice for those with dry and sensitive skin.
BHAs, like salicylic acid, are especially helpful for treating oily and acne-prone skin types due to their ability to exfoliate deep inside pores. For more tips on skincare routines, check out our guide on skincare Steps for Beginners.
Just keep in mind that these ingredients often lead to sun sensitivity, so it’s vital to use sunscreen after each application and avoid direct sun exposure for at least 30 minutes, or ideally an hour or more.
Hydrating Scrubs
If you love the idea of exfoliation but need a product that adds moisture, not strips it, look for face scrubs labeled “hydrating.”
These formulas usually combine physical exfoliants, such as sea salt, sugar, or jojoba beads, with rich moisturizing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
The result? Skin feels silky-soft and smooth, not stripped, tight, or irritated. They’re suitable for all skin types but can be especially helpful for those struggling with dryness and/or flakiness, which can happen even with oily skin4.
Are There Any Side Effects?
While there are many amazing benefits to using a face scrub as part of your regular skincare routine, such as improving skin tone and allowing products to absorb more efficiently, some people experience side effects from use, especially if they overdo it.
These usually come in irritation like redness or inflammation of the skin or dryness.
Certain ingredients in face scrubs, especially chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), may also make the skin extra sensitive to sunlight. Over-exfoliating can also lead to clogged pores5.
The best way to prevent unwanted side effects is to exfoliate gently and never use a face scrub on already irritated or broken skin.
Following the product instructions and applying sunscreen religiously is crucial. And always do a test patch before trying a new face scrub, just like you would any other type of skincare product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a scrub good for your face?
A face scrub is beneficial when used properly. It can make your skin smoother, softer, and more radiant. However, every skin type is unique. Using a scrub with abrasive particles too often can cause irritation.
What is the best face scrub for?
The best face scrub depends on your individual skin type. A good face scrub can benefit everyone. It’s great for those wanting brighter skin or better skincare.
Do dermatologists recommend face scrubs?
Most dermatologists support using a face scrub in your routine, with some caveats.
It should be okay as long as it’s not too harsh or used too often. It can strip the skin of its natural barrier and trigger breakouts.
What is the best thing to scrub your face with?
It’s usually best to use a special product. Its ingredients will be calibrated for optimal results. They will also prevent irritation or reactions.
Do not use anything not meant for the face. This includes body scrubs and kitchen ingredients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating a face scrub into your skincare routine can offer noticeable benefits, helping to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion.
However, it’s essential to choose a scrub that suits your specific skin type and concerns. Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, using the right product will enhance your routine without causing irritation.
Always pay attention to how your skin responds—if it feels refreshed and looks glowing after use, you’re on the right track. Consistency and gentleness are key, so exfoliate regularly but avoid overdoing it. With the right approach, a face scrub can help you achieve healthier, clearer skin.
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-is-topical-vitamin-c-important-for-skin-health-202111102635[↩]
- https://www.emotion-master.eu/2024/01/19/exfoliators-understanding-the-science-and-benefits/[↩]
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/224892687_Skin_Care_with_Herbal_Exfoliants[↩]
- https://www.sumanurica.com.au/blogs/learning-center/what-is-normal-skin?srsltid=AfmBOoqhe2RDKRnfUufCRdbmb8V7expfxerWZhM6s2fWn91vHXb3kMx3[↩]
- https://www.webmd.com/beauty/aha-bha-skin-exfoliate[↩]
