There are many different types of facial scrubs, but what does it mean when you see that word in front of the word scrub? And what is the difference between an exfoliator and a facial scrub? The answer to these questions depends on which type of product you are talking about. This article will explain the difference between facial scrubs and exfoliators and how to use them properly so that you don’t cause more damage than good to your skin.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, choose mild exfoliators with ingredients like glycolic acid. Overly abrasive scrubs will strip your skin of too much oil, leaving it without protection against harsh elements. Plus, your skin will start overproducing oil to compensate for dryness. For best results when using facial scrubs, always moisturize after—unless you’re using a scrub designed to be used in conjunction with another skincare product, like sunscreen or acne treatment. When choosing exfoliators for sensitive skin (which often goes hand-in-hand with dryness), check out products that contain ingredients like aloe vera or papaya extract.
Combination Skin
While most people think of facial scrubs for use on oily or acne-prone skin, these products can be beneficial for all skin types. Cleansing with a facial scrub helps remove dead cells from your skin’s surface, leaving it looking brighter and smoother. Depending on your skin type, you may have to choose between exfoliators (which are gentler) or facial scrubs (which can be slightly stronger). Both types should be used regularly to remove dead cells without overly drying out your skin. It’s important not to scrub too hard when using these products; you shouldn’t feel pain when using them! One general guideline is to use a light touch with exfoliators; if it hurts, you’re using too much pressure.
Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, facial scrubs can be quite useful. That's because facial scrubs remove excess oil from your face. And when used regularly, they help prevent that extra shine in your T-zone. But unlike exfoliators (which use small beads to exfoliate), facial scrubs tend to be made with larger grains of salt or sugar that are designed to literally scrub away impurities (and dead skin). In addition to sloughing off surface dirt and grime, these large crystals also help remove blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores and other blemishes by encouraging blood flow beneath your skin's surface for a clearer complexion.
How Often Should I Use A Facial Scrub?
The simple answer to this question is that you should be using one every time you shower. The second part of your skin care routine should be washing with a gentle exfoliating scrub while in the shower or bath. The reason for doing so is that, like we mentioned above, dead skin cells are falling off of your face constantly—you just can’t see them. Using facial scrubs regularly will help prevent those dead skin cells from clogging up your pores and creating blemishes that cause breakouts. Not only does it prevent acne, but it also leaves your face feeling smooth after use.
More On the Ingredients in Face Scrubs.
The difference between scrubs and exfoliators really depends on their ingredients. A scrub is often made up of sugar or salt, whereas many exfoliators contain microbeads. Microbeads are small pieces of plastic that function as synthetic abrasives, just like sandpaper, to scrape off dead skin cells. This can be great for people with acne-prone skin, who are prone to clogged pores.
