How To Use A Face Scrub - Complete Guide

What is a face scrub?

A face scrub is actually a beauty and skin care product that helps exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation is an important component of our skin care routine. Face scrubs remove dead skin cells and also clear clogged pores. Face scrubs have been used for centuries and people usually use coffee grounds, sea salt, oats, and other household ingredients to exfoliate their face. Face scrubs are very important to get healthy glowing skin.

How does a face scrub work on your face?

Face scrubs contain coarse particles that help exfoliate the skin. When you use a face scrub, the particles massage your skin and remove all the dirt from your skin pores. It removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and soft. Including a good facial scrub in your weekly skincare routine will give you healthy and glowing skin.

Do's

1. Always use a nourishing face cleanser before using a face scrub. Cleansers often clean the top layer of the skin, and allow the face scrub to work its magic deep into the skin.

2. For people with oily skin or combination skin, always pay attention to the area that is extra oily. Chances are you will find your pores are more clogged.

3. Choose a face scrub that is packed with the goodness of natural ingredients. It not only exfoliates but also keeps your skin healthy with nourishing nutrients.

4. Always apply a rich and thick moisturizer after scrubbing your face. This is especially for those with dry skin. You can also apply a sheet mask or a moisturizing mask.

5. Use a face scrub regularly. For dry skin, once or twice a week is enough, while oily skin can use it up to four times.

6. Wash your face for forty to fifty seconds. The pressure should be light but firm.

Don'ts

1. Do not use scrubs daily. Using scrubs daily strips our skin of natural oils. Know your skin type and use scrubs accordingly. Walnut and apricot scrubs do not strip your skin of essential oils and keep the skin hydrated.

2. The scrubbing pressure should not be too much and pulling. We do not want to irritate our skin.

3. Do not use scrubs when you have open wounds on your face. When you have pimples on your face, make sure they are completely dried before applying the scrub. Scrubbing on open pimples can make the skin worse.

4. Do not expose your skin to the sun immediately after scrubbing. Our skin is raw and sensitive. Give it some time, apply some sunscreen and then go. The best time to apply scrubs is at night, and this gives our skin time to digest its benefits.

5. Do not steam your face before and after scrubbing. Our skin should be clean, steaming opens up the pores and rubbing them is harmful.

How to use a face scrub

Step 1: Wash your face thoroughly with water. Do not pat it dry.

Step 2: Take a nickel-sized amount of facial scrub in your hand.

Step 3: Apply the facial scrub to your wet face.

Step 4: Rub the scrub on your face slowly, using minimal pressure. You can rub the scrub in a circular motion with your fingers.

Step 5: Always massage your face in an upward direction and pay special attention to areas like the top and sides of your nose, cheeks, and upper lip.

Step 6: Massage for 10 to 15 seconds.

Step 7: Now, move down to your neck and chin and massage for 10 seconds.

Step 8: After exfoliating, wash your face with cold or lukewarm water.

Step 9: Pat your face dry with a soft towel.

What are the benefits of using a face scrub?

1. Gently removes dead skin cells

The biggest benefit of applying a facial scrub is to get rid of the dead skin cells on your face. Dead skin cells give your face a dull and dry look. They also clog your pores. A facial scrub exfoliates your skin well and gets rid of dead skin cells.

2. Opens the skin pores

The body also secretes a natural oil called sebum to hydrate the skin. However, sometimes the secretion increases and the excess sebum oil gets accumulated in your skin pores. As the skin pores get clogged, it leads to acne. Exfoliation removes the sebum oil and opens the skin pores.

3. Removes flakes

Most people have dry spots on their skin. Dry skin patches are called scabs. These are not healthy and also make the skin look very dull. Facial scrubbing to exfoliate the face removes the layer of skin and makes it smooth.

4. Removes acne scars

Face scrubs also lighten acne scars and dark spots on the skin. Though they do not get removed completely, they get lightened. Scrubs help to rejuvenate the skin naturally. When you scrub your face, it gets rid of dead and damaged skin cells and opens up your skin to renew. Thus dark spots and scars get lightened. Facial scrubs containing natural skin lightening agents work more effectively.

5. Prevents ingrown hairs

Ingrown hairs are a nuisance as they cause acne. Facial scrubbing is one of the most effective remedies to avoid ingrown hairs that spoil the beauty of the face. Choose a face scrub with antiseptic ingredients to make your facial scrubbing safe and helpful.

6. Gives smooth skin

Apart from the above, face scrubs also smoothen the surface of your skin and make it glow. When your face appears smooth, soft and glowing, your self-esteem automatically increases.

7. Improves skin texture

The skin on the face is delicate, thin and more prone to damage than the skin on other areas of the body. The skin can become dry and dull due to poor skincare, pollution, etc. Facial scrubs improve skin texture by stimulating the skin renewal process.

8. Better absorption of skincare products

Due to the accumulation of layers of dead skin cells, the skincare products you apply struggle to penetrate the skin, which may lead to you not getting your desired results. Scrubbing your face can help ensure that these products penetrate the skin properly and are well absorbed into your skin.

How to choose the best face scrub for your skin type?

1. Face scrubs for oily skin

For oily or acne-prone skin, look for a face scrub containing salicylic acid or tea tree oil. These ingredients help control oil production, keep acne at bay, and thoroughly clean pores. Avoid over-stimulating the skin by using a walnut scrub with moderate exfoliating beads.

2. Face scrubs for dry skin

If you have sensitive or dry skin, opt for an apricot face scrub with moisturizing properties. Choose ingredients that can repair and moisturize the skin while exfoliating it, such as jojoba oil, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid. Avoid scrubs made with harsh chemicals as they can strip out natural oils and increase dryness.

3. Face scrubs for combination skin

If you have both oily and dry skin, you need a scrub with the right ingredients. Make sure your scrub contains hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile. Through this, you will be able to gently exfoliate your skin and keep it moisturized without making it too oily or dry.

4. Face scrubs for Sensitive skin

Individuals with sensitive skin need to be more careful when choosing their skincare products. If you have sensitive skin, make sure your face scrub is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Propylene glycol is antibacterial and antifungal. Turmeric and yogurt are natural substances that provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Sugar scrubs are good for sensitive skin. Sugar is a natural exfoliant for the skin and is very effective in removing dead skin cells.

Face Wash vs Face Scrub

A face wash is basically a gentle cleanser that is specifically designed for use on the face. Basically, this type of facial removes dirt, oil, and makeup from the surface of the face. It usually comes in the form of a gel, foam, or cream, but it cleanses the skin without irritating it.

On the other hand, a face scrub is a much more abrasive product that strips away dead skin cells as well as skin texture and shine. It contains various granules or beads that are designed to physically scrub away dead skin cells, resulting in soft and revitalized skin. 

Should I wash my face after scrubbing? 

The first step, i.e. cleansing, is the most important of the starting points in your ten-step skincare routine. If your plans include scrubbing, the best approach is to consider your cleansing product before the scrub. Also, facial cleansing is usually recommended twice a day, morning and evening, to maintain a healthy, clear skin complexion. When using such exfoliating scrubs, take note of the usage instructions, as excessive amounts can usually strip out vital oils from the skin leading to either excess oil production or skin irritation.

What do you use after a face scrub?

Use a gentle moisturizer after a face scrub. Make sure your face is slightly wet when applying the moisturizer. Wet skin allows the moisturizer to penetrate deeper into your skin and give you the most benefits.

CONCLUSION

There are many benefits of face scrubbing. Scrubs can give your skin an even complexion. It can also help keep pores clean and control sebum production. Get healthy and glowing skin with the help of face scrubs.

FAQs

Q1 . Why do we apply scrubs on the face?

The main benefit of applying scrubs on the face is to eliminate dead skin cells. Dead skin cells make it difficult for other skin care products to reach and work effectively. They also clog your pores, so applying a skin scrubber reduces enlarged pores and makes your skin feel soft and supple.

Q 2. Do face scrubs remove pimples?

Although it is not an actual treatment, scrubs open up the pores and eliminate impurities, reducing the chances of acne breakouts. Try methods like coffee scrubs to remove dead cells and prevent blackheads.

Q 3. Can we use face scrubs every day?

No. Exfoliating too much can weaken the skin barrier. Use only 1-2 times a week and never use body scrubs on the face, which tend to be coarse.

Q 4. Is it possible to apply a body scrub on the face?

You probably don't use body scrubs on your face. The skin on the face is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the body's skin. So, avoid using cheap, chemical-laden body scrubs on your face. Instead, use a facial scrub that is harmless, gentle, toxin-free and contains moisturizing ingredients for deep exfoliation.

Q 5. When is the ideal time to use a face scrub?

The best time to apply a face scrub is usually at night, as part of your nighttime skincare routine. This allows the scrub to break down the dirt or dead skin cells that have accumulated throughout the day. Alternatively, you can apply a facial scrub during the day if that works better in your schedule. However, don’t forget to apply moisturizer and sun cream before you leave home for the day.