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What is Face Scrub?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A face scrub is an exfoliation product which has been designed specifically for use on the face. The skin on the face is more delicate than skin on other parts of the body, and because the face sees a lot of wear and tear, it requires special attention when it comes to skincare. For this reason, it is important to use scrubs marked for use on the face in facial care, rather than generic exfoliating scrubs, some of which may be too harsh for use on the face.

There are several reasons to use a face scrub in skin care. Scrubs work by removing dead skin, leaving behind a layer of younger, healthier skin behind. Regular use of an exfoliant can keep skin smooth and glowing, by constantly exposing new skin. Many scrubs also include moisturizers, so they nourish the skin while removing dead skin. Use of an exfoliating scrub can also remove lingering facial makeup which may not have been totally cleaned earlier.

Face scrub is used on the face to promote smooth skin.
Face scrub is used on the face to promote smooth skin.

Facial scrubs are made with a mild abrasive which is designed to pull away dead and dying skin when it is gently rubbed on the face. Some people apply face scrubs by hand, placing a small amount of the scrub on the fingers and gently massaging the face, while others put the scrub on a cosmetic pad and rub the pad across the face. In either case, gentle massage and regular circular motions should be used to ensure that the whole face is covered without being too hard on the face. After using a scrub, the face can be rinsed and then moisturized.

Essential oils are often included in facial scrub ingredients.
Essential oils are often included in facial scrub ingredients.

A number of things can be used as an exfoliant in a face scrub, including bamboo fibers, ground nut shells, oatmeal, sugar, and fruit pulp. Harsher exfoliants like ground pumice, sand, and salt are not used in scrubs. In addition to the exfoliant, a scrub usually contains a carrier oil or cream which is used to hold the exfoliant in a suspension, along with a scent of some kind, often provided by an essential oil which is also supposed to promote relaxation or well-being.

Scrubs should be suited to a person's specific skin type.
Scrubs should be suited to a person's specific skin type.

Most drug stores and beauty care suppliers carry a range of face scrubs. If possible, you should test the product before buying it. The best way to test a scrub without making a big production of it is to rub a small sample of the scrub on the inside of your wrist. The skin on this part of the body tends to be delicate, so if the face scrub will irritate your face, it will irritate your wrist. Be sure to scrub, wait a few minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water to see if any signs of irritation such as itching or welts arise.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a BeautyAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a BeautyAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon216618

You have defined very well about face scrub. Face scrubs are helpful for diminishing fine lines and pore size and also improve overall skin texture.

anon191937

Sometimes, a gentle exfoliation is the only thing that will help my skin. I have sensitive skin and very gentle exfoliation does help get rid of the dead cells, as well as clear up my forehead, which is most prone to breakouts.

Because my skin is sensitive, I have to be careful not to exfoliate too often (once a week, if that) and I use a very gentle scrub made by Yes to Carrots. The exfoliant crystals are tiny and easy on my skin.

anon162548

This is simply great article to read. I'm going to follow your tips and get the benefits. I used to mix egg white and honey for a better complexion.

musicshaman

@pharmchick78 -- Have you tried an organic face scrub with a soothing toner afterwards?

A lot of those synthetic face scrubs can irritate your skin, especially if its already blemish-prone. If you put a good, soothing toner on afterwards, it can keep your skin from getting so irritated.

If worst comes to worst, you may just want to avoid scrubs altogether, and just rely on a deep cleansing face wash with an occasional facial to keep your skin under control.

pharmchick78

Does anybody know a really good acne face scrub? I tend to have a lot of blemishes on my cheeks, so whenever I use a face scrub I just end up irritating my skin.

Does anybody have a good face scrub recipe that won't just tear my face up?

EarlyForest

If you want to make a really good natural honey face scrub, just take a little plain yogurt, (about 1/4th a cup), a tablespoon or so of honey, and a little less than 1/4th a cup of sugar.

Gently scrub your face with it for a few seconds, and then rinse it off.

The yogurt helps to balance the pH level of your skin, the sugar exfoliates, and the honey moisturizes.

The only people who shouldn't use this are those with very oily skin, but everybody else is good to go.

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    • Face scrub is used on the face to promote smooth skin.
      By: Warren Goldswain
      Face scrub is used on the face to promote smooth skin.
    • Essential oils are often included in facial scrub ingredients.
      By: viperagp
      Essential oils are often included in facial scrub ingredients.
    • Scrubs should be suited to a person's specific skin type.
      By: kubais
      Scrubs should be suited to a person's specific skin type.
    • Preventing breakouts is best done through an exfoliating facial wash.
      By: ipag
      Preventing breakouts is best done through an exfoliating facial wash.
    • Facial scrubs remove dead skin and reveal younger, healthier skin.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Facial scrubs remove dead skin and reveal younger, healthier skin.
    • Sugar can be used as an exfoliant in a face scrub.
      By: Sergii Moscaliuk
      Sugar can be used as an exfoliant in a face scrub.
    • Washcloths are often used to help with facial scrubbing.
      By: micro10x
      Washcloths are often used to help with facial scrubbing.