Facial Scrub Reviews – Do Facial Scrubs Actually Work?

How do facial scrubs work?

By definition, facial scrubs are cream-based routine skincare products enriched with exfoliating agents for sloughing off dead skin. They are also called exfoliants. They are different from face washes that are basic cleansers used to remove dirt from the skin surface.

The exfoliating agents used in facial scrubs may be small particles, beads, or chemicals. The direction for using facial scrubs is pretty simple. You only need to slather the cream on the face and massage repeatedly till all the deal skins have sloughed off.

Facial Scrub

Facial Scrub – Image/Shutterstock

Which facial scrub is best for you?

Preferences and use should inform the choice of facial scrub you purchase. As you probably know, there are two different types of facial scrubs; chemical and physical. The classification of exfoliant is based on the constituent ingredients.

Chemical exfoliants use acid or enzyme-based formula to remove dead cells from the skin surface. Typically, they use alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).

Dr.Neal Schultz, MD, NYC dermatologist, and creator of BeautyRx told The Beauty Insiders that, “chemical facial scrubs basically dissolve the glue holding dead skin cells together, thus enhancing their removal.”
Physical facial scrubs on the other hand use beads or other abrasive pellets to dislodge dead cells from the skin surface. “Physical exfoliants mechanically remove deal cells and debris by abrading them,” says Dr. Dennis Gross, MD, NYC-based dermatologist.

Because of the mechanical nature of physical exfoliants, many people prefer them over the chemical scrubs.

So, to wrap it up, the choice of an ideal facial scrub depends on the nature of your skin, the types of exfoliant; chemical or physical, among other factors.

What are the Common ingredients in facial scrubs?

The ingredients vary depending on the type of exfoliant; chemical or physical. Here are some common ingredients you may want to check out when shopping for facial scrubs.

  • Jojoba beads: A natural non-abrasive exfoliant used in facial scrubs for those with sensitive skin. The beans are round, smooth, and polished hence won’t scratch your skin. Jojoba beads have been used in the profession of dermatology for thousands of years.
  • Pumice crystals: A natural exfoliant perfectly suited for microdermabrasion. Like jojoba beads, Pumice crystals are used in physical facial scrubs. Research indicates that pumice is very effective at removing hyperkeratotic tissue.
  • Bio-elements Herbology: A concentrate of four Chinese herbs. It has both physical and chemical exfoliative properties. Its mechanism of action entails physical sloughing off the dead skin cell on the surface. Next, its water-soluble granules penetrate the skin to dissolve any other wastes clogging skin pores. Many Chinese herbs have been used successfully as a skin treatment for centuries.
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Glycolic acid and lactic acid are potent exfoliants used in most chemical facial scrubs. Research has shown that it can successfully prevent UV-induced skin damage.
  • Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Salicylic acid is the main constituent in this category of exfoliants. The acid is often used in chemical facial scrubs for acne and related skin conditions. Hydroxy Acids are the most widely used anti-aging agents.

Benefits of using facial scrubs

Facial scrubs provide an excellent way to deal with acne and related skin conditions. If you are struggling with whiteheads or blackheads, consider trying chemical or physical exfoliants. That aside, facial scrubs are also used to manage aging signs.

For instance, you can use chemical or physical exfoliants to eradicate wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. They are also used to even out the tone for hyper-pigmented skin. Apart from managing acne and aging signs, facial scrubs are also used to enhance skin radiance and texture.

If you want your skin to glow like that of Rosie Huntington Whiteley, look no further. Right below, you’ll find some of the finest brands of facial scrubs. These top-tier exfoliants are recommended by dermatologists and are the best in our opinion.

Below you'll find some of the most effective Scrub Cleanser formulations on the market in our opinion:

Star

Our Top Scrub Cleanser Choices

A Gentle Exfoliator
Stimulates Collagen Production
Dull Skin Cells Remover
Suitable for All Skin Types
St. Ives Apricot Scrub
#2 St. Ives Apricot Scrub
A Gentle Exfoliator
Stimulates Collagen Production
Dull Skin Cells Remover
Suitable for All Skin Types

**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available informations and our estimation of efficacy.

*Result may vary. The information contained in this website is provided for general informational purpose. No medical claims are implied in this content, and the information herein is not intended to be used for self diagnosis or self treatment of any condition.

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