All Things Scrubs & Exfoliators

One of my favourite things in my skincare routine has to be exfoliating. I love the feel of it, the process, and the near to immediate results thereof. So first off, what’s the difference between a scrub and an exfoliator? Nothing, they are just different names for the same thing. Some say that a scrub is a physical treatment, while an exfoliator is a chemical treatment, however, the whole purpose of both is the same; the removal of dead skin cells and sebum from the pores. A total chemical exfoliant would more likely be called or referred to as a peel, either a chemical peel or exfoliating peel. However, in the same sense, one gets two different exfoliator types, the physical and the chemical one. The physical one is most likely to contain abrasive ingredients such as fruit kernels, microbeads, nuts, or any other small solid pieces that physically remove the skin cells and penetrate into the dermis. On the other hand, a chemical exfoliant is just that, a combination of chemicals, such as salicylic acid, that in a sense burns off, or peels off the skin layer and within the pores. The great thing about this product type is that it is both advisable to use on your face and your body (the physical exfoliant mostly), especially after shaving, but for the purpose of this article, our reference will be to a facial exfoliant.

Of course with everything great, comes “rules”. Now generally I’m not always one to follow skincare rules by the book, but this is one that I have had experience with and follow due to the experienced consequences. The rule is to NOT over-exfoliate. No matter how tempted you are, no matter how flaky your skin is, no matter how bad your acne is, over-exfoliating is a bad choice. For one, it defeats the purpose of healing your skin from previous bacterias by weakening it and making it prone to other or more bacterias. So if there is a negative connotation already, why even bother exfoliating your skin at all? Your skin has 5 layers to it and your newest skin cells are at the base. Upon maturing, the cells travel from the base layer to the top layer of the epidermis. This is where they form the tough barrier protecting your other skin layers and ultimately your organs, however, after a while, they lose their nucleus and eventually “die”, hence the forming of dead skin cells. Exfoliating then helps along the process of removing these dead cells, to make way for the mature cells which in turn protect the skin barrier. So, in turn, when over-exfoliating one basically removes the mature cells protecting the skin.

How much would then be enough when it comes to exfoliating? As often as your skin can tolerate it. You need to give your skin a breathing space and this can take anywhere from two days to 6 days to 14 days, depending on your skin condition and sensitivity. The general rule, however, is 2 times a week for a physical exfoliant and once a week for a chemical exfoliant. The process of exfoliating self should also be a gentle one, the beads and granules in physical exfoliants can so easily cause micro-tears in the skin, so a gentle approach in circular movements is recommended. A personal trick is to add some water if I find the scrub to be too harsh. With chemical exfoliants, the most important component is how long you keep it one, if it’s only supposed to be 60 seconds, then more may cause deeper burns or scarring if it’s less then it won’t be effective and a waste of products.

You’re probably thinking that the only benefit of using a scrub is the removal of dead skin cells, however, there are so many more benefits:

1. It stimulates collagen synthesis

2. Increases cell turnover

3. It prevents acne

4. Unclogs pores

5. Boosts blood circulation

6. Helps other skin products in a deeper penetration

7. It evens skin tone (in terms of texture, not colour, such as with pigmentation)

8. It encourages lymphatic drainage

Now for the favourite part, B’s recommendations. Scrubs are generally available to most skin types, however, those with sensitive skin might want to double-check on ingredients or do a spot check. Some exfoliants might also be to suit a specific need, such as skin polishing or removing blackheads:

• Himalaya Blackhead Clearing Walnut Scrub (this is the one I’m currently using

• Annique Hydrafine Complete Soothing Scrub (this one may be suitable to sensitive skin)

• Pink Cosmetics Pink Clay Facial Polish

• hey gorgeous activated charcoal Facial Scrub (this is my favourite one)

• Bioderma Sebium exfoliating gel

• Neutrogena visibly clear pore & shine daily scrub

• L’Oreal pure clay glow scrub

• Sukin Signature Face Scrub Revital

• hey gorgeous goji berry Facial Scrub

• The Body Shop Seaweed pore cleansing exfoliator

• The Ordinary AHA + BHA peeling solution

• Dermalogica daily microfoliant exfoliator

• Skin Creamery Deep Cleansing Powder (technically not a scrub, but works just as well)

• Dermexcel chemical peel spray

• Clarins gentle peeling smooth away cream

• Filorga Oxygen Peel Lotion

• REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

• LUSH Ocean Salt Scrub

There you have it my lovelies!

Keep going, keep glowing & keep growing. You’re doing amazing!

• B x