Scrub is a cosmetic product in the form of a cream or gel containing abrasive particles to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. Scrubs are divided into two types: for the face and for the body. A more detailed division, for example, a scrub for legs, for hands, against cellulite or for hair, is nothing more than a marketing ploy to increase sales.
We wrote about the fact that a scrub is not a peeling.
Difference between body and face scrubs:
Body scrub contains larger abrasive particles. It should be used once a week to cleanse the skin and prevent cellulite and twice a week for ingrown hairs.
Facial scrub contains small, powdery particles. It often contains various acids to enhance the effect, but they are contained in such small doses that they cannot harm even the most sensitive skin.
Regularity of scrub use:
Focus on your skin type: dry skin needs to be scrubbed less frequently than oily skin.
Dry skin - once every two weeks. Oily - once a week. Depending on the winter/summer season, the skin type changes slightly; accordingly, in the summer the skin needs to be treated with a scrub more often, and in the winter - less often.
For men, the scrub helps get rid of ingrown hairs in the neck area after shaving. For such purposes, it should be used once or twice a week as the hairs grow.
Who should not overuse scrubs:
- people suffering from rosacea (when the capillaries are located very close to the surface of the skin, which is especially noticeable in the nose area). It is very important! Pay attention to special products for skin with rosacea.
- for rashes and acne. Facial scrub will not improve your results! In the worst case, you will also spread bacteria across the surface of the skin, making the situation worse. For acne, it is better to use enzyme scrubs or just clay.
7 reasons to use a scrub regularly:
- 1 Improves blood circulation and tones the skin well, which is an excellent prevention of cellulite.
- 2 Removes old skin cells and enhances the effect of body moisturizer.
- 3 It does not replace shower gel and a washcloth, but it cleanses the skin much more intensively from the “shell” of dry cells.
- 4 Relieves the feeling of tightness that appears due to dry indoor air, especially on the arms and legs.
- 5 Solves the problem of ingrown hairs.
- 6 Allows the tan to apply to the skin much faster and more evenly.
- 7 Prevents the appearance of blackheads on the face.
We think these reasons are enough for the scrub to live forever on the bathroom shelf and be used regularly. And if he is already there, let's figure out his composition and choose a worthy replacement if something goes wrong.
Compound:
Scrubs mainly include surfactants (surfactants), scrubbing particles (we will look at them in more detail), oils, plant extracts and additional components - stabilizers, emulsifiers, dyes and flavors. Scrubs are rarely “heavier” with bad ingredients, because their action is as simplified as possible - smear, rub and rinse.
Scrubs are divided into natural and non-natural products. The division is based on the origin of the abrasive particles that make up the scrub.
What should be in the scrub:
Lots of oils (Oil, Butter), plant extracts (Extract, Flower Water, Leaf Powder) and natural particles (Sucrose, Olive Seed Powder, Prunus Armenica Seed Powder, Maris Sal, Pumice)
List of natural abrasive particles used in scrubs:
- 1 Sucrose - Sugar
- 2 Maris Sal - Sea salt
- 3 Sodium Chloride - Table salt
- 4 Pumice - Pumice
- 5 Olive Seed Powder - Ground olive seeds
- 6 Prunus Armenica Seed Powder – Ground apricot kernels
The abrasive component is almost always one of the first listed in the composition.
Natural abrasives, such as apricot kernels or brown sugar, work so well that you may only need to use them once a week.
What should not be included:
Synthetic components and microplastic particles:
- 1 Polyethylen (Polyethylene or PE)
- 2 Polypropylen (Polypropylene or PP)
- 3 Polyethylenterephtalat (Polyethylene terephthalate or PET)
- 4 Polyamide (Nylon-12, Nylon-6, Nylon-66), Polyamide (Nylon-12, Nylon-6, Nylon-66 or PA)
- 5 Polyurethane (Polyurethan-2, Polyurethan-14, Polyurethan-35) - Polyurethane (Polyurethane-2, Polyurethane-14, Polyurethane-35 or PUR)
- 6 Acrylates copolymer (Acrylate copolymer or AC)
- 7 Polyquaternium (Polyquaternium or P)
- 8 Polystyrene (Polystyrene or PS)
Cosmetics manufacturers almost always add synthetic microparticles as a scrubbing agent, so look for the BIO icon on the packaging and check the composition.
- Microplastics are much cheaper than natural ingredients. It behaves more consistently and attracts the buyer's eye. Microparticles can be of a variety of colors, glitter and shimmer. But if you see bright light green crumbs in the cucumber scrub, don’t be moved, believe me, it’s not a cucumber at all.
Microplastic- these are plastic particles up to 5 mm in size, micro-balls that gently scrub the skin without injuring it. In cosmetology, as a rule, particles with a diameter from 1 mm to a nanometer are used (one nanometer = one millionth of a millimeter).
Microplastics are found not only in scrubs, but also in shower gels, lipsticks and glosses, body creams, foundations, shadows and blushes with a reflective effect, toothpastes, cleaning powders and many other cosmetic products. Therefore, it is very important to completely remove makeup from the entire face and body before going to bed, especially if you use creams with a reflective effect.
The smaller the plastic, the more dangerous it is, not for the body, but for the environment. Environmental services call microplastics differently - an invisible problem, a threat to civilization, the slow death of the planet, suicide of humanity, etc. A number of countries (Australia, Denmark, some states in the USA, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany) have already introduced a ban on the use of microplastics in cosmetics.
That is why best scrub we will search only among natural ones.
Dermatologist, cosmetologist at Remedy Lab clinic
Facial scrubs: harmful or not?
In fact, scrub and scrub are different. For example, there are professional products with perfectly round particles that do not harm, but benefit. But for sensitive skin, I would not recommend even such scrubs.
If we are talking about ordinary scrubs with particles of ground coffee, seeds, aluminum crystals, then I advise you to remove them from your routine. They leave invisible micro-scratches in the dermis, and in response to these tiny injuries, the skin will produce even more superficial cells as protection. Indeed, after mechanical exfoliation, the effect of smoothness is felt, but then everything is restored or becomes even worse. These scrubs are better for the body.
Popular
What types of skin exfoliation are there besides scrubbing?
— Chemical exfoliation occurs under the influence of acids, and as a result of the dissolution of connections between cells, we see the effect of skin renewal.
- Exfoliation with enzymes. These can be enzyme rays, masks, gommages based on them. Typically, lactic or plant-derived enzymes are used. They act as delicately as possible, so there is no damage after them.
— Exfoliation using various hardware methods. For example, when we use an ultrasonic wave to knock out surface cells. The same task is performed by gas-liquid peeling, in which an intense stream of liquid and air removes dead cells from the surface of the skin.
On what basis do you choose exfoliating products?
Scrubs should be selected according to skin type and condition. If the skin is insensitive, thick, or porous, you can use any exfoliation methods, including scrubs. If your skin is sensitive, we choose the most gentle option, that is, enzyme peeling. As for acids, you need to look at the condition of the skin. In any case, hardware types of peeling will have to be done in a cosmetologist’s office.
Who can use acid peels?
Everyone, since there are a lot of acids, and you can always choose the acid in the desired concentration. For example, I work a lot with acids for sensitive skin. This is very good helpers: They help restore the pH balance of the skin, which should be slightly acidic. Nowadays a very popular myth is that acids cannot be used in the summer, but this is not true - you can, but you need to choose a product with a cosmetologist and actively protect the skin with Sanskrin.
How often should you use exfoliating products?
In the sun, in the city, under stress, surface cells slow down their exfoliation, so they need help. I would recommend exfoliating your skin once every two weeks on average, but it all depends on your skin condition and type.
How to use a scrub to make your skin smooth, silky, healthy and youthful? You can choose ready-made cosmetics for yourself, expensive or not, and also prepare effective remedy at home.
Translated from English it means to rub, clean, scrape. The active substances are abrasive particles; the basis is a softening emulsion, gel, cream, clay. Crushed plant seeds, fruit seeds, berries, purified sand, sugar, salt are used as abrasive particles. The cosmetic product is used for different parts body, hair. Each occasion has its own scrub. Because the skin on different parts of the body is different.
Types of scrubs
All scrubs are divided into 2 types. The classification is based on the composition.
In addition to this, there is another classification cosmetic product:
- Clay scrubs – designed for oily, combination skin. Clean up quickly greasy shine, tighten pores.
- Cream – suitable for hypersensitive, dry skin.
- Gel - universal, for all skin types.
The third division by type is regarding body parts:
Each of these means is used according to certain rules. It is necessary to select based on individual characteristics skin.
How often can you use the scrub?
The action of the scrub is based on exfoliation dead cells epidermis, removes dirt, residues of cosmetics, sweat, plugs of sebaceous ducts. The softening base prevents scratches and inflammation. As a result of this effect, metabolic processes are activated, skin cells are saturated with oxygen, and blood circulation improves. The skin becomes smooth, soft, clean.
However, frequent use leads to negative consequences– dehydration. Since the process of moisture release during scrubbing accelerates, the skin becomes thinner, dry, and the water-salt balance is disturbed. The protective barrier is destroyed, skin covering becomes susceptible to infections, exposure external factors. You need to use the scrub wisely.
For dry skin, experts recommend doing the procedure 2 times a month. For fatty type skin - once a week. People with hypersensitive skin are better off using a scrub made from synthetic abrasive particles. They do not have sharp edges and cause less damage to the skin.
How to use it correctly on your face
First of all, the scrub must be used for its intended purpose. Do not use products intended for cleansing the body, legs, or hair on the face. Otherwise, the rules are simple:
Cosmetologists recommend using a scrub from the line of cosmetic products that you are used to using. If during the scrubbing process or after the procedure, burning, irritation, or inflammation appears on the skin, the product is not suitable, or the frequency of use needs to be reduced.
Rules for using lip scrub
The skin on the lips is extremely sensitive. If the product is not chosen correctly, it can be easily damaged. It is not recommended to carry out the procedure if there are cracks, jams, herpes, or other inflammations. Lip peeling is carried out in beauty salons. You can easily prepare the product at home.
Rules of application:
- Steam the skin of your lips. To do this, moisten a napkin with hot water and apply it to the surface of the lips. They do this several times.
- Directly light application movements. Massaging is allowed with a soft toothbrush.
- Hold for 2 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
Remaining moisture is removed with a napkin. After peeling, the skin on the lips becomes elastic, soft and smooth. The sponges themselves increase somewhat in volume.
Using a body scrub
To make your skin smooth, even, and silky, it is recommended to use a scrub for the entire body 1-2 times a month.
How to use foot scrub
The skin on the feet is rougher, and corns often appear. Scrubbing will bring it back to normal. It should be remembered that the procedure cannot be carried out with open calluses, painful cracks, or inflammation. The product can be chosen in the form of soap, gel, paste, cream. For massaging on rough areas of the skin, you can use a pumice stone. Typically, a foot scrub contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and nutritional components. Clean up bad smell, normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands. You can prepare the product yourself.
Apply the composition for 5 minutes, massage well with a brush and pumice stone. Wash off with water and apply nourishing cream.
Hand scrub
You can use the scrub once every 7 days. Apply a cosmetic product to the steamed skin, massage for 2 minutes, rinse, and moisturize with cream. It’s very easy to prepare a hand scrub; if you don’t have a store-bought one, you can make it yourself.
- Apply honey to the skin of your hands, sprinkle sugar on top. If the honey is candied, use only that.
- Sea salt is mixed with sour cream in equal proportions. Add 5 drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Grind apricot kernels and mix with cream.
Hair scrub - instructions for use
The product is used to improve the condition of the scalp. Under the influence of the scrub, blood circulation improves, epidermal cells receive oxygen, and metabolic processes occur faster. As a result, the hair becomes strong, vibrant, and shiny.
Do not apply the scrub to the skin if there is damage.
Is it possible to use a scrub in a bathhouse?
The most important condition for using this cosmetic product is steamed skin. In this case, it is easier to remove the dirt; abrasive particles do not injure the skin. The procedure is allowed in the bathhouse. Its effectiveness will be several times higher than after regular preliminary washing with hot water. Some women carry out the steaming procedure over a basin of hot water, while covering their head with a towel - the effect of a bath.
Can I use a scrub for acne?
In case of any inflammation on the skin, the procedure is not allowed.
You must wait until the inflammation subsides. Active abrasive scrub particles additionally injure inflamed areas. After the procedure, the pimples will become red and become even more inflamed.
Hard scrub - instructions for use
The product is used like soap with abrasive particles.
- steam the skin;
- moisten the hard scrub;
- apply with massage movements;
- massage well additionally with a brush, sponge, pumice stone;
- rinse with warm water.
Is it possible to use a scrub after professional peeling?
The cosmetic procedure is carried out in salons and clinics. Its purpose is to remove the dead layer of the epidermis, activate cell function, renew, and rejuvenate. There are superficial, medium, deep peeling. The first type is practically no different from regular scrubbing. Repeating the procedure after a short period of time is inappropriate and harmful to the condition of the skin. Medium and especially deep peeling is an aggressive procedure that significantly injures the skin. You can use the scrub after the skin is completely restored.
Sugar scrub is the best folk remedy
There are a huge number of recipes using sugar among people. Can be used on any part of the body.
- The easiest way is to mix sugar with a small amount water. Distribute evenly on the skin and massage. After drying, rinse well.
- Sugar is turned into powder. The sponge is soaked in hot milk, then dipped in powder. Apply to the skin.
- Sugar is mixed with olive oil, vegetable oil. Use while showering.
Sugar scrub is suitable for all skin types.
Facial scrub - the fastest, easiest and convenient way further cleanse the skin. But do you know how to use scrubs correctly? In this post, we will tell you how a facial scrub works, how to choose the right scrub based on your skin type, who should not scrub, and how often you can use scrubs so as not to harm your skin.
How does a facial scrub work?
The basis of the scrub is exfoliating particles. Most Popular - ground nut shells, fruit seeds, sugar, salt, coffee, jojoba granules, polyethylene particles, honey, oatmeal and aluminum powder. The larger the particles, the harsher the scrub. The less, the more delicate the scrub.
Scrubs work on the surface of the epidermis - the outermost layer of skin. When we massage our face with a scrub, the exfoliating particles capture dead cells and literally tear them off the surface of the skin. This process can be quite traumatic, because along with removing dead particles, scrubs can damage living cells, especially if you rub the scrub into the skin too hard and often. Therefore, scrubs are not suitable for everyone.
Who are contraindicated for scrubs?
Sensitive, thin and dry skin
For sensitive and delicate skin, the mechanical action of the scrub is too aggressive and easily causes redness, irritation, damage and hypersensitivity of the skin.<.p>
Dry Skin by nature has virtually no protective barrier, and is therefore susceptible to injury and loss of moisture. Large, sharp exfoliating particles of scrubs and harsh surfactants (surfactants, such as sulfates) further disrupt the epidermal barrier, damage and dry the skin.
For dry, thin and sensitive skin best option exfoliating - gentle gommages. They act as delicately as possible and do not damage the skin. We will soon talk about gommages in a separate post.
If you can’t give up scrubs, look for creamy products with soft round particles, oils, softening and moisturizing ingredients. They will smooth out the effect of scrubbing particles and protect delicate skin face from dryness. The optimal choice of scrubbing particles is jojoba granules, oatmeal and honey.
Inflamed, damaged skin and acne
Remember - never use a scrub if there is damage to the skin - scratches, bruises, cuts. With many skin diseases(inflamed acne, rosacea, warts, herpes) scrubs are contraindicated because they can worsen the condition and intensify the problem.
When we exfoliate, we rub and squeeze the skin. In case of damaged skin, this way you can “scrub” to severe irritation, red spots, hypersensitivity, peeling, rash, burning and even infection and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
And using a scrub for acne will only spread inflammation and infection all over your face and will take a long and painful time to treat it. It is impossible to scrub off acne. To treat acne, you need to act inside the pores, where scrubs do not penetrate. In addition, cream scrubs may contain potentially comedogenic ingredients and, as a result, clog pores and cause even more breakouts.
Is your hand already reaching out to throw out all the scrubs from the bathroom shelf? Wait. There are situations when scrubs will come in handy and save the situation.
Who is suitable for facial scrubs?
If you have oily thick skin with hyperkeratosis(increased keratinization of the upper layer), scrubs are an excellent way of additional cleansing.
The main thing is not to overdo it: use the scrub carefully and monitor the skin's reaction. Oily, thick skin may well also be sensitive.
For oily skin, look for gel scrubs with anti-inflammatory and mattifying ingredients and medium-sized round, smooth polyethylene particles.
Scrubs are also suitable for normal skin without problems. The requirements are the same - soft, round, non-traumatic particles without sharp edges. Sharp particles scratch the skin, cause microdamage to the epidermis, disrupt the protective barrier and provoke infections.
And soft, gentle scrubs perfectly remove “powdery” peeling after peeling.
How to use a facial scrub correctly
- Apply the scrub to clean, damp skin after washing.
- Massage gently for one minute.
- Do not press or rub the skin.
- In order not to destroy the lipid mantle, do not leave the scrub on the skin for more than one and a half minutes. Especially if it contains surfactants.
- Use the scrub 1-2 times a week when oily skin and 1 time every 2 weeks for dry skin.
Remember - you cannot use the scrub every day. Daily exfoliation will quickly break down the epidermal barrier and lead to irritated, inflamed, rough, dry skin, red spots, hypersensitivity, peeling, rashes, burning, soreness, sun sensitivity, pigmentation and sunburn.
Now you know how to choose the right scrub that is right for your skin and how to use it wisely to maintain the beauty and health of your skin, and not harm it.
We read the post and realized that the scrub is not the best choice for your skin, are you upset and wondering what to replace it with? And ! We will talk about them in the following posts. Stay in touch.
Scrub is the first thing that comes to mind from cosmetics when we want to cleanse our face well and deeply. Exfoliation is, of course, important for the health and beauty of the skin, but there are different ways to remove dead skin cells.
Why we don’t like to use facial scrubs, and what we recommend replacing them with, read this post.
What is the difference between a scrub and a peeling?
Peeling- this is the common name cosmetic products and procedures that exfoliate dead cells.
Peels are:
- enzymatic (based on enzymes or enzymes);
- chemical (acid-based);
- physical (based on exfoliating particles).
Scrub- This is a physical peeling.
How does the scrub work?
The scrub contains exfoliating particles - ground fruit seeds and nut shells, aluminum oxide powder, salt, sugar, coffee, honey.
During the scrubbing process, these particles tear off dead cells. The larger the particles, the harsher the scrub. The smaller the particles, the more delicate it is.
5 Arguments Against Facial Scrubs
Let's talk about the action of a facial scrub and figure out what harm it can cause to the skin.
What effect does a facial scrub give? Scrubs only work on the surface of the epidermis. They do not clean out the pores and do not reach unhealthy layered dead cells. Which means scrubs in best case scenario They remove surface contaminants, but do not clean deeply. If you are looking for a scrub deep cleaning face, there is no such product. And if you find it, know that this is a marketing ploy.
Scrubs are too harsh a cleanser for delicate facial skin. They act mechanically, tearing off dead skin scales. And together with dead ones, living ones can easily damage.
Common and popular scrubbing particles - ground fruit seeds, nut shells and aluminum oxide powder. Their texture is hard, rough, uneven, with jagged edges. While we are scrubbing, these sharp particles scratch the skin, creating microdamages in top layer skin, disrupt the epidermal barrier and open the gates for infections. Bacteria from the surface of the skin penetrate inside and begin to roam through the deep layers of the skin.
When we scrub, rubbing movements and constant pressure irritate the skin and provoke inflammation. Together with a damaged epidermal barrier, this leads to red spots, hypersensitivity, peeling, rashes and burning. In addition, a damaged protective layer prolongs the healing of the skin.
Facial scrubs often contain ingredients that clog pores. In addition, they contain harsh surfactants (surfactants), which further disrupt the epidermal barrier and dry out the skin.
Scrubs and problem skin
Can I use a scrub for acne? The answer is no. For many skin diseases (inflamed acne, rosacea, warts, herpes), scrubs are contraindicated. They can worsen the condition and intensify the problem.
Why you shouldn't use scrubs for acne-prone skin
If you are prone to acne, inflammation constantly occurs in the pores. Healthy pores are cylindrical in shape. And from inflammation, the pores swell, expand and take the shape of a ball. As a result, the edges of the pores close and trap bacteria inside, causing acne (p. acnes) in an oxygen-free environment. In such conditions, bacteria flourish and the body produces more white blood cells to fight off invaders. The theater of war begins, which leads to even more rashes.
Acne cannot be scrubbed off. To prevent and treat acne, you need to unclog your pores. Scrubs do not penetrate pores and do not clean them. Using a scrub for acne, you only spread inflammation across your face and aggravate the situation. In this case, the pores remain clogged and a vicious circle results.
In addition, cream-based scrubs contain oils and potentially comedogenic builders, which can cause even more clogged pores (closed comedones) and inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis).
Scrubs can also lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Clogged pores, inflammation, and even spots on the face - do we need it?
Scrubs and dry skin
Dry skin is naturally thin and vulnerable. She has virtually no protection. If you scrub it incorrectly, you can completely tear off the epidermal barrier. And get inflammation, redness, peeling and hypersensitivity. And dry skin will take a long and painful time to recover.
Scrub for flaky facial skin
Dry, flaky skin is just aching to scrub. The temptation is great, we understand. But don't rush.
When the skin is so dry that it peels off in layers, it cannot be scrubbed. The epidermal barrier is already damaged, and the skin is practically defenseless against external influences. By roughly “tearing off” dead particles with a scrub, we deprive dried skin of its last protection. She becomes hypersensitive, and recovery is significantly longer.
And remove peeling very carefully with your fingers or extra-soft cellulose sponges while you wash your face. Don't rub. Another option for delicate exfoliation is gentle gommages. But only after the skin has recovered a little (a couple of weeks after the start of regenerative care).
How to replace facial scrub
So, can you use a facial scrub? Scrubs - suitable option cleansing for oily thick skin with hyperkeratosis (increased keratinization of the upper layer). At the same time, you still need to use the scrub carefully and carefully monitor the skin’s reaction. If it begins to become even more greasy or sensitivity and redness appear, it means that the scrub is erasing the protective barrier, and you need to mercilessly part with it.
But scrubs are not suitable for most skin types. And one way or another, it is necessary to exfoliate dead cells. What if scrubs are not suitable for you? Replace them.
So
We don't like facial scrubs because they are harsh, insensitive, incomplete cleansing and threaten the skin's protective barrier.
Scrubs are contraindicated for many skin diseases. Especially for inflamed acne and dry flaky skin.
We prefer more delicate chemical and enzyme peels to scrubs.
What do you think about scrubs? Share in the comments.
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