Face scrub and exfoliator | when and how to do them?

Skin care is essential for maintaining beautiful skin and optimum skin health. Among the crucial steps in any beauty routine, facial scrubbing and the use of a facial exfoliant are practices that can make all the difference. These two gestures remove dead cells, refine skin texture and stimulate cell renewal. In this article, we'll explore the different steps to follow for a successful facial scrub, focusing on the specific needs of oily, dry and sensitive skin, and tips for integrating these facial treatments into your beauty routine.

Face Scrub: A Crucial Step in the Beauty Routine

Facial scrubbing is the process of using exfoliating particles to remove impurities and dead cells from the skin's surface. It's an important step in a beauty routine, as it offers several benefits for the health and appearance of the skin. Here are some of the main functions of a facial scrub:

• Eliminating dead skin cells Over time, skin cells die and accumulate on the surface, giving skin a dull appearance. Facial scrubs use exfoliating particles to remove these dead cells, revealing fresher, more radiant skin.
• Stimulation of cell renewal By removing dead skin cells, exfoliation encourages cell renewal, promoting the growth of new skin cells for anti-aging action. This can help reduce skin imperfections, dark spots and light scars.
• Improved skin texture Exfoliation helps refine skin texture by eliminating roughness and irregularities. It leaves skin smoother and softer to the touch.
• Preventing clogged pores For people with skin prone to excess sebum, facial scrubs can help prevent clogged pores. This reduces the risk of blackheads, pimples and other pore-clogging problems.
• Better absorption of skincare products By removing the layer of dead skin cells, exfoliation enables subsequent skincare products, such as moisturizers and serums, to be better absorbed by the skin. This maximizes the effectiveness of other skincare products you apply later.

• Stimulation of blood circulation The circular movements used when applying the scrub help stimulate blood circulation in the area, which can help bring more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells.
• Preparing the skin for other treatments Facial exfoliation can be a preliminary step to other skin treatments, such as the application of masks or the use of anti-wrinkle products. By removing impurities, it enables these treatments to be more effective.

What is the difference between a scrub and a facial exfoliant?

The terms "scrub" and "exfoliator" are often used interchangeably, but they generally refer to two types of skin care products with similar functions, although they differ slightly in their formulation and mode of action. Here are the main distinctions between a scrub and a facial exfoliant:

Facial scrub :

• Texture: Facial scrubs generally have a more granular texture and contain more visible exfoliating particles, such as grains, microbeads or pips.
• Mechanism of action: The action of exfoliation relies primarily on the physical friction of exfoliating particles against the skin. These particles act by mechanically removing dead cells and impurities from the skin's surface.
• How to use: Facial scrubs are often recommended once or twice a week. They are particularly effective in removing dead cells, refining skin texture and stimulating blood circulation.

Facial scrub :

• Texture: Facial exfoliants may have a finer texture and be formulated with chemical or enzymatic ingredients rather than physical particles. They may contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid, beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid, or natural enzymes.
• Mechanism of action: Unlike scrubs, exfoliants work primarily by chemical means. Acids or enzymes dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting their removal.

• Use: Exfoliants can be used more frequently than scrubs, depending on formulation and skin needs. They are sometimes recommended once or twice a week, but some can be used daily, especially gentle exfoliants.

 

How do I make a facial scrub?

First, choose a suitable scrub.

If you have oily skin, opt for a face scrub specifically formulated for oily skin. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, known for its exfoliating and anti-acne properties. For dry skin, use gentle, moisturizing scrubs concentrated in glycolic or lactic acid to remove dead cells from the skin's surface without compromising its cutaneous barrier. Sensitive skin requires gentle, delicate care, and this also applies to scrubs. The use of inappropriate scrubs can lead to irritation and redness, so opt for skin care products rich in hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid.

1. Cleanse your face: Before applying the scrub, thoroughly cleanse your face to remove all traces of make-up, sebum and impurities.
2. Apply the scrub in circular movements: spread the scrub over your face using gentle circular movements. Pay particular attention to the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) where excess sebum is often concentrated.
3. Avoid the eye contour area: This area is delicate and prone to irritation. Avoid applying the scrub to the eye area to prevent any adverse reaction.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water: After exfoliating, rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water. This will help remove exfoliating particles and soothe the skin.

Facial scrub: an anti-aging, anti-imperfection ally for all skin types

Unlike a facial scrub, a facial exfoliant acts on a deeper level, removing dead cells and stimulating cell renewal. It is a true anti-aging ally, helping to smooth wrinkles and reveal more radiant skin.

How to choose the right exfoliator for every skin type?

Dry skin: Opt for an exfoliant containing lactic acid, known for its moisturizing power. This will help remove dead skin cells while preserving the skin's natural moisture.

Sensitive skin: choose a gentle exfoliant based on natural enzymes such as papaya or pineapple. These ingredients offer gentle exfoliation without irritating sensitive skin.

Oily skin: Salicylic acid-based exfoliants are ideal for oily skin, as they penetrate pores, eliminate excess sebum and prevent acne.

 

Incorporate Face Scrub and Exfoliator into your Beauty Routine

For best results, it's crucial to integrate face scrub and exfoliator into a coherent beauty routine, which then work in symbiosis with your moisturizer. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the most of these treatments.

Cleanse your face : Start by cleansing your face with a mild cleanser. Be sure to remove all traces of make-up and impurities.

Apply facial scrub: Once or twice a week, after cleansing, apply a facial scrub suited to your skin type. Massage gently in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly.

Using the exfoliant: Once or twice a week or daily, after cleansing or exfoliating, apply the exfoliant, avoiding the eye area. Leave on according to product instructions, then rinse.

Apply a face mask: For a complete treatment, apply a face mask suited to your needs. Moisturizing masks are suitable for dry skin, while clay-based masks are ideal for oily skin.

Continue the beauty routine adapted to each skin type with a serum, moisturizer and sun protection.

Beauty routine

A well-structured beauty routine follows several key steps to ensure healthy, beautiful skin. It all starts with cleansing. Choose a cleanser suited to your skin type, whether it's a gel, mousse, milk or oil. Use it morning and night to effectively remove impurities, make-up and excess sebum.

Then plunge into the exfoliation stage. This ritual eliminates dead skin cells, revealing a smooth, renewed texture. Opt for a scrub suited to your skin type, whether it's based on natural exfoliating grains, gentle acids or enzymes.