While it may not seem worthy of discussion, using a face scrub sans damaging your skin warrants an in-depth conversation – simply because many of us get it wrong. Aggressive exfoliation, over-exfoliation, and picking the incorrect product for your skin type can have dire consequences. So, when it comes to this bi-weekly skincare ritual, a deliberate (read: foolproof) attempt should be made to get it right.
Why Exfoliate At All?
As you walk into your thirties, your skin cell turnover rate depletes significantly, compelling you to resort to physical scrubs that’ll slough away dead skin cells, giving you a fresh layer of skin that isn’t prone to signs of premature ageing. Besides, physical exfoliators help unclog pores, minimise acne scarring, and improve your overall skin texture.
How to Pick a Scrub Suitable For Your Skin Type
Essentially, scrubs contain grainy beads that help draw out the impurities from your skin. While larger granules are ideal for oily skin types with overactive sebaceous glands, smaller beads work best for dry and sensitive skin types that are easily irritated. Before applying the formulation to your face, patch-test it on the back of your palm to keep inflammation and allergic reactions at bay.
- Oily Skin: Since oily skin types are more vulnerable to clogging, creamy scrubs with mattifying and soothing ingredients such as tea tree and aloe vera work best.
- Dry Skin: Abrasive formulations and harsh scrubbing can exacerbate your condition. Look for oil-based scrubs with jojoba beads that are better for your skin – and the planet.
- Acne-Prone Skin: While physical exfoliation is a big no-no on active pimples, gentle exfoliation with a mild scrub works wonders on calmer acne days.
How to Use a Face Scrub
As always, the first step involves cleansing your skin with a suitable cleanser or face wash. Then, take a pea-sized amount of the physical exfoliator onto your palm and apply it to your face, massaging the product onto the skin in gentle, circular motions. The pressure expended should be just right, as excessive force can cause micro-tears on your skin while also stripping it of its oils. A few minutes later, rinse off the formulation with lukewarm water and moisture to restore any possible moisture loss. Exfoliate up to twice a week – once if you possess super-dry skin.
The Luxe Edit: The Best Glow-Boosting Scrubs on the Market
Investing in a high-quality scrub is paramount if you desire supple and radiant skin. From Clinique’s Exfoliating Scrub to L'Occitane’s Reine Blanche Brightening Face Scrub, peruse our carefully curated selection of physical exfoliators for an instant glow-up this festive season.
- Rating: 4.9
- Price: INR 7,550
- Key Features: Toxin-free, Gold Stabilised Vitamin C, Suitable For All Skin Types
- Reasons to Splurge: Triple Exfoliating Power
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: INR 3,400
- Key Features: Dual-Purpose Cleansing & Exfoliating Scrub, Dermatologically Tested
- Reasons to Splurge: Non-acnegenic, Mineral-rich, Concentrated Formula to Unclog Pores
- Rating: 4
- Price: INR 1,680
- Key Features: Toxin-free, Dermatologically-tested, Suitable For Oily/Combination Skin
- Reasons to Splurge: Mild Mechanical Exfoliator, Vegan
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: INR 4,300
- Key Features: Water-based Formula, Suitable For Oily/Combination Skin
- Reasons to Splurge: Skin-clearing Powers, Diminishes the Appearance of Fine Lines
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: INR 4,300
- Key Features: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Gluten-free, Toxin-free
- Reasons to Splurge: Multivitamin Thermafoliant, Anti-ageing Properties
- Rating: 4.1
- Price: INR 3,200
- Key Features: Natural Botanical Derivatives, Creamy Texture
- Reasons to Splurge: Illuminating Properties, Epidermal Renewal Ability
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: INR 1,425
- Key Features: Gel-based Formula, Toxin-free, Detoxifying, Moisturising
- Reasons to Splurge: Eco-friendly Packaging, Improves Skin Elasticity, Tan Removal, Mild Mechanical Exfoliator
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: INR 3,650
- Key Features: Lightweight, Milky Texture, Suitable For All Skin Types
- Reasons to Splurge: Improved Skin Tone & Texture, Long-Lasting Results in 10 Days
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: INR 2,650
- Key Features: Oil-based Formula, Sugar Microcrystals Made From Beetroot
- Reasons to Splurge: Smooth, Supple Skin, Luminous Complexion
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: INR 1,950
- Key Features: Creamy Texture, Dermatologically & Clinically Tested
- Reasons to Splurge: Instantly Brightening, Skin Firming & Moisturising
