How to Use Face Scrub: Get Rid of Acne Breakouts & Clogged Pores

Updated Date: by Reet Patel

The key to success is how well you overcome the hurdles of the journey.

Dull complexion, acne outbreaks, and clogged skin pores are some hurdles that are required to overcome to achieve healthy and glowing skin.  Facial Exfoliating is the ultimate solution to get rid of all the hassles.

If you haven’t added a face scrub to your daily routine, it’s the high time since you have already started experiencing skin-related issues.  Also, you are missing out on ample benefits that the face scrub offers to its users.

This article is all about how to use face scrub, the right exfoliator matching your skin type, and the types of exfoliator.

So wear your anti-glare glasses and spend a few minutes knowing how to exfoliate your face.

Importance of Facial Scrub

facial scrubbing

Using a facial scrub can make your skin feel beautiful, youthful, soft, and like it’s glowing. Unlike a regular soap or cleanser, a facial scrub uses small particles, beads, or chemicals to get rid of the old skin cells and make way for new ones in a process known as exfoliation.

No More Dead Skin Cells

One of the best things about using a facial scrub is that it can help get rid of dead skin cells. These old, dry cells tend to accumulate on the surface of our skin, making it look dull and lifeless. A good facial scrub can remove these cells and reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion.

Deeply Cleanses Skin Pores

Facial scrubs can also unclog your skin’s pores, which tend to accumulate dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. By removing these pore-clogging impurities you will achieve a deep clean that is hard to get with regular soap or cleanser alone.

After using a facial scrub there might be some redness in your skin, but this is a normal reaction. It means that your skin might be sensitive and you should take the necessary precautions to avoid irritation or breakouts.

No Flaky Skin

One of the main benefits of using a facial scrub is that it helps get rid of flaky skin. Flaky skin can make you look tired, old, and unhealthy. Exfoliation with a facial scrub can help remove.

Fades Acne Scars

Acne scars are annoying and can ruin your look.  The exfoliating face scrub does not promise to completely banish those scars but can gradually lighten them.  Since the facial scrubs peel off the skin’s surface, it rejuvenates your skin and makes the scars lighter.

Banish Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs are a common beauty annoyance, but they don’t have to be a part of your daily skincare routine. With these tips, you can banish ingrown hairs for good and keep your skin looking its best.

Enhances Skin Texture

A facial scrub helps enhance your skin’s texture. The exfoliation process helps to remove any dead skin cells that may be sitting on the surface of your skin, which can make your complexion appear dull. By removing these cells, a facial scrub can reveal a brighter and more radiant complexion.

Makes Way for Easy Absorption

One of the main benefits of using a facial scrub is that it helps to remove dead skin cells, which can clog your pores and make it difficult for your skincare products to absorb. When you exfoliate, you’re removing all of the built-up layers of impurities to make skin healthy and well-maintained.  This makes it easier for your skincare products to penetrate the skin, which means you’ll see better results from them.

Stimulates Blood Circulation

One of the benefits of using a facial scrub is that it stimulates blood circulation, which can help improve the overall appearance and health of your skin. When you stimulate blood circulation, your body is better able to deliver oxygen and other nutrients to your skin cells, leading to healthier and brighter skin. Additionally, stimulated circulation helps remove toxins and impurities from your skin that can cause breakouts and other concerns.

Increase Skin Cell Turnover Ratio

Exfoliation promotes cell turnover ratio, irrespective of physical or chemical exfoliation.  It sloughs away dead cells and gives room for new cell generation.  It also means that you will have a new layer of skin, which will be glowing and healthy.

Since you know the importance, you must also know which face scrub for men suits which skin type.

Choose Facial Scrubs According to Your Skin Types

when to use face scrub

There are many different types of facial scrubs on the market, but it’s important to choose one that is suited for your skin type. That’s where this section helps you decide the right facial exfoliator for yourself.

Dry Skin

Men with dry skin should consider moisturizing and hydrating properties, irrespective of skincare products.  Since scrubbing removes excess oils, the guys with dry skin are at higher risk of dryness and irritation.

A simple solution is to have glycolic acid as an ingredient in face scrub since it exfoliates and even hydrates your skin.

Oily Skin

Oily skin leads to acne-prone skin since excess sebum oil production causes clogged pores.  To remove the gunk and make skin pores clean, you will require effective ingredients to flush out impurities, and what’s better than salicylic acid.

The salicylic acid breaks down the blend of hair follicles, dirt, debris, and dead cells so that your skin appears more clean and clear.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is highly vulnerable to skin issues, such as redness, irritation, itching, and inflammation.  Men with such a skin type have to become choosy when buying skincare products.

Talking about exfoliating your face, it is necessary to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties in your facial scrub.  Propylene glycol, turmeric, sugar, and yogurt are a few of the favorite ingredients for sensitive skin.

Combination/Normal Skin

You don’t want to overdry your skin or make it look shiny or greasy, and that’s why it becomes a daunting task to choose a facial scrub for combination skin.

Don’t worry. We have got your back.  The only thing to remember when choosing a face scrub for combination skin is it should clean excess oil without drying your skin.  Always look for chemical exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy-acid and beta hydroxy acid to exfoliate your face.

Now that you know what ingredients to consider to match your skin type, let’s understand the steps to exfoliate your face.

How to Use Face Scrub? (Step-by-Step Guide)

how to exfoliate face men

Here are the steps to exfoliate your face and get away with the unwanted stuff.  What we suggest is to take before and after face scrubs pictures to track the difference.  This way, you will know that your efforts are not going in vain.

1. Wash Your Face with Warm Water

First, you want to rinse off your face using warm water. This will open up the pores of your skin and make it easier for all of those hard-working scrubbing particles to do their job by removing any dirt or debris that may have accumulated during the day.

2. Massage in Circular Motions

When you’re using your facial scrub, remember to massage it in circular motions. This will help the ingredients work better and give you a deeper cleanse.  Make sure you use a gentle scrub to avoid inflammation and redness.

3. Rinse off Your Face with Warm water

When you wash your face, use lukewarm water to wet it. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and can also irritate certain types of skin.

4. Use Clean Towel to Pat Dry

After using a facial scrub, it’s important to gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Damp skin is more susceptible to bacteria and can lead to infection or inflammatory acne breakouts.

5. Apply Moisturizer

After you’ve exfoliated your skin, it’s important to apply a moisturizer. Look for a face moisturizer that is suited for your skin type- whether it is oily, dry, or in combination. Apply the moisturizer in upward strokes and allow it to absorb into the skin.

So this is how to brighten your dull skin using a face scrub.  That’s not the end of it.  Given a chance, what would you choose for facial scrubbing?  Well, the options are listed in the next section.

What Should You Use to Exfoliate Your Skin?

There are two types of exfoliation: mechanical and chemical.

Mechanical Exfoliation

before and after face scrubs

Mechanical exfoliation is the simpler process, involving an exfoliating tool or skincare product to physically exfoliate dead skin cells from your face.

Exfoliating Scrub

Exfoliating scrubs are a great way to remove the dead skin cells from your face. By removing these cells, you can reveal a brighter and smoother complexion.  However, physical scrubs can be harsh and cause redness, especially on dry and sensitive skin.

Exfoliating Sponge

A great way to properly exfoliate your facial skin is with an exfoliating sponge. You can buy them at most drugstores or beauty supply stores, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. To use an exfoliating sponge, wet it and add a small amount of your favorite facial scrub to the surface. Gently massage the scrub into your skin for one minute, then rinse and moisturize. You can use an exfoliating sponge once or twice a week.

Exfoliating Brush

It includes a bristle brush that properly exfoliates and enhances your skin tone.  You can use this exfoliating brush with or without face wash or scrub.

Exfoliating Glove

If you’re looking for more physical exfoliation, using an exfoliating glove can do the trick. An exfoliating glove is made of natural or synthetic materials like rubber or silicone and has small bumps or bristles that help to remove dead skin cells. To use it, wet your entire face and put on the glove, then massage your skin in a circular motion. Rinse and moisturize as usual.

Some people find that using an exfoliating glove regularly can be too harsh on their skin, so start slowly and use it only once or twice a week at first. And if you have sensitive skin, avoid using an exfoliating glove altogether.

Chemical Exfoliation

steps to exfoliate face

Chemical exfoliant works by unglueing the bonds between skin cells, often with an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). A chemical peel is a type of AHA and BHA facial treatment that works as a “chemical exfoliant.”

The acids loosen the glue that holds the dead skin cells together, so they can be washed or rubbed away.  Apply gently

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are an ingredient found in many facial scrubs. They work by loosening the bonds that hold your dead skin cells together, which allows you to peel them away easily.

Alpha Hydroxy acids can come from natural sources or be synthesized in a lab. Some good alpha hydroxy acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid.

Beta Hydroxy Acids

Beta Hydroxy Acids are another ingredient found in many facial scrubs. They work by breaking down sebum, which is the waxy substance that fills your pores. This gets rid of blackheads and clogged pores. Good beta hydroxy acids include salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and betaine salicylate.

Now that you have chosen between chemical or physical exfoliation, let’s also know a few avoidable and unavoidable things.

Do’s & Don’ts For Face Scrubbing

do face scrubs work
  • Do use face wash before exfoliating your face
  • Don’t use a chemical or physical exfoliant on open wounds
  • Don’t step out after exfoliating your skin
  • Do moisturize your skin post-exfoliation process
  • Don’t start rubbing your skin with a face scrub every day

Oftentimes cleanser is misinterpreted with an exfoliator and to clear out the confusion, here is the difference between both the face care products.

Face Wash Vs. Face Scrub

face scrub vs face wash

Face washes and scrubs sound similar but come up with multiple differences.  Since many requests were coming up, we decided to simplify them by breaking them into bullet points. 

So here are the major differences:

  • Texture

The face wash is plain with a creamy and soft texture that acts like foam when spreading. On the other hand, the face scrub is a blend of beads and small particles that makes the texture gritty.  You may feel tiny particles when massaging it on your face.

  • Purpose

The face wash caters to making skin clear of dirt and dust accumulated throughout the day and/or night.  Besides, the face scrubs ensure it deeply cleanses your skin pores and draws out all the impurities that are the reason for stuffed pores.

  • Frequency

Face washes are advisable to use twice a day since they don’t have a gritty texture like face scrubs.  And just because the face exfoliators have a gritty texture, it is suggested to use only once or twice a week.  The gritty texture can cause more harm than doing good if used daily.

  • Skin-Friendly

Both face washes and exfoliators are available according to the skin type.  However, the gritty texture exfoliators aren’t susceptible to sensitive and acne-prone skin.  Face washes remain gentle on every skin type.

So this is the end of the topic on how to exfoliate a face.  If you still have questions, you are just a section away from getting all the answers.

FAQs:

1. When To Use Face Scrub?

You should use a facial scrub once or twice a week. You can also use a face scrub in the morning for exfoliating your skin and getting it ready for the day. If you have oily skin, you may want to use a face scrub more often, such as three times a week. If you have dry skin, you may want to use a face scrub less often, such as once a week.

2. What Do Face Scrubs Do?

Facial scrubs use small particles, beads, or chemicals to exfoliate the skin. This process removes old skin cells and makes way for new ones, resulting in softer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin. Facial scrubs can also help improve circulation and get rid of toxins from the skin.

3. Do Face Scrubs Work?

The answer is a resounding “yes!” Facial scrubs work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells, which make your face feel rough and dull. Exfoliating reveals healthier and brighter skin by glowing layers underneath.

4. Should You Use Face Scrub Or Face Wash First?

Start your day with a face wash to cleanse your skin’s surface and then use a facial scrub to properly exfoliate your face. Using both one by one will make your face free from pollutants. However, you must use a face cleanser every day while a face scrub to be used once or twice per week.

5. Does Face Scrub Banish Blackheads?

Though face scrubs remove the top layers of blackheads, they still are not able to cure the root cause of blackheads. The blackheads will be visible once again as soon as you stop scrubbing. Salicylic acid is effective at treating blackheads on a long-term basis.

Conclusion

A facial scrub is a great way to exfoliate your skin and reveal the beautiful layer of new skin cells underneath. By using a natural or chemical scrub suited for your skin type, you can enjoy softer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin in just minutes. So why wait? Add a facial scrub to your skincare routine today!

Disclaimer

Published Date: Feb 8, 2024

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