Face scrubs have been a part of the beauty and skincare game for a long time now. They are a versatile product for healthy and glowing skin in a few minutes. It leaves you with squeaky-clear skin, free of dirt, grime, and deep-seated oil while clearing the pores.
However, much like other skincare products, it is necessary to master the art of using face scrubs the right way to get optimal benefits. If the process of using a face scrub isn’t how it’s supposed to be, you might end up damaging your skin.
How to Use a Face Scrub the Right Way?
A face scrub’s primary function is to exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells and replace them to initiate the cell renewal process. Removing dead skin cells helps unclog your pores and makes your skin shine brighter, look healthier, and glow.
However, misusing the face scrub can peel off your skin, causing more damage.
Read how to use a face scrub to know if you’re making any mistakes and how to avoid them.
Step 1 – Wash Your Face
This step is the foremost before starting a beauty or skincare regimen. Washing your face ensures there are no leftover makeup products on your skin. Skin free of makeup residue makes it easier for the following products to glide smoothly onto the skin and help them penetrate deeper into the skin for optimal benefits. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser or face wash and keep your face a bit moist for the scrub to follow.
Step 2 – Gently Massage Your Face with a Scrub
Proceed with taking the scrub on your fingers and applying it all over your face. Massage it over your face and neck in gentle circular motions so that the exfoliating beads work on your skin to clear it without being too harsh. While scrubbing your face, ensure that the product doesn’t get into your eyes as that is a sensitive area.
Continue gently massaging your face with the scrub for about 3-5 minutes; don’t underdo or overdo it. Over-scrubbing your face or leaving the scrub on for too long can damage your skin and cause lesions. Under-scrubbing, however, will not let you enjoy the beauty benefits.
Step 3 – Rinse It Off
It is one of the most critical steps after scrubbing. After massaging and exfoliating, rinse off the remaining scrub from your face with cold water in summers and lukewarm water in winters.
The right temperature of water while rinsing your skin helps close the open pores and keeps your skin’s moisture intact. Remember that hot water strips the moisture off your face and makes it dry. Your skin should feel smooth and clean after scrubbing.
Step 4 – Pat It Dry
After thoroughly cleansing and rinsing your face with water, pat it dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing the towel on your skin as your face as it is vulnerable post-scrubbing. Ensure your skin is clean and dry.
Step 5 – Moisturise Your Skin
Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, moisturising your skin is integral to a skincare regime. Moisturise your skin well after exfoliating it with a face scrub. It helps calm the inflamed skin while keeping it nourished and well-balanced.
Important Do’s & Don’ts of Using a Face Scrub
- Always begin the exfoliating process after thoroughly cleaning your skin with a face wash. It will allow your skin to benefit from the exfoliation process.
- Always follow up the scrubbing or exfoliation process with a good face mask to help your skin absorb the goodness of the scrub into your skin.
- Get the suitable scrub or exfoliator formulated for your skin type. It will help you address skin concerns like dullness, dryness, or oily skin.
- Stay away from direct sunlight after scrubbing your skin because now it is sensitive, and exposure to harsh sun rays can cause redness. After moisturising your skin, apply a sunscreen with appropriate SPF to create a barrier over your skin to protect it from UVA/UVB rays, redness, and inflammation.
- Don’t use a scrub every day. Use it only 2-3 times a week. Overdoing it can cause excessive dryness and loss of moisture.
- Always be mindful of the duration of scrubbing your face. Don’t scrub your face for longer than 5 minutes, leading to dryness. Dry skin compensates by secreting more oil, clogging pores, acne, and skin breakouts.
- Never steam your face before scrubbing because your face gets extremely sensitive after the steam, and scrubbing isn’t a good idea then.
- If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin that gets inflamed easily, choose a face scrub based on your skin type. Exercising this caution is essential to avoid redness and bumps on your face after exfoliation. Also, scrub your face just once or twice a week, and people with sensitive skin types shouldn’t do it often.
- If your skin has wounds, burns, or other lacerations, scrub your face only after they have healed properly. Doing so is essential to avoid getting or spreading an infection. Always consult a specialist before using a face scrub.
