Face scrubs have been an essential part of both traditional and modern beauty routines. They work by sloughing off dead skin cells and also allow other skincare products—like moisturisers and serums—to penetrate the skin more effectively and get in there to do their job. Facial scrubs are typically created with small particles or granules, such as sugar, salt, coffee, or microbeads, designed to exfoliate the skin. Some facial scrubs may also have chemical exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which help to loosen and dissolve dead skin cells.
Here’s how to pick the right one for your skin type:
1. Best facial scrubs for oily skin
If you have oily skin, you need a facial scrub to remove excess greasiness and unclog your pores. But you need balance, too— It's important to avoid over-drying scrubs because it can exacerbate the issue and lead to more oil production. When the skin is stripped of its natural oils, it can trigger the sebaceous glands to produce even more of it, resulting in a cycle of overproduction and dehydration.
Here are some of the best facial scrubs for oily skin:
Mamaearth Charcoal Face Scrub:
This scrub is infused with charcoal and tea tree oil, which can soothe and calm your skin while removing blackheads and excess oil.
Pulp Dance Flour Green Gram + Maqui Superfood Scrub:
It is infused with green gram, ferulic acid and maqui berry to nourish your skin while mattifying it and reducing the look of dark spots.
2. Best facial scrubs for dry skin
If you have dry skin, you need a facial scrub to remove dead skin cells without stripping away its natural oils. You’ll need to look for one with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which can hydrate the skin while it exfoliates.
Here are some of the best face scrubs for dry skin:
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Face Scrub:
This exfoliator contains papain enzymes, salicylic acid and colloidal oatmeal. It gently exfoliates your skin and leaves it feeling smooth and soothed.
Dear Klairs, Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish:
Brown sugar crystals—suspended in a base of shea butter and cranberry seed oil—gently buff your skin while leaving it glowy and moisturised.
3. Best facial scrubs for sensitive skin
When choosing a scrub for sensitive skin, it's important to avoid harsh or abrasive exfoliants, which can cause irritation and inflammation. Look for a gentle formula that will help to exfoliate and remove impurities without causing any irritation or sensitivity. Additionally, it's important to patch test any new skincare products before using them on your face to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction or other adverse effects.
Here are some of the best face scrubs for sensitive skin:
Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Brightening Face Scrub:
With nourishing kumkumadi oil as the base, this gentle exfoliator has saffron to brighten and ground walnut powder to remove dead skin cells and excess oil.
Wow Skin Science Ubtan Face & Body Scrub:
This exfoliator has chickpea flour, almond and turmeric, which can gently buff away dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling soft and mattified.
While exfoliation is key to healthy, happy skin - even the best face scrubs can commit a faux pas. Exercise caution when using facial scrubs. Overuse can damage the skin barrier, leading to further problems like sensitivity, irritation, and even breakouts. When the skin barrier is compromised, it's easier for bacteria to penetrate the skin, leading to inflammation. Remember, with facial scrubs, a little goes a long way!