The Best Face Scrubs For Younger-looking Skin
Dirt, pollution, and the sun’s UV rays damage our skin. And although there are various tan removal treatments that can be opted for, as well as different options in the market that will leave you with a healthy glow and brighter skin ~ we are often hesitant to experiment due to unwanted side effects like dryness, tenderness, or skin rash. Through trial and error over the years, I have discovered that cleansing your face with a gentle exfoliating scrub is one of the best methods to achieving beautiful glowing skin.
Now, let us first understand how exfoliation helps our skin. Exfoliation involves the removal of dead skin cells on the skin’s outermost surface, leaving the pores open for our skin to breathe, thereby improving its appearance. When it comes to choosing the best face exfoliator for you, depending on your skin type, there is a wide choice available that ranges from physical to chemical, and everything in between.
Yes, the world of exfoliants can be daunting. I have made an attempt to research some of the best available options, so you can enjoy a radiant and glowing complexion without the unpleasant side effects. Keep reading for a guide to the best face scrubs for younger-looking skin!
Physical Exfoliators
What is physical exfoliation?
This is the most widely recognised exfoliator and includes specific ingredients or a tool to physically buff away dead skin cells and any other debris. The most commonly used natural-based ingredients include nuts, stones, plants and their extracts, apricot kernel or almond shells, and sugar or salt crystals. They help soften the surface layer of dead skin cells to reveal a fresh and luminous complexion.
The tools that are used can vary from a brush, sponge, pumice stone, to a facial cloth specially crafted for exfoliation ~ that we gently rub onto our skin to achieve the desired results.
A word of caution: You must be a bit careful that you are not too hard on your skin, specifically your face and neck while using these products. Otherwise, your skin can become irritated from friction, exposing the raw tissues to bacteria and viruses.
Are there other forms of physical exfoliation than scrubs?
Technically, there is one more kind of physical exfoliator ~ Microdermabrasion. This technique is however fairly expensive, and mustn’t be done more than once a month. Generally, we need to exfoliate at least once a week, so even if you incorporate Microdermabrasion into your routine, you will need to include other methods as well.
Listed below are a few physical exfoliators you may use in accordance with your skin type:
- For dry skin: Fuchsia Green Tea face scrub is one of the best in the market for dry skin. The ingredients include aloe vera, green tea, olive oil and wheat germ oil for super hydration. Additionally, the texture is creamy allowing for easy application.
- For sensitive skin: A perfect blend of neem, tulsi, and walnut, FabIndia’s Neem Tulsi face gel is great for sensitive skin and leaves the skin glowing. The gel is infused with particles of walnut shell which makes it perfect for gentle exfoliation on a daily basis, to aid in the removal of blackheads and whiteheads, and to keep your skin free from pimples.
- For oily/combination skin: You can’t beat Clinique’s Exfoliating Scrub which is a skin-clearing, water-based scrub recommended for oily and acne-prone skin. It de-flakes, refines, softens and leaves your skin refreshed with a luminous glow.
Chemical Exfoliators
What is chemical exfoliation?
As the name suggests, chemical exfoliators include low percentage gentle skin-boosting acids that cause the top layer of the skin to peel off and make way for new cells to turn over, revealing smoother and brighter skin. They come in the form of cleansers, toners, serums, and sometimes even moisturisers and rely on using acids such as AHA’s {Alpha Hydroxyl Acids} and BHA’s {Beta Hydroxyl Acids} to melt the cellular “glue” which holds the skin cells together ~ aiding the skin to naturally exfoliate away any dulling debris.
- For hyperpigmentation: Trichloroacetic Acid Peel contains TCA that reduces acne breakouts, improves your overall skin tone and texture, and reduces the appearance of discolouration due to hyperpigmentation or sun damage. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles and makes you look younger.
- For sensitivity: Triple Berry Smoothing Peel by Renee Rouleau is perhaps the best face exfoliator for sensitive skin. It is very gentle, and cushions and nurtures the skin as it exfoliates to give you a beautiful radiance.
- For blemish-prone skin: You can’t beat Clinique’s Anti-blemish mask that prevents breakouts while reducing redness and inflammation. The medicated formula goes in deep to clean and unclog pores, and rid skin of excess oil.
To conclude: When it comes to exfoliating your face, you need to proceed with caution. I would advise you to consult with your dermatologist and choose the exfoliator best suited to your skin type.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to take the place of a physician’s or healthcare professional’s diagnosis, treat a medical condition or provide medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.