If you think you’ve completed your skincare routine with your trusty cleanser, toner, moisturiser, and sunscreen (unless it is your nighttime skincare routine), think again!

Are you dreaming of smoother, softer, younger-looking skin? And if the answer is yes, you can’t have it unless you bring some exfoliation action into your skincare routine. But does it always leave your skin red and irritated? Let us give you the breakdown of everything you need to know about scrubs & exfoliators.

Scrubs: What are they?

Scrubs contain tiny exfoliating particles in a cream base. When applied to the skin, body scrub for tan removal removes dry skin and dead skin cells, leading to smooth skin. These scrubs contain artificial particles such as jojoba beads, polyethene, or crushed natural seeds. Ingredients such as apricot kernels can irritate your skin if you have sensitive skin. So yes, sometimes pseudo-granules are better. While the scrub vs exfoliator debate rages on, you should note that a body scrub massage can revitalise the skin and improve circulation. In addition, it also helps in getting rid of sunburn.

Body Scrubs: Salt or Sugar?

The two main ingredients in scrubs for women are salt and sugar. Sugar is better for sensitive skin. Do you like pampering yourself with a good peel every day? If yes, sugar is your product of choice. Smaller, more soothing sugar particles do the trick without irritating your skin.

You can use an exfoliating scrub about 2-3 times a week. This will keep your skin smooth and soft.

Here’s How to Start Your Scrub Routine

1. Soften your skin with warm water for 5-10 minutes before you start.

2. Apply the scrub to your body.

3. Start at your feet and work your way up in circular motions as you rub the scrub on your body. Apply gentle pressure.

4. Rinse your skin after scrubbing well.

5. Apply body lotion while the skin is damp.

Exfoliator: What are They?

Exfoliation can be either physical or chemical. This is the main difference between scrub and exfoliator.

Exfoliation by Physical Exfoliators

Physical peels are body exfoliators that use friction to remove dead skin cells. Rub an abrasive, such as salt or sugar, to remove dead skin cells and polish your skin. Loofahs, body brushes, and pumice stones are other tools that can help exfoliate your skin.

Exfoliation by Chemicals

This involves using chemicals such as retinol and hydroxy acids, which contain enzymes that rejuvenate the skin. When they come in higher concentrations, they are called a peeling solution. The acid strips away the dead skin cells and replaces them with new, unpigmented skin. What is the difference between scrub and peeling solution? Peeling solution uses chemicals. Before you think they will be more harmful as they contain more chemicals, you should know that every product comes with at least some chemicals. These solutions are expertly formulated to prevent irritation. You are good to go if you are well-informed about the acids that go well with your skin type!

How to Apply Your Exfoliating Products

Place the exfoliating product on your palm.

Massage each body area with a bathing scrub, adding more product as needed.

Take a shower when you have finished scrubbing.

Repeat this process once or twice a week.

Similarities Between Exfoliators and Scrubs

Both products remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.

It deeply cleanses clogged pores and removes impurities from the skin.

Exfoliants and scrubs soften the skin, improve its texture and reduce acne scars.

Myths and Facts About Scrubs and Exfoliators

If you have sensitive skin, you should not exfoliate.

Sensitive skin needs more care. However, as long as you use a gentle exfoliant made for your skin type, you don’t have to worry.

You can use the same scrub on the face and body.

The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your body. Therefore, you can use your face scrub on your body, but not an exfoliating body scrub on your face.

YOu don’t need to exfoliate during winter.

This is the biggest myth of all. Pollution and impurities also exist during the winter months. The key to soft, glowing skin is to exfoliate twice a week all year round.

You can use a scrub daily.

Anything in excess is harmful, and exfoliating more than a few times a week will be detrimental to your skin barrier.

So, give your skin the care it needs with the best face scrubs and exfoliators below.

mCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Face Scrub

The mCaffeine Coffee Scrub infuses Vitamin E and pure arabica coffee into the skin to gently exfoliate dead skin cells. It assists with healing uneven skin tone, stubborn blackheads and breakouts and treats early signs of ageing.

JOVEES Ayurvedic Detan Peeling

This comes with an ingredient list that includes walnuts, groats, black plums, lemons, carrots, turmeric and roses. This natural scrub for body works by de-tanning the skin to restore its original glow.

Lotus Holistic Regenerating Peeling

Remove dirt and dead skin cells easier than ever. This affordable, local brand exfoliating product comes with antioxidants and the goodness of acai berry, which is rich in essential fatty acids like omega 6 and 9, to smooth skin and remove dirt and impurities.

BIOTIQUE Bio Papaya Revitalising Tan Removing Peeling

Get rid of sunburn naturally and solve all your skin tan issues. Packed with papaya goodness, this youth revitaliser rejuvenates, soothes skin and unclogs pores.

Organic Harvest Exfoliating Face Scrub

You will like the product’s creamy texture as it allows for smoother application. In addition, it has beetroot extract, olive oil and lime essential oil, which helps with dark spots and blackheads and prevents skin pigmentation.

When it comes to skincare, it’s better to be proactive and treat yourself to scrubs and exfoliators regularly than wait for a skin issue to manifest. So jump on the scrub and exfoliator bandwagon and grab your favourites from Health & Glow!