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What Are the Benefits of an Exfoliating Face Scrub?

Patrick Lynch
Patrick Lynch

The purpose of exfoliation is to remove the dead skin cells on the outer layer of skin. An exfoliating face scrub is said to tighten the skin to help fight the aging process. Another benefit may be the acceleration of cell renewal. In general, an exfoliating face scrub can improve the texture of the skin, remove any impurities trapped in pores and combat acne. One should avoid common mistakes such as the overuse of a facial scrub which may eliminate its many benefits.

The human skin is made up of numerous layers, and the outer layers have a tendency to become dry. At this point, the skin closest to the surface starts to shed and is replaced by new skin cells. If they are not removed, the dead skin cells stay where they are on the surface and clog up the pores, which can lead to the entire face looking dull and tired.

An exfoliating face scrub helps remove dead skin cells.
An exfoliating face scrub helps remove dead skin cells.

An exfoliating face scrub thoroughly removes these dead cells. This enables the new skin cells to shine through, leading to better looking skin and ensuring that the skin’s pores are reduced in size. Open pores attract dirt and can lead to acne and other skin problems. This is why it is necessary to go into the shower after a thorough exfoliating session in order to remove the remaining dead skin cells. After the shower, it is important to add moisturizer to prevent the skin from drying out.

The aging process causes fine lines and wrinkles to appear on the the skin.. An exfoliating face scrub can help tighten up the skin. This may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.
Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.

Mistakes can be made in the use of an exfoliating face scrub. For example, it is often the case that an individual is too vigorous with the face scrub. Teenagers looking to remove pimples and older people attempting to hide wrinkles may scrub too hard. Overuse of a facial scrub, however, can do more harm than good. This is why it is wise to not use an exfoliating face scrub more often than once every two weeks. One should thoroughly cleanse the skin twice a day with gentle face washes.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

@SarahGen-- You should not exfoliate frequently if you have dry and sensitive skin. Once a week sounds right in your case. People with oily, problem skin can exfoliate up to three times a week. So it depends on the individual.

We all have different types of skin based on hereditary factors. Some people have thicker skin and they have a hard time getting rid of dead skin cells. Exfoliation is more important for this type of skin. If dead skin cells are not removed regularly, skin will look dull and it might cause acne.

Also, pick the right type of exfoliating face wash. Some scrubs are formulated for sensitive skin and they have soothing, moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal and natural oils.

SarahGen

@donasmrs-- Are you saying that we should exfoliate every day? I like a good exfoliation but I have sensitive skin. If I use a face scrub more than once a week, my skin becomes red and irritated.

donasmrs

Exfoliation is not just for cleansing skin and removing dead skin cells. Exfoliation also opens up pores and allows the ingredients in our skin care products to be absorbed better.

I read that the idea of exfoliation started in China hundreds of years ago. Chinese women would use face brushes to clean their face and open up their pores before other facial treatments. They had a steam treatment where they used steam and herbs and flowers like a facial mask. They made sure that they brushed their face first to get the most benefit.

That's exactly what we are doing when we use an exfoliating face scrub before our cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine. Most women and men do not exfoliate their face as much as they need to. But it's not hard to do, there are even DIY face scrubs that one can prepare in a few minutes with some ingredients at home. For example, lemon juice and coarse sugar makes a great face scrub.

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    • An exfoliating face scrub helps remove dead skin cells.
      By: Warren Goldswain
      An exfoliating face scrub helps remove dead skin cells.
    • Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.
      By: kubais
      Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.
    • Using an exfoliating sugar scrub helps leave skin rejuvenated and brightened.
      By: bit24
      Using an exfoliating sugar scrub helps leave skin rejuvenated and brightened.
    • Wash the face at least twice daily.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Wash the face at least twice daily.