A face scrub is able to make the skin more beautiful, young, radiant and soft to the touch. Unlike ordinary cleansers or soaps, scrub products contain tiny solid particles or chemicals designed to remove dead skin cells and make room for newer ones through a process known as skin exfoliation. Using a face scrub is very simple and, if done correctly, does not risk causing any damage to the skin. Given the countless benefits guaranteed by this treatment, it would be useful to include it in your weekly beauty routine.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Use the Facial Scrub
Step 1. Evaluate the pros and cons of using the scrub
Not all skins are suitable for exfoliation. For example, those with rosacea, inflammatory acne, warts or herpes could make their condition worse by performing a scrub. If you have had any particular skin problems, consult a dermatologist to find out which treatments are most appropriate for your skin.
Step 2. Determine your skin type
Each category of skin tends to react to scrubs and cosmetic products differently; for this reason there are specific exfoliating products. You probably already know if your skin is normal, dry, greasy or mixed. If not, you will be able to determine it through an examination of the skin tissues.
- Wash your face to remove all traces of cosmetics or impurities.
- Let the skin air dry and wait at least an hour before proceeding any further.
- Blot your forehead, nose, chin, cheeks and temples with a tissue.
- If the paper tends to stick to the skin, it means there is excess sebum, so your skin tends to be oily. Otherwise it could be dry. If the "T-zone", consisting of the chin, nose and forehead, appears oily while the rest of the face is dry, your skin is most likely combination.
- The skin can also be more or less sensitive to cosmetics. As a rule, but not always, those with sensitive skin belong to the category of dry or combination skin. If you have had particular reactions to cosmetics and face care products in the past, you may have sensitive skin. The main indicators of acute sensitivity can include: redness, unusual rashes, swelling, cracking, itching and soreness of the skin.
Step 3. Choose the scrub that best suits your skin type
Most exfoliating products on the market indicate whether they are suitable for use on normal, dry, oily, combination or sensitive skin. Some scrubs are appropriate for any type of skin. In any case, to determine compatibility with your skin type, it is always good to follow some guidelines:
- Facial scrubs that contain microgranules made from apricot kernels, walnut shells, almonds or aluminum oxide tend to be more appropriate for oily skin; they are also not suitable for sensitive skin.
- Facial scrubs that contain plastic microgranules or hydroxy acids (alpha and beta) are generally more suitable for those with sensitive or dry skin.
Step 4. Store the scrub properly
Some exfoliating products can be kept in the shower, to always have them at hand; others, however, tend to be more effective when stored in a cool, dry place, such as a bathroom cabinet, laundry drawer, or kitchen pantry. Follow the instructions on the package if you have purchased a ready-made cosmetic product. If, on the other hand, you have decided to prepare your scrub yourself, follow the directions in the recipe.
Step 5. Read and follow the instructions for using the scrub
Pay particular attention to the section reserved for warnings, potential allergens and possible interactions with other facial products, also check the expiration date. While performing an effective skin peeling, some exfoliants do not have a cleansing function, so you will need to remember to wash your face carefully before using them, thus ensuring an ideal result.
Part 2 of 3: Using the Face Scrub
Step 1. Moisten face skin with warm water
If you have long hair, pull it up in a ponytail or bun. Make sure you wet the skin evenly. For an ideal result, adjust the temperature of the water so that it is warm, but not hot, otherwise it could damage the skin.
Step 2. Apply the scrub by massaging it gently on your face for about a minute
Pick up a small amount with your fingers and spread it evenly over your face and neck. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, otherwise you risk causing unnecessary and unwelcome redness or cracking. Also, don't get too close to the eye area.
Note that rubbing your skin for more than 60-90 seconds could risk irritating it or making it particularly sensitive. Also, don't leave the scrub on for too long
Step 3. Rinse your face skin
Wash it carefully to remove all traces of product. After rinsing it thoroughly, the skin will be extremely smooth and soft to the touch.
Step 4. Dry your face
Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel and continue with the other stages of your beauty routine.
Step 5. Hydrate
Even those who have oily or combination skin cannot help but moisturize and nourish it daily, especially after exfoliating it with the scrub. Moisturizing products counteract excessive sebum production and keep the skin healthy and well balanced.
Step 6. Use the scrub no more than once or twice a week
The idea of exfoliating your skin every morning to keep it soft and smooth may be tempting. However, too frequent use of the scrub could deprive it of its very delicate cells, and cause it to become red, inflamed and painful. Initially exfoliate once every seven days, and if you find that it can withstand a second weekly treatment, you can use the scrub every 3-4 days. When it comes to face scrubs, moderation is the key to effectiveness.
Part 3 of 3: Analyzing the Scrub Results
Step 1. In the weeks following the use of the scrub, monitor your skin closely
Effective exfoliation should make it softer, smoother and more supple within a few applications. If so, congratulations! You have discovered the ideal product for your needs.
Step 2. Notice any redness, rash, or itching
These are signs that indicate a possible allergy or a high sensitivity to the product. If you have any unwanted symptoms, you should stop using the scrub immediately and consider seeing a dermatologist for a consultation. In some cases, the specialist may recommend that you undergo an examination to find out which substances you should avoid.
Step 3. If you are not satisfied with the results, consider switching products
You may have to make several attempts to find the one that best suits your skin's needs and characteristics. Be patient and remember to constantly monitor her; in the end you will be able to find the perfect scrub for you!
Advice
- The most expensive scrubs are not always the best, pay more attention to the ingredients than the price of the product and choose the ones that best suit your skin type.
- If you want to take care of your skin, but don't want to spend your money buying ready-made cosmetics, try making a home scrub based on commonly used natural ingredients. Do a thorough search on wikiHow, you will find plenty of advice on this.
- If you have very sensitive skin, test the scrub on a small area of the body, for example on the inside of the wrist. In the absence of unwelcome reactions, you can apply it on your face.
Warnings
- When using the scrub avoid the eye contour area.
- Don't exfoliate your facial skin more than once or twice a week.
- In case of allergic reactions or if the skin is particularly sensitive, stop using the offending product and consult a dermatologist.
- Read carefully the directions and warnings on the package: some cosmetic products interact negatively with others.
- Do not rub the skin too hard or for too long, otherwise it may become red or damaged.
