How To Use An Exfoliating Face Scrub

How To Use An Exfoliating Face Scrub

Our skin cells are constantly regenerating. New skin cells will gradually work their way to the surface of the skin over the course of about a month, and dead skin cells often shed naturally. In fact, it is common to shed approximately 40,000 skin cells every single hour - Yes, really!

Sometimes, however, dead skin cells can outstay their welcome and linger on the surface, stubbornly refusing to go anywhere. When this happens, they can contribute to clogged pores and the appearance of a dull, tired, and dehydrated complexion. This is where exfoliation comes in.

What Is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing these dead skin cells, which will restore your skin’s natural glow and help your serums and moisturizers penetrate more easily. Plus, if you wear makeup, you’ll find that it glides on much more smoothly when you have an exfoliated complexion with no dry or flaky patches. Additionally, exfoliation can increase blood circulation to the face, which will also help to brighten and improve the appearance of your skin.

There are two main ways to exfoliate your skin: mechanically and chemically. Chemical exfoliating products use skin-safe acids to remove dead skin cells and achieve a glowing, soft complexion. Chemical exfoliants might not be suitable for your skin type, which is why many dermatologists recommend mechanical exfoliating products.

Different mechanical exfoliants use different ingredients to slough away dead skin cells as they are gently massaged in circular motions around the face. Everything from baking powder to oatmeal, granulated sugar, and coffee grounds can be used to effectively restore radiance to your complexion. The Modern New Beginnings Exfoliating Face Scrub, for example, uses fruit extracts, jojoba beads and sodium bicarbonate to offer a gentle exfoliation. We recommend avoiding face scrubs that contain microbeads as they can be overly abrasive and aren’t environmentally friendly.

What Do I Need To Know About Exfoliation Before I Get Started?

So, we know that exfoliation is important, but it is also essential to be mindful of the fact that our skin can be easily irritated by harsh rubbing. When you’re on a quest for clear and radiant skin, the last thing you want is to end up with an inflamed complexion that feels sore and uncomfortable.

The key is to use an exfoliating product that is suited to your skin. If you choose the wrong product, exfoliation could lead to micro-tears on the skin’s surface, which may allow bacteria to cause clogged pores, inflammation, and scarring.

Our skin already puts up with a lot throughout the day, so it’s important to be gentle when approaching your skin care routine. There are no benefits to going all-in on a comprehensive exfoliation routine every single day. In fact, over-exfoliating your skin can lead to flaking, peeling, redness and irritation.

But the good news is that there are some exfoliation techniques that you can rely on to give your complexion a glow without the risk of upsetting your precious skin.

How To Use An Exfoliating Face Scrub

1. Do A Patch Test

Before using any exfoliating product on your face, it is important to test a small amount of product on a small area of skin on the inner arm to ensure you don’t have any sensitivities to the ingredients.

2. Determine Your Frequency

If your skin is on the more sensitive side, a gentle weekly scrub will be enough to keep your complexion looking radiant and youthful. Conversely, if you have oily skin, you may find that a twice-weekly scrub will allow you to curb any breakouts and keep your complexion looking clear and glowy.

3. Concentrate On The Areas That Need It

You might find that you don’t need to apply an exfoliating scrub all over your face. Make a point of focusing on the areas that need a little more attention, particularly those that feel dry and look a bit flaky.

4. Scrub Gently

Take a small amount of your chosen product on your fingertips and apply to your face using slow circular motions. Apply a gentle touch, taking care not to be too harsh on your skin. Continue for between 30 seconds and one minute.

5. Rinse And Pat Dry

Using warm water, gently rinse away any remaining product. Then, using a soft towel, gently pat your skin dry.

6. Hydrate

Lastly, it’s important to thoroughly moisturize your skin after exfoliation. Your serums and creams will be able to penetrate your skin more easily, making them more effective and hydrating, so you'll get to enjoy your literal glow-up immediately!