Using a Face + Body Scrub or Loofah - Exfoliating the Right Way (2024)

FAQs

Using a Face + Body Scrub or Loofah - Exfoliating the Right Way? ›

Don't scrub too hard or too often if you're using a beaded scrub. Be careful when using a loofah or other tools—you don't need to do it all! Don't use a chemical exfoliator too frequently if your skin is getting dry and irritated. Try to use warm water, as hot water can be too harsh and lead to dry and irritated skin.

Taking a shower rids the body of surface-level germs and bacteria. The squeaky-clean feeling, however, isn't thanks to harsh loofahs. In fact, most dermatologists don't recommend them—and would definitely not use them on their face.

Try These 5 DIY Recipes. You can make an exfoliating body scrub using ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. However, avoid using it on your face or any sunburnt or sensitive patches of skin. Exfoliation can be a great way to keep your skin looking vibrant and healthy.

Cleanser Before Scrub

By cleansing first you help removing dirt, sweat and make up off skin's surface. You are then working with a clean base to then exfoliate away dead skin cells that can pile up on skin's surface.

Body and facial scrubs often use the same oils, but their formulas usually incorporate different blends and concentrations. Body skin is usually much drier than facial skin, so it tolerates higher concentrations of oils. Using body products on the face can cause clogged pores and outbreaks, especially on oily skin.

The verdict: We recommend skipping the washcloth for face cleansing. The risk of spreading acne-causing bacteria and clogging pores with debris is high, and dry areas can form from daily friction. If you love using your washcloth for showers, then Dr. Schlessinger recommends reserving it for use on the body.

Have no fear – we've done our share of research, and the answer is clear: post-shower is definitely the way to go.

If an area feels dry and/or rough, it might be time to exfoliate. Important: if this same patch of skin is also irritated, red or itchy, that is a sure sign not to exfoliate.

The active ingredients in the face scrubber take time to penetrate the skin and show off work. Leave your exfoliator for at least 15-30 minutes to ensure the ingredients get absorbed well and dead skin cells are removed efficiently.

Body Scrubs: Typically contain natural or synthetic exfoliating particles like sugar, salt, crushed nut shells, or microbeads, combined with moisturising agents. Exfoliation: Chemical exfoliants often contain ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), or enzymes.

What order should I exfoliate my face? ›

Ideally, on the days that you exfoliate, you should cleanse first to unclog pores, then exfoliate to remove dead cells, and follow it with a rich, healing moisturizer (and sunscreen if you elect to exfoliate in the morning).

Scrub your skin gently for no longer than 30 seconds. Rinse your skin liberally with lukewarm water. Wash your skin using your regular cleanser. (You can also do this before.)

Disadvantages of scrub

Hard scrubbing motions and hard scrubbing chemicals may cause skin irritation including redness, inflammation. If you have a sensitive skin one can also have allergic reactions to the chemicals present in the synthetic scrubs as well.

Can you use face scrub on your body? The skin on your body - except for your chest - is thicker than the skin on your face. So, while you can use face scrubs on your body, they may not be as effective at removing the top layer on dead skin because they are not abrasive.

People can use natural products or items such as sugar, oatmeal, or sponges to help exfoliate their face at home. People may choose to exfoliate their skin as it can provide benefits such as improving its appearance and encouraging circulation.

Loofahs help you achieve the dual objective of cleansing as well as eliminating dead cells from the surface of the skin. They make it easier to form lather and scrub dirt off your skin. Some loofahs also help clean the hard-to-reach parts of the back.

Cleansing the face before exfoliation will allow chemical exfoliants to penetrate deep into the skin and prevent makeup or dirt from pushing deeper, especially if also using mechanical exfoliation. However, a gentle cleanser or exfoliant alone should remove makeup and dirt — using both may strip the skin of moisture.

The answer is so simple: don't use it too often. It's recommended that you brush your face, along with a cleanser, two days out of the week. If your skin dries out and your skin tone becomes uneven, take it down to just once a week. If you feel this routine isn't effective, do it three days a week.