For most people, getting the grime, dirt and god knows what else out of their skin involves washing their face with a bar of soap. Even though we've met women with seemingly flawless complexions who swear by this bar soap method, we know that it takes way more than a few bubbles to really cleanse.
So we tapped into the expertise of Jessica Wu M.D., Los Angeles-based dermatologist and creator of Dr. Jessica Wu Skincare, to come up with this handy guide to facial scrubs. (Thank us later.)
You likely use a drugstore facial scrub that contains almond pits, apricot pits or walnut shells. However, Dr. Wu warns that these ingredients all have jagged edges that can dig into your skin. And common exfoliants such as salt and sugar should be used with caution since the particles tend to be scratchy and irritating to sensitive skin.
"Oatmeal is soft and contains natural compounds called saponins that help dissolve oil, so it’s a good ingredient for a homemade acne scrub," says Dr. Wu.
Here, the best facial scrubs for your skin type:
If you have normal skin... Your complexion can appear even brighter with the right scrub. Papaya and pineapple enzymes loosen and remove dead, dull skin cells. Exfoliate: Two to three times a week.
If you have dry skin... Look for scrubs that contain nourishing almond and olive oils to replenish your skin’s own natural oils and leave skin soft and smooth, not dry and tight. Exfoliate: Once to twice a week to avoid aggravating dryness.
If you have combination skin... Non-greasy hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid will lock moisture in skin and won’t make oily areas feel greasy. Exfoliate: Twice a week, concentrating on any oilier areas.
If you have oily/acne-prone skin... You may have large pores, so look for ingredients that unclog pores, like salicylic acid. Exfoliate: Three times a week, as oily skin tends to be thicker.
If you have mature skin... It's likely sensitive and/or sun-damaged, so use a scrub that contains smooth beads instead of scratchy particles. Avoid scrubs made with almond pits, walnut shells or salt, all of which have irregular edges that can dig into your skin. Exfoliate: Once a week.
Whatever your skin type is, scrubs should generally be used at night to remove a day's worth of makeup and build-up.
Dr. Wu believes that anti-aging, acne and other products with active ingredients tend to penetrate better after dead skin has been removed, so she generally recommends applying them in the evening, after scrubbing. However, some people with sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema rashes might only be able to tolerate a bland, soothing moisturizer afterwards.
To treat any sudden breakouts, use a cold compress to bring down redness and swelling. "Soak a cotton ball in cold green tea or cold soy milk (both contain natural anti-inflammatories). Hold against the redness for a few minutes, twice a day. If there is a whitehead on the breakout, dab a benzoyl peroxide-containing gel," explains Dr. Wu. If a large, tender lump forms under the skin, go to a dermatologist for a diluted cortisone injection to shrink the cyst within a day or two.
Are you using the best facial scrub for your face type?
Put your best face forward with our exfoliant picks below:
The Best Facial Scrubs For Your Skin Type
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