Last Updated on November 28, 2022 by
In the world of skincare and makeup, we don’t speak enough about a few underrated star products. But they, anyway, do their work! While, moisturizing and hydrating the skin is a must, scrubbing or exfoliating is also equally necessary.
As our body sheds skin cells every few days, it is important to remove these dead cells in order to revive the new ones. Over time, our skin accumulates a hell lot amount of dirt, grimes, impurities, and other chemicals. If we don’t exfoliate at the right time, these things can clog our pores and can cause skin issues like small bumps, acne, milia, etc.
So, adding scrubs and exfoliants to your skincare regime is important and if you haven’t done it already, then start right off! In this article, we will share some necessary information about scrubs and exfoliators. We will also help you find the right one considering your skin type and preference.
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is a way to scrub out all the dead skin cells from the outer layer of the body. It oxygenates the skin, regenerates new skin cells in the body, and smoothes out the overall skin texture.
Regular exfoliation can make the skin appear more healthy, glowy, and less textured. Skincare products like serums and moisturizers penetrate more deeply when you use exfoliators on a regular basis.
Exfoliation has plenty of pros.
Let’s elaborate, all the types of exfoliators and then we will recommend the best products according to your skin type.
Types of Exfoliators: “Physical VS Chemical”
Physical Exfoliators
Scrubs are physical exfoliators. They contain a few abrasive particles in the form of small granules or beads in the product. These are basically micro grains of sugar, salt or bicarbonates which when rubbed against the skin, removes all the dirt, dead cells and impurities from the skin.
Due to its composition, these products show instant results after a manual exfoliation. However, physical exfoliators can sometimes be too harsh to the skin, so make sure to not rub the product too vigorously in the skin.
Whom will it suit?
Physical exfoliators are ideal for normal, oily and combination skin type people. For dry, sensitive or acne prone skin, it is better to avoid these products. Due to the presence of harsh abrasive particles, these exfoliators can irritate the skin. So we suggest dry, sensitive and acne prone people to not use these forms of exfoliators and try the gentle chemical ones.
Ingredients you should look for in Physical Exfoliators
When you’re looking for face scrubs or body scrubs, there are a few ingredients that you should look out for.
- Sugar and Salt granules: As both sugar and salt granules melt easily in water, thus they create a perfect gentle exfoliants.
- Jojoba Beads: Non abrasive natural products, these beads work gently on the skin. They do the perfect job leaving the skin smooth and soft.
- Bamboo Powder: If you’re suffering from excess sebum production, then this product is a great option to look for. Bamboo powder is obtained from the stem of bamboo plants and is also all natural.
Chemical Exfoliators
Chemicals such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids(AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids(BHAs) and Poly Hydroxy Acids(PHAs) are chemical exfoliators. These are active ingredients that work mainly by dissolving the intercellular glue that binds the dead cells together.
Unlike physical exfoliators, chemical exfoliators are gentle to the skin and provide better results. They are available in the market in the form of peels, serums, cleansers or toners. Due to its formulation, these exfoliators go deep inside the skin and repair it from the inner layer.
Whom will it suit?
Chemical exfoliators suit each and every skin type. AHAs, BHAs work gently on the skin and are suitable for both oily as well as dry skin type. However, we suggest PHA exfoliants to sensitive skin people. PHAs are less intrusive and so it won’t mess with your skin. Again, a mandatory patch test is recommended before buying any of these products.
Ingredients you should look for in Chemical Exfoliators
While looking for chemical exfoliators, check out these ingredients
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
- Glycolic Acids: Due to its small molecular structure, these penetrate the deepest inside the skin. It is one of the strongest AHAs, thus providing the best result if applied properly.
- Lactic Acids: If Glycolic acid feels too strong to you, then Lactic Acids are a great alternative. Not so strong and derived from milk, these are ideal for dry skin types.
- Citric and Malic Acids: Derived from fruits, these are gentle exfoliants that also provide good results to the skin.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
- Salicylic Acids: The best ingredient for oily skin type people, these acids work like wonders. They penetrate deep inside the skin, reduces acne and also helps with decongestion of pores. However, dry skin types should avoid this acid.
Poly Hydroxy Acids (PHAs)
- Designed specially for sensitive skin type people, these acids work slower than AHAs and BHAs. Due to bigger molecular structure, they penetrate slowly into the skin and exfoliate very gently.
Popular brands in the market!
Best face scrubs
- Health and Glow natural Face Scrub
- Mom’s Co Face Scrub
- Beardo Activated Charcoal Face Scrub
- Bombay Shaving Company Charcoal Face Scrub
- Mcaffeine Naked and Raw Coffee Face Scrub
- Mama Earth Ubtan Face Scrub
- Plum Gentle Face Scrub
Best Body scrubs
- Health & Glow natural Body Scrub
- Mama Earth Ubtan Body Scrub
- Faces Canada Bath n Body Scrub
- Mcaffeine Body Scrub
- Plum bodylovin Body Scrub
Chemical face and body exfoliators:
AHAs, BHAs and PHAs
- The Derma Co 30% AHA+ 2% BHA Peeling Solution
- The Ayurveda Co AHA & BHA Face Serum
- Plum 10% AHA+ 5% BHA+ 5% PHA exfoliating peel
- Earth Rhythm Exfoliating Cleanser AHAs & BHAs
- Sugandha BHA Exfoliating Serum
You can find the most popular exfoliators and scrub on the Health and Glow website. Pamper yourself with the best!
