When to Use Face Scrub - Before or After Face Wash?

When Should You Use a Face Scrub - Before or After Cleanser?

Figuring out the proper order for your skincare routine can be confusing. Should you cleanse first or exfoliate first? Does it really matter? Understanding when to use certain products like face scrubs can help you achieve better results.

Using a face scrub properly is key for revealing smoother, more radiant skin. But to get the most out of your exfoliator, you need to know when to use it.

What is a Face Scrub?

A face scrub is a type of exfoliant product that helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Most facial scrubs contain small granules or beads that provide a physical scrubbing action as you massage them over your skin.

Exfoliating is an important step in most skincare routines because it helps:

• Remove dull, dead skin cells
• Minimize the appearance of pores
• Brighten and even out skin tone
• Reduce acne breakouts
• Allow other skincare products to better penetrate the skin

Using a face scrub 1-3 times per week helps keep your complexion looking fresh and radiant.

Should You Exfoliate Before or After Cleansing?

So when is the best time to exfoliate - before or after cleansing your face? The general rule of thumb is to use your face scrub after you cleanse.

Cleansing first helps remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and initial layers of dirt from your skin. Once your face is clean, you can then effectively exfoliate without just pushing around buildup on your skin.

A Typical Face Scrub Skincare Routine

Here is a step-by-step process for properly incorporating a face scrub into your regimen:

1. Start by cleansing your face. Use your regular facial cleanser and lukewarm water to wash away impurities.

2. Pat your skin dry. Be gentle and don't rub the skin too vigorously.

3. Apply the facial scrub. Scoop out a nickel-sized amount of product and massage gently over damp skin using circular motions. Avoid the eye area.

4. Rinse thoroughly. Splash away all traces of the face scrub with lukewarm water.

5. Follow up with additional skincare. Apply toner, serums, moisturizer, eye cream, etc. as needed.

How to Choose the Best Face Scrub

With so many exfoliating products on the market, it can be tricky to select the right face scrub for your needs. Here are a few tips:

• Consider your skin type. Gel-based scrubs are ideal for oily, acne-prone skin. Creamy scrubs tend to suit dry skin best. Look for scrubs containing hydrating ingredients if you have very dry skin.

• Choose spherical beads. Tiny, round scrub beads are gentler on skin compared to jagged particles or crushed nut shells.

• Mind the ingredients. Steer clear of scrubs with harsh ingredients like lemon juice or high amounts of physical exfoliants if you have sensitive skin. Look for soothing extracts like aloe, green tea, chamomile.

• Set realistic expectations. While scrubs deliver fantastic exfoliation, they cannot miraculously resolve all skin concerns overnight. Manage your expectations appropriately based on your skin type and condition.

Scrubbing Your Face the Right Way

To avoid irritation, inflammation, and other damage to your skin, it’s important to be gentle when using a face scrub.

Here are some tips for properly scrubbing your face:

• Only use a face scrub 1-3 times per week maximum.
• Apply very light pressure as you massage the scrub over damp skin.
• Focus application on oily areas like the forehead, nose, and chin.
• Avoid scrubbing around the delicate eye area.
• Rinse thoroughly after 1-2 minutes max.
• Always follow up with a soothing moisturizer.

What About Exfoliating Cleansers?

Some popular skincare products combine cleansing and exfoliating benefits in one. But should you use one of these 2-in-1 exfoliating cleansers before or after your regular cleanser?

Exfoliating cleansers contain chemical exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid instead of physical scrubs. You can use an exfoliating cleanser in place of your regular cleanser. Just massage it into damp skin for 1-2 minutes to cleanse and chemically exfoliate at the same time. Then rinse and apply the rest of your skincare products as usual.

Signs You Need to Exfoliate More or Less

How often should you exfoliate? Pay attention to what your skin tells you. Here are a few key signs it’s time to exfoliate or ease off the scrubbing:

• Dull, rough texture - If your complexion looks flaky and feels rough, exfoliate 1-2 times per week.
• Congested pores - Regular exfoliation every 3-4 days can help keep pores clear.
• Acne breakouts - Gently exfoliating 2-3 times a week helps acne, but don’t overdo it.
• Redness/irritation - Sensitized or inflamed skin is a sign to cut back on exfoliating.

Who Shouldn't Use a Face Scrub?

While face scrubs can provide excellent exfoliation for most skin types, some conditions warrant avoiding this product:

• Sensitive skin - The scrubbing and ingredients may further irritate easily inflamed complexions.
• Skin conditions - Facial scrubs can aggravate issues like rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and more.
• Active breakouts - The scrub particles could spread bacteria and further inflame acne.
• Sunburn - Don’t scrub burned or peeling skin as it needs time to heal.

For those who can’t use scrubs, gentle chemical exfoliating cleansers provide a safer alternative with less likelihood of irritation.

How to Avoid Over-Exfoliating Your Skin

While regular exfoliation provides fantastic benefits, it's definitely possible to overdo it. Scrubbing too vigorously or too often can cause inflammation, dryness, peeling and other undesirable effects.

To avoid irritated, damaged skin from over-exfoliation:

• Limit scrub use to 2-3 times per week max
• Rinse thoroughly after 1-2 minutes of gentle scrubbing
• Use soothing, hydrating skincare products after scrubbing
• Pay attention to warning signs like redness or peeling skin
• Give skin a break from exfoliating if irritation occurs

Other Essential Skincare Steps

While facial scrubs serve an invaluable purpose, they are just one piece of the skincare puzzle. Be sure to incorporate these other fundamentals too:

• Cleansing - Washing skin daily helps maintain a clear, balanced complexion.
• Moisturizing - Hydrating skin boosts a dewy glow and combats aging.
• Sun protection - Shielding skin from UV damage preserves youthful radiance.

Key Takeaways on Using Face Scrubs Properly

• Exfoliating after cleansing allows scrubs to work more effectively.
• Gentle, circular motions prevent irritation when scrubbing delicate facial skin.
• Pay attention to warning signs to avoid overdoing it with face scrubs.
• Continue nourishing skin with hydration and sun protection too.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.