Unfortunately, or fortunately, to dump the skin to update it, people can not. But they can buy a scrub and for one session to return to the person and body smoothness, softness, beautiful smooth shade.
What are scrubs for?
Scrub is the main means for deep cleansing of the skin. As the process of its renewal continues unabated, the dead cells of keratinocytes, gluing together, form an external stratum corneum.This is our defense.
But when the skin becomes too thick, protection turns into an obstacle not only for harmful substances and microorganisms, but also for the beneficial ingredients of serums and creams. This is from the outside. And with the inner – for the full functioning of the skin:
- It prevents the outflow of sebum from the pores;
- slows down internal update processes.
Under a dense “cover”, the skin becomes dull and uneven.

The main element of the scrub is exfoliating particles.
Scrubs are the simplest solution to this problem. With the help of abrasive particles of different size, degree of density and hardness, they provide the skin with exfoliation (exfoliation) and simply mechanically remove the excess of dead cells.
That’s what happens as a result.
- The skin is deeply cleansed of the remains of cosmetics, contaminants from the air, surpluses of sebum.
- Pores are opened, which prevents comedones.
- Improves the outflow of sebum.
- The skin starts to breathe and it is more effective to get rid of toxins.
- The color of the face changes for the better.
- Exfoliating particles massage the skin, improve microcirculation and general tone.
- Energetic effect increases lymphatic drainage, reduces swelling.
- After scrubbing, the effectiveness of the caregivers and cosmetic procedures is increased, because the active ingredients are easier to penetrate deep into the epidermis.
The main element of the scrub is exfoliating particles . They differ in several parameters.
The size
The larger ones are designed for dense skin of the body, the smaller ones for the face.
Softness
- Natural crystals of sugar, ground shells of nuts and fruit seeds, salt, crushed shells (diatomaceous earth) are quite coarse abrasive particles that are used to exfoliate the skin of the body.
- The natural exfoliates listed above, but ground into powder, are part of facial scrubs.
- Polymer particles – very soft, without sharp edges – completely eliminate the trauma of the skin, having a massage, toning effect.
- Wax particles are even softer, they are used in products for irritated skin where gentle exfoliation is necessary.
Against the background of a universal trend towards universality, modern scrubs offer additional care – they contain oils, moisturizing ingredients. In addition, during exfoliation, the skin becomes more susceptible to beneficial substances.
The mechanism of work and efficiency
“The mechanism of such exfoliation is based on the removal of the upper layers of the stratum corneum,” explains Elena Yeliseyeva, a medical expert at Vichy . And tells how different kinds of scrubs work.
- Abrasive agents give effect much faster: dead horn cells mechanically detach from the skin, immediately releasing the young layers of the epidermis.
- With the use of chemical peelings, a gradual destruction of the corneo with desmosomes (connections between the cells of the stratum corneum) takes place, after which they peel off by themselves. Of course, this is a slower process.
- Gommages, as it were, glue dead scales to themselves and remove a very thin layer: it is less traumatic, but less effective.
Types of body scrubs
Body scrubs have an excellent toning and massage effect. And in the anti-cellulite program they are simply necessary. Some types of scrubs are quite suitable for daily care, others – for application once a week.

Abrasive particles can be added to a regular bar of soap.
Classic scrub
Tonic with abrasive particles for deep cleansing of the skin 1-2 times a week. Good for exfoliating the rough skin of the feet.
Soap Scrub
Abrasive particles are added to a regular bar of soap in a moderate amount, usually together with moisturizing and softening ingredients. Designed for daily care. Addressed to those who prefer gels and mousses to the body is soap.
Scrub cream
Usually, a gentle remedy is enough to replace the shower gel and use it daily. Exfoliating particles do not act too aggressively, and the remedy includes, in addition to the exfoliant, foaming and caring ingredients (eg oils). They, on the one hand, soften the contact of exfoliating particles and skin, and on the other – nourish it.
Types of facial scrubs
Scrubs for the face are not less diverse.
Classical
They are applied 1-3 times a week, depending on the type of skin: the fatter it is, the more often you can use a scrub. True, oily skin can also be sensitive, so it is worthwhile to focus on subjective sensations and skin condition after the procedure.

After scrubbing, the effectiveness of care is increased. © iStock
Universal
Today, manufacturers offer funds from 3-in-1 to 7-in-1. They are addressed to owners of oily, problem skin and can be used simultaneously:
- as a gel for washing with exfoliating particles;
- as a scrub – with a more thorough massage of the skin of the face;
- as a cleansing mask, when the agent is applied to the skin, left for 3-5 minutes and then massaged movements (for the effect of scrubbing) are washed off.
Scrub cream
As a rule, these are soft and delicate exfoliates, enriched with nutritious, moisturizing substances, which are applied daily instead of gel or foam for washing. By impact, they are closer to gommage, so they are suitable for sensitive, dry, dehydrated skin.
Scrub Mask
A handy combination for deep cleansing at home. Inflicted on the skin, it works just like a mask, cleansing pores, picking up toxins and saturating the skin with useful substances. And when washed in combination with a light massage, the product becomes a scrub and stimulates blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, enhances the effect of active ingredients. It is used 1-2 times a week.
Scrub peeling
For maximum effect, mechanical exfoliation is combined with a light chemical peel. That is, the exfoliating particles are added to a product containing glycolic or other acid for home peeling.
Scrub does not work well with cold and even cool water. For a better exfoliation and more effective subsequent care, it is better to apply it on the steamed skin. A warm shower or a warm towel laid on your face is enough.

