Face Scrubs

You have a great cleanser   and you even use a toner .  But for some reason you don't feel like your skin is as glowing as it could be even after using a top-of-the-line moisturizer .  Instead you see dull, rough, blotchy or flaky skin. All signs point to the lack of a good face scrub . 

In case you don't know, every minute your skin sheds around 30,000 dead skin cells. Imagine what that can do to your face in a week's time. As dead skin cells build up on the surface of the skin, it causes your naturally smooth, luminous complexion to become lackluster and splotchy. Using a face scrub for gentle exfoliation once a week you can slough away the dead skin and achieve the brilliant skin that you've been missing.

Choosing a Face Scrub

• Consider your budget . One of the first things that pops into the average consumer's head is cost. Can you afford to spend $30   on a 4 oz. container of face scrub from a top-notch skin care line or is something less than $10   more your style? Keep in mind that it's not the bucks you spend that will make your skin gorgeous, but getting the right formula for your needs.
• Understand your needs . Your skin type will play a large part in what kind of scrub you'll need. Read more about the types of scrubs below to find out what will suit your skin best. Also keep in mind that aging skin may need something more intense than a daily scrub. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion kits may be used in place of a scrub for more profound effects or as a monthly addition to your skin care routine. Read more about Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels by clicking on these links.
• Know what makes a good scrub . If you are shopping online and reading reviews about scrubs, you should be aware of the following points. The granules should be fine and uniform so as not to injure the skin. Remember that while your feet can handle the likes of a pumice stone ,  your face is sensitive and fragile. Treat it with care and find a scrub that is capable of doing the same. Also remember that the scrub should rinse off easily and completely without leaving a residue.

Facial Scrubs

A simple exfoliator   or scrub   designed for everyday use can easily be found in any pharmacy or drugstore. The majority of well known brands make scrubs that are priced to suit the average consumer. Many high-end manufacturers call scrubs "facial polishes" or use another catchy name. With the fancy name comes a higher price tag. The key though to finding the right scrub, regardless of its cost, is in the ingredients. Once you learn to decipher the ingredient list, you can easily discern between an efficient, well-priced scrub and an average scrub with an unreasonable price tag.

• Cleansing Scrub   -- The most basic, gentlest scrubs available are often suitable for daily use as long as you are not prone to acne or have sensitive skin. You'll notice that these multi-purpose scrubs usually contain sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate as one of the first three ingredients. These are ideal for anyone with normal skin. As you get older, look for scrubs that have more nourishing ingredients that will help fight the natural drying of skin that occurs with age.
• Medicated Scrub   -- Those with acne-prone skin could benefit from a scrub enriched with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These scrubs often contain alcohol in them too, which is helpful for drying up blemishes. Be very careful when using scrubs on acne as harsh scrubbing can actually inflame or worsen acne.
• Anti-Aging Scrub   -- You can do more to fight wrinkles if you choose a scrub that contains AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). On the other hand, if cost is a concern, don't be afraid to go for the cheaper brand. Since exfoliators get rinsed off the skin, the additives may not be as effective as using a moisturizer that contains the same ingredients. So, when in doubt, save your money on the scrub and invest it in a microdermabrasion kit, chemical peel or another anti-aging treatment.
• Moisturizing Scrub   -- If you have dry skin, using a scrub is quite important, however,do make sure that you look for one that contains nourishing ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, mineral oil or any other emollient.

With all facial scrubs, do be certain to use an SPF moisturizer   as they will make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.

Top Picks

What do people say about scrubs? Here are the top picks from various sites on the Web.

About.com Phisoderm Self-Heating Daily Scrub   Got2b Spa2 Clean Facial Scrub   Burt's Bee's Citrus Face Scrub   St. Ives Apricot Scrub   Freeman Facial Scrub	iVillage Clinique 7-Day Scrub Cream   Yves Rocher Botanical Face Scrub   Avon Clearskin Cleansing Scrub   Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub   Astara Daily Refining Scrub	Makeup Alley Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant   Olay Microdermabrasion and Peel Kit   Origins Modern Friction Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion   Lush Ocean Scrub

For Aging Skin

Olay Regenerist Warming Thermal Skin Polisher	M.A.C. Cosmetics Microfine Refinisher	Clinique Pore Minimizer Thermal Active Skin Refiner	philosophy the microdelivery peel mini peel pads

For Dry Skin

Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Scrub	Skin Milk Facial Scrub	Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub	Clean & Clear Warming Daily Pore Scrub

Sensitive/Acne-Prone

St. Ives Medicated Apricot Scrub for Oily or Acne Prone Skin	DDF Pumice Acne Scrub	L'OCCITANE Olive Harvest Face Scrub Mud	L'Oreal Pure Zone Pore Unclogging Scrub Cleanser

Organic Lovers

Kiss My Face Organics So Refined, Jojoba & Mint Facial	Alba Botanica Clarifying Scrub	Avalon Organics Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub	Burt's Bees Citrus Facial Scrub

Not Quite Scrubs

You've probably heard about chemical peels and dermabrasion kits. Both of these products are exfoliators, but they aren't exactly scrubs.

• Chemical Peels   use chemicals to exfoliate the skin. These are often more expensive and are only meant to be used one to three times a week depending on the formula.
• The gel formula that most peels use is meant to gently lift dirt from the pores, while removing dead surface skin.
• Most require leaving them on for a set period of time to allow them to dry. Then you can simply peel them off. Others use a series of pads or different formulas meant to mimic a professional chemical antioxidant peel. See the guide on Chemical Peels and Exfoliators for more information.
• Beware that home chemical peels may cause redness after usage but it will fade within a few hours. Because chemical peels tend to be harsh, always follow up any peel treatment with a good moisturizer   and SPF lotion . 
• Want to try the award winning glycolic peel of 2005? Try Lancome's Resurface Peel Resurfacing and Soothing System . 
• Microdermabrasion Scrubs   are the newest in the exfoliating family and they are often expensive. They are recommended for those with maturing skin who want to try and reduce the number of visible fine lines, acne scars, dark spots or sun damage. See the guide on Microdermabrasion for more information.
• Many of these products come as kits, some of which include electronic devices that assist in a spa-like dermabrasion experience.
• They should be used less frequently than any of the other scrubs, from once a week to once a month.
• These products are usually not meant to be used in combination with prescription face medication.
• Microdermabrasion can be irritating to sensitive skin. Use caution when considering these products as they may cause breakouts, rashes or extreme redness.

Related Buying Guides

Body Scrubs	Facial Cleansers	Facial Moisturizers	Masks	Toners