Scrub can work wonders, providing it is well matched to skin type. This treatment offers a wide array of benefits including rejuvenation and cleansing of skin, it reduces discolorations and deals with other skin imperfections. How does scrub work and what are its types? Is it better to have it done at a dermatologist’s, beautician’s or at home? What is face scrub all about, including microdermabrasion? Today I’m going to answer the very questions.
How does scrub work?
Skin requires approximately four weeks to regenerate itself. During this time cells, which are created in the lowest skin layer, are gradually being pushed upwards reaching the surface. And surface is the very place where they undergo the following: dehydration, callousing, dying and finally – they are pushed out by the new cells that are wandering upwards – exfoliation. The cycle of skin regeneration gets extended with time, and additionally due to various factors (e.g. stress, fatigue, overuse of stimulants) the process of exfoliation can take more time. As a consequence, the dead cells overlap another, skin becomes rough and dull. And this is the very moment when you should reach for scrub that gets rid of dead epidermis cells and, as a result, it smooths and highlights skin, accelerates wound healing processes, removes excess of sebum and unclogs sebaceous glands outlets. To sum up, scrub considerably improves skin’s condition because it makes that nourishing and moisturising cosmetics penetrate skin faster and better.
Face scrub
- Scrub applied by a dermatologist
Exfoliating preparations might affect various skin layers. Due to this quality we distinguish scrubs that reach either the deepest or sub layers of skin. The first type of scrub, for example products using phenylic acid or laser, remove epidermis entirely and reach dermis. These are considered as invasive treatments delivering spectacular effects that can be compared to surgical face lift. When it comes to the other group of peelings, which make use of fruit acids of really high concentrations, they are able to reach subepidermal layer only, yet they stimulate production of collagen and elasticin fibres. As a result, the depth of wrinkles is reduced, and suppleness and skin tension – visibly improved. Treatments of this type can be carried out only by doctors who specialise in this field. - Scrub applied by a beautician
Beauty parlours offer superficial scrubs which affect only the outer skin layers. Such treatments make use of low concentration acids, including mandelic acid or glycolic acid. Superficial scrubs make skin smooth and radiant, eliminate minor discolorations, cleanse and contract skin pores as well as accelerate the pace at which skin cells carry out their self-regenerating processes. - Scrub applied at home
Most dermatologists think that scrub should be applied once a week, but in the case of oily skin – even twice a week. Since skin self-regenerating processes are the most intensive at night, it’s best to undergo the treatment in the evening to follow either with a nourishing mask or cream. Additionally, if for some unknown reason the cosmetic irritates skin, there is a great opportunity that owing to some soothing preparation, for example with glycerine or panthenol, the epidermis will regenerate overnight.
Types of scrubs
- Among the face, neck and cleavage scrubs the most popular are the cosmetics making use of enzymes (obtained from yeast or herbs) or fruit acids, which concentration is low. Their task is to weaken (dissolve) bonds between dead epidermis cells. Scrub has to be evenly distributed on skin and rinsed with water after 10-15 minutes. Enzymatic scrubs are recognized as really gentle, therefore they are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and couperose skin.
- Grain scrubs work for normal and oily skin with comedones. They contain grains (e.g. ground fruit shells or synthetic grains) which abrade dead epidermis. Such cosmetic has to be applied to damp skin, massaged with circular motions and then rinsed.
- When it comes to gommage scrubs, which combine the features of enzymatic and grain scrubs, first they dissolve dead epidermis and then abrade it. The cosmetic is supposed to be applied to face and can be removed no sooner than after drying out. Gommage scrubs are suitable for all skin types excluding sensitive and couperose ones.
Body scrubs
Most frequently body scrubs have coarse grains. Just a few cosmetic brands offer enzymatic scrubs that are available in the form of exfoliating creams and designed to be applied at bedtime. Many of them make use of sea salt or sugar crystals mixed with oily solution since they don’t only make skin clean but also moisturise it and nourish. This type of preparation can be used only twice a month with special attention paid to elbows and knees, which require being given more precise massage.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a kind of mechanical scrub that depends on controlled superficial skin layers exfoliation reaching papillary dermis. The depth of the treatment depends on the condition and problem the skin has. Microdermabrasion is used among others with minor post-acne marks. Obtaining the optimal effect requires performing the series of 5-10 procedures with 7/14-day intervals. In the case of deep post-acne wounds, you can expose yourself to dermabrasion (deep peeling), that depends on exfoliating subpapillary layer as well. Due to the depth of exfoliating, the procedure is carried out by inducing anaesthesia and requires following defined procedures, including wearing special dressings. Satisfying effect can be obtain after just one treatment, yet sometimes it has to be performed again.
What are your favourite scrubs and how often do you apply them? Are you happy with the results? Share your experiences below!
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