Everything you need to know about face scrubs

What is a face scrub?

A face scrub is an exfoliating skincare product. It cleanses the skin while removing the dead cells and impurities present on its surface. As a result, the skin is smoothed, soft and radiant. There are different types of face scrubs, to be used according to your skin type. 

Why do a face scrub?

Face scrubs are beneficial for the skin. They cleanse it by removing the impurities and dead cells present on its surface. Since the face is a sensitive area, it is recommended to use gentle scrubs. The skin's appearance improves: a face scrub refines the texture and purifies the skin. After scrubbing, the skin is soft, regains its radiance and pores are unclogged. Skincare products penetrate more easily, allowing the skin to better absorb the actives. 

Which type of natural face scrub should you use? 

A grain scrub, or “mechanical” scrub, is applied by hand with circular movements on the skin to exfoliate it. Dry skin should favor gentle formulas based on very fine grains. A chemical exfoliant can be formulated with fruit acids, enzymes or salicylic acid, which dissolve the skin's dead cells without the need to rub. 

How do you choose the best face scrub? 

For the face, choose a scrub with very fine grains. Since facial skin is thin and therefore more sensitive, it is advisable to favor scrubs with fine, gentle grains, such as rice powder. Coarse-grain scrubs, such as salt, sugar, sand and crushed fruit stones, are generally suited to the body.

How do you apply a face exfoliant? 

Apply a hazelnut-sized amount of face scrub to clean, still-damp skin. Spread the texture over your whole face with gentle circular movements. This will gently exfoliate, stimulate micro-circulation and cell regeneration. Avoid the eye contour, an area too sensitive for a face scrub.  

Once the skin is well exfoliated, rinse your face with clean water and pat your skin dry gently with a towel. Finally, apply your moisturizer or mask. It is very important to hydrate and/or nourish your skin right after doing a face scrub. 

How do you do a successful face scrub? 

For a successful scrub, first choose the formula best suited to your skin type. Make sure you have cleansed your skin beforehand. For better application, apply the face scrub to damp skin. Massage gently with circular movements, without rubbing.

Since facial skin is thin, repeated movements with too much pressure can have an abrasive effect and irritate it. Focus on the T-zone, where the most impurities build up. Done 1 to 2 times a week, a face scrub will restore your skin's radiance and softness. Once the scrub is done, hydrate your skin to soothe it and allow it to better absorb the active ingredients it needs. 

When should you do a face scrub?

The ideal time to do a face scrub is in the evening, after removing makeup, for a purifying action. To boost your skin's radiance, it is advisable to apply the face scrub in the morning, after cleansing your skin.

If you have a dull complexion or tired skin, a face scrub will be a true ally. The day before sun exposure, scrubbing the skin gives a more even tan that lasts longer. However, it is very important to nourish your skin well and protect it from the sun during exposure, so as not to weaken it.  

How often can a gentle face scrub be done?

A scrub should not be repeated more than twice a week. Although scrubbing is beneficial for facial skin, if done too frequently, it could sensitize the skin. It is important not to exceed two applications a week.

What is the difference between an exfoliant and a face mask?

A face scrub is an exfoliating product that removes imperfections and dead cells from the skin's surface, unlike a mask that is left on the skin to achieve results. A scrub is generally not left on; it is advisable to make circular movements over the whole face and then rinse it off.

The Huygens ORGANIC Face Scrub 

The Huygens Face Scrub purifies the skin without aggressing it, thanks to its creamy rice powder texture. Infused with green tea extract, this gentle scrub instantly reveals a healthy glow. Enriched with sesame oil, it nourishes the epidermis without a greasy feel.

The big plus of this scrub? It nourishes the skin during exfoliation. Gel-textured scrubs often dry out the skin, so it is worth using an exfoliating cream so as not to attack the skin's hydrolipidic barrier and thus preserve its balance.

The HUYGENS Face Scrub gently exfoliates the skin thanks to finely ground rice powder. It effectively removes impurities without irritating the skin. Suitable for all skin types, The Huygens Face Scrub is particularly appreciated by normal to dry skin. The HUYGENS Face Scrub is ORGANIC, vegan, not tested on animals and made in France.

Which product should you apply after a face scrub for oily skin?  

Choose the product to apply after your scrub according to your skin. For combination and oily skin, apply TheSupernature Face Emulsion or The Supernature Face Cream. This anti-blemish range is enriched with plant-derived salicylic acid, a BHA extracted from wintergreen, which refines skin texture and helps treat spots, redness and small blemishes. For dry and mature skin, opt for The Nouvel Âge Organic Face Cream or The Anti-Aging Face Cream.