If you read this guide and consistently follow the tips that suit your skin type, your skin is guaranteed to look and feel healthier. Exfoliating is an excellent way to care for your skin.
But what exactly is exfoliating? What kind of skin type do you have? How does exfoliating actually work and what are its main benefits?
Content:What is a facial scrub for men?
A facial scrub is a product used to exfoliate the face. Depending on one’s skin type, there are various types of facial scrubs suited for each skin type.
Your epidermis renews itself every month by continuously producing new cells. Old cells move further and further towards your epidermis, where they eventually die. As we get older, this process slows down.
The dead skin cells accumulate and clog our pores, and what does is the consequence of this process? Pimples and oily, dull skin. A facial scrub is a formula (they usually come in a gel-like form) with small grains of salt that is used to massage your face.
Face scrub for men is an essential part of the skincare process. By exfoliating your skin regularly, you’re removing oils, bacteria, and dead skin cells that have stuck to your epidermis.
How does the human skin work?
Let’s view our skin as a shield. It protects you from cold and warm temperatures and tries to stop bacteria and viruses. It does everything to protect your organs.
Your skin even warns you when something is wrong. So your skin has a lot to endure.
You can imagine that in a cold season like winter, pressure is increased and you have to give your skin a helping hand. Most especially in your face where the skin is most sensitive.
Now let’s discuss the different layers of your skin.
Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost layer, protecting the skin cells. The epidermis also renews itself over and over again throughout your life. As a result, dead skin cells start to accumulate.
Dermis
The dermis lies under the epidermis and contains connective tissue. Collagen is produced in this layer and gives the skin its firmness and elasticity.
There are blood vessels, nerve fibers, lymph vessels, sweat glands, and hair follicles. Toxins are removed in this layer through the blood vessels.
Subdermis
Even deeper lies the subdermis. The fat is stored in this skin layer.
So, exfoliating helps to maintain and clean the epidermis.
Facial scrubs for different skin types
Before you get started with an exfoliating gel, it is a good idea to do a small test to determine your skin type.
There are four different skin types to consider:
- Normal skin
- Oily skin
- Dry and sensitive skin
- Combination skin (usually both oily and dry)
Your skin type then determines which products are best to purchase.
There are generic products in circulation, but you’ll get the best results when you choose the best products that suit your skin type.
With care products that meet the specific needs of your skin, you stop different types of products from working against each other. You’ll also then get the best result for your skin.
What kind of skin type do I have?
Want to determine your skin type? Do a small test first. Clean your face in the evening with a soap-free cleanser and do not use any creams or remedies.
The next morning, press a paper towel tight against your forehead and nose.
You have:
Normal skin if the cloth stays clean and does not become greasy. Your skin is likely to be firm with small pores and plenty of elasticity.
Oily skin if the cloth has greasy patches and your nose and cheeks have a mild glow. Oily skin is often firmer in structure and less sensitive to chemicals.
Dry and sensitive skin if the cloth stays dry, but your skin feels tight and sensitive. Your skin is thin, feels rough and flakey.
Combination of skin types: The T-zone on your face, ie forehead, nose and chin, is oily. Your cheeks and jawline, on the other hand, are dry. During the day the T-zone becomes extra greasy.
Once you know which skin type you have yourself, you can choose the right facial scrub for men and get started.
Incidentally, scrubbing and exfoliating are often mentioned in the same breath.
Although both fall under scrubbing, there is a difference in the products for scrubbing and exfoliating.
What’s the Difference Between Scrubbing and Exfoliating?
Where scrub products contain coarser grains, exfoliating formulas contain fruit acid or salicylic acid.
These ingredients provide a gentler cleanse than pure exfoliating gels. An exfoliant ensures that the connection between the top layer of dead skin cells is weakened so that the cells can release more easily.
With exfoliation, you run the risk of damaging the healthy cells under the epidermis.
That is why it is always smart to use a high-quality scrub that matches your skin type.
A step-by-step facial scrub plan
When you exfoliate, you remove dead skin cells. This gives healthy skin cells the opportunity to thrive and glow.
Dirt that is deeper in your pores is also removed, allowing the pores to ‘breathe’ better. This ultimately ensures less inflammation under the skin, such as pimples.
How do you exfoliate your skin?
- Exfoliating works best when your pores are open. So warm your skin with lukewarm water or a towel.
- Then gently rub the scrub over your face.
- Pay extra attention to your nose and forehead because that’s where most of the dead skin cells and clogged pores are.
- Are you ready? Then rinse the scrub off with cool water and pat your face dry.
- Do not scrub more than twice a week and no more than once a day (see below for the best routine for your skin type).
For normal skin types, we recommend scrubbing a maximum of once a week. For oily skin types, this can be up to twice a week. Do you have a dry skin type? Then see if you can exfoliate a maximum of once every one and a half to two weeks.
Especially with dry skin, we advise you to moisturize well.
What are the benefits of exfoliating?
A good scrub session opens up clogged pores and removes dead skin cells. Your face feels softer, smoother, and looks visibly fresher.
If you regularly exfoliate your skin, you also stimulate the production of new skin cells and boost blood circulation. Even when you are going to shave, you can opt to scrub beforehand.
The small grains in the gel expose your hair follicles, making it much smoother to get started with your shaver. And that means less chance of ingrown hairs and annoying pimples.
In addition, exfoliated skin is much better able to absorb the moisturizing and nourishing properties of a moisturizer.
Facial care for men: the routine
Unfortunately, exfoliating alone isn’t enough for a great skincare routine. Although using facial scrub for men is an extremely important part of overall skincare for men.
To get the best results, take care of your face with the following routine:
- Cleansing
- Exfoliating
- Moisturizing
Depending on your skin type, choose a routine that best suits your face’s needs.
→ Read more: Our in-depth guide about facial care for men
Facial care for normal skin
- Cleansing. Always do this in the morning. And, depending on how long you are outside during the day, again in the evening before going to sleep (and before applying the night cream).
- Exfoliate. Twice a week, every three days.
- Moisturize. Use a water-based cream when your skin feels tight after a lot of sun exposure.
- Extra tip: use a facial mask regularly for deep cleansing of the pores.
Facial care for oily skin
- Cleanse. With a cleanser that contains AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). Alpha hydroxy acids counteract oiliness.
- Exfoliate. Three times a week to unclog your pores.
- Moisturize. Only in the morning. Let the skin breathe naturally at night.
- Extra tip: use clay or fruit packs regularly to nourish the skin.
Facial care for dry and sensitive skin
- Cleanse. With a cleansing milk or mild, soap-free facial cleanser.
- Exfoliate. Twice a week with a light scrub.
- Moisturize. With a moisturizing day cream. If necessary, use moisturizing eye cream for the under eyes too.
- Extra tip: use a moisturizing mask with proteins.
→ Must read: How to get rid of bags under eyes for men
Facial care for combination skin
- Cleansing. With a specific facial cleanser for combination skin.
- Exfoliate. Three times a week to unclog your pores.
- Moisturize. With a soft cream in the morning. Use a regular oil or gel before going to sleep.
- Extra tip: use a clay mask to help moisturize and nourish.
Best scrub products for men
Now that you know exactly how scrubs work and how they can help you to achieve a healthy appearance, find a selection of best-seller brands specially selected by us for men’s skin below.
