Product Knowledge: Oily/Acneic Skin - Scrubs

Scrubs for the acneic skin types

 A lot of people get lost when it comes to scrubs and I feel it is one of the most misused products. I feel it is because people are unsure of how much is good to use, how often if it should be used, and often purchase a facial scrub that is not the best choice for their skin type. This is why it is important to find out what your skin type is. Purchasing products for yourself, no matter where from, will get easier. There are so many different types of scrubs out there and I think a good majority of people are under the assumption that a scrub ought to be gritty. The truth of the matter is that, that is simply not true.

Types of Exfoliants

 Exfoliators are broken down into two categories. A manual exfoliant and a chemical exfoliant.

 First let us look at the most common of the two. The manual exfoliant. This is simply exfoliators that have that grit feeling to it. Some of the manual exfoliants have smaller, softer micro beads. Those are usually geared towards sensitive skin.

The chemical exfoliants usually contain AHA's (Alpha Hydroxy Acid's). My ultimate favorite exfoliator is Guinot's biological peeling radiance gel. It is a Spa Grade exfoliant. It goes on thick like a honey at first. You keep moving in circular motions until the gel liquifies! It will turn into an oil like slip. The longer it takes in certain area's the more dehydration and dead skin buildup there is. This exfoliator is amazing.

 Below is an example of a OTC brand of chemical exfoliant.  St. Ives Timeless skin with gentle alpha hydroxy acid in it.

 

 So which one is best then?

 But what is the best scrub for someone with acneic skin? That is the question I am sure you asking yourself. Scrubs that contain shells, nuts, and so forth are generally too abrasive (Gritty). The skin is already red and aggravated! So be weary of using anything with a grit. It is in my pro opinion that those with acneic skin ought to try an exfoliant in a foaming or gel form.

Think about it like this: If you had a sore on your body would you scrub at it with anything rough? No. Treat your acne like a sore. You want something smooth and soothing going over that. Be good to your skin.

Here's an example of a foaming scrub that is good for acneic skin. It is gentle on the skin. Remember just because it doesn't feel gritty, doesn't mean that it isn't doing it's job.

Spa Grade Versus Department Store

When it comes to which one to invest in I believe that it is best to go with the spa grade. Sure you could buy something cheaper but you will end up going through more product to achieve your results. In the end you could wind up spending more money.

The spa grade brands are stronger. For example: An exfoliant that contains an AHA is the best type of exfoliator but department store brands are only allowed to offer products that contain up to 10% in it. Since an AHA is essentially a chemical peel, trained estheticians can use AHA's up to 20 & 30% in a spa setting. It's serious stuff.

Spa Grade products can offer products that are stronger in their ingredients. So, what it will boil down to is the right bang for your buck. Is it important to you that you have quicker results to which you will pay to get? Or are you okay taking the longer road and possibly saving yourself some dollars?

The other thing that one has to consider is safety. Yes the AHA's will give you amazing results but if you misuse that product you could harm yourself. (As is with everything you purchase). When using ANY AHA product ( especially if used in the morning ) you MUST apply liberal sun screen!!!! AHA's can make your skin sensitive to the sun so don't jerk around with this stuff. Take your skin care seriously. 

Having said that...most OTC (over the counter) brands wont be very concentrated. It goes back to what I was saying before regarding results. It will take more time to see results with a department store product than something spa grade. It can be a good thing though, a very gentle process of obtaining the same result for a lot less money. It just means that you will have to be diligent. So ultimately that choice will be left to you to make for yourself.

Please note: When using ANY scrub use with a gentle hand! Please don't scrub away at yourself. You don't want to put further harm to your skin.

Until next time, enjoy life, Love, liberty, and always yourself.