Whats In Your Scrub? Herbal or Chemical?

Hello beautiful people :) So my question to you for this week is -
 What's in your scrub?


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*Image source : http://www.viveromassangeana.com/2012/04/do-the-scrubbing-in-the-right-way/

Regular Scrubbing = Dead/Dry cells removed = Healthy glowing skin!

So whats exactly is in your Scrub? And what are the ingredients you should look out for when buying or making a Scrub? And  what precautions should you take?

Let's Begin -

Natural Scrubs - Anything that is slightly abrasive and granulated will help you to scrub away the dead skin cells. Common substances used are -

1. Powdered/Granulated sugar -  A very fine product which can be used as a scrub at home. Additional benefit is that since it contains no oils at all ( plain sugar is just glucose) it wont clog your pores. So it gently scrubs and then melts away. It can also soften the rough areas of your body like knees and elbows.

2. Rice Powder - Another very common household scrub.Fine grainy texture that softens when mixed with water but will not melt away. Has been said to improve skin complexion also.


3. Almond powder - Another very gentle and useful scrub. Has added benefit that it contains almond oil also. So its a very good moisturizing scrub for skin. This helps to improve complexion also.
 
  
Source: www.sassybella.com click on image to go to website



4. Oatmeal powder - An easily available scrub for all skin types. Has moisturizing as well as cleansing properties. Restores skin moisture as well as removes surface dirt and impurities.

5. Common salt - Easily available and easy to use. Use them with oil to moisturize and scrub dry parts of body like knees, elbow, knuckles etc.

6. Walnuts - Another soothing natural scrub. This also has essential oils which moisturize skin as well as slough away dead cells.

 7. Strawberries - Did you know that strawberries contain alpha hydroxy acid? The same ingredient that is used in so many cosmetics scrubs and creams. I have explained the alpha & beta hydroxy acids below. Very good natural exfoliating agent. Use alone or in a face pack.

8. Loofah or body brush - These products are equally good at exfoliating your skin like all the above ingredients. In fact these are best for body scrubbing. Regular use of these will result in you have glowing akin always!

These natural scrubs can be used in different combinations and mixtures for different skin needs. Mix them with milk or rose water or curd or oil or lemon juice or cucumber juice or even plain water and use. Mix them with other ingredients and you can have your own face pack ready. Store them in containers in dry state and its always ready at hand.

Now for the second part.

               Image source : http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/independent-woman/beauty/best-face-scrubs-3125525.html

Chemical scrubs - Chemical scrubs are of different types. Then can be present in cosmetics or you can get them done from dermatologists. Then they are called Chemical Peels or Microdermabrasion etc
These are best left to the experts who are trained to carry out these procedures.

At home you can also exfoliate your skin with many cosmetics and scrubs available in the market. These are the commonly listed ingredients in them -

1. Salicylic Acid - This ingredient is most commonly seen in products suggested for acne prone skin. Its is an excellent exfoliant and also prevent bacterial growth on skin. Take  look at your favorite face washes and you will find this listed somewhere.

2. Enzymes - Some enzymes which maybe used in cosmetic scrubs are Papain (papaya enzyme), Bromelin (pineapple enzyme). These enzymes loosen the dead cells on the skin surface and help in exfoliation. 

3. Alpha & beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA's and BHA's) -  These are commonly mentioned as glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid. tartaric acid etc. Each one of them is derived from naturals sources only like sour milk, grapes, apples, sugarcanes etc. These are added in different concentrations in different cosmetics. These help in exfoliation as well as delaying the aging process. They remove the dead cells from the top layer of the skin as well as stimulate collagen formation. Thus they remove the fine wrinkles on the skin and also improve the elasticity of the skin. Good for aging and mature skin.

4 Micro Beads -  These are made of very tiny granules of Poly Ethylene Glycol.These are basically tiny plastic beads. Just mechanically scrub your skin. Some products may contain natural granules like jojoba, walnut, grape seeds etc.

Precautions to using scrubs of any kind -

1. Do not use scrubs on skin if you have inflammation of any kind - like acne, rosacea, sun burn etc. and other such conditions.It will worsen your skin condition even further. Do not use if you have severe acne without consulting your doctor. Stop using if you develop redness, irritation, itching, scaling of any kind.

2. Do not rub your skin too hard or roughly with the scrub. Follow gentle circular motion with finger tips only.

3. Do not use facial scrubs daily. It will injure your skin. Too much of even a good thing is bad. Remember that always!

4. Undertake chemical peels only under expert supervision. Do not go for waxing immediately after undergoing chemical peels. Take adequate protection against sun exposure. Always use a sunscreen.

5.  Moisturize you skin always. It will help maintain the youthful appearance of your skin for longer.
Check out my post about how to keep acne under control here -
 The 10 Acne Commandments.

So go ahead now and pick up that tube of scrub and check it out yourself! Interesting isn't it? So what is your opinion on face scrubs? And what face scrub did you choose? Leave me a comment and share your  view on this topic with me and our readers.

So until next time- Stay Safe and Stay Beautiful. Always!

 Image source : http://www.beautythroughstrength.com/homemade-face-scrubs.html