Scrubbing or Exfoliating: What’s the Difference?

Scrubbing and exfoliating are often confused with one another. But what’s the actual difference, and why is it important to exfoliate or scrub your skin? Let’s break it down for you.

What Is an Exfoliant?

Before diving deeper into exfoliation, it’s good to understand what an exfoliant actually does. Your skin constantly renews itself, old skin cells die off and make way for new ones. Normally, these dead cells fall off naturally, but sometimes they stick around. This can cause your skin to look dull, clogged pores, and reduce the absorption of creams and serums.

An exfoliant helps to remove those dead skin cells by gently loosening them, cleansing both the skin and pores. Exfoliants contain fruit acids that dissolve dead skin cells, making them milder than scrubs. There are two main types: water-soluble fruit acids (AHAs) and oil-soluble fruit acids (BHAs).

AHA: These water-soluble acids work on the surface of the skin, making them ideal for dry or dull skin.

BHA: These oil-soluble acids penetrate deeper into the skin, making them perfect for oily or acne-prone skin. A BHA exfoliant cleanses pores more deeply and helps prevent congetion.

How to Use an Exfoliant

Here’s how to easily incorporate an exfoliant into your skincare routine in three simple steps:

Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Start by cleansing your skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser. You can follow up with a toner, as exfoliants work best on clean skin.

Step 2: Use an Exfoliant Several Times a Week
It’s generally recommended to use an exfoliant 2 to 3 times per week. Begin with once a week and see how your skin reacts. Most exfoliants don’t need to be rinsed off after application, but always read the product’s instructions to be sure.

For example, try the Exfoliant Powder from Ipsum Skin. This salicylic acid exfoliant helps even out the complexion and reduces blackheads and blemishes. It contains both AHA and BHA enzymes that work together perfectly.

Step 3: Apply SPF
Finally, don’t forget to protect your skin! After exfoliating, your skin can be more sensitive, so always apply SPF during the day to prevent sun damage. If you exfoliate at night, follow with a nourishing moisturizer to help your skin recover.

What Is Scrubbing?

A scrub doesn’t contain fruit acids. Instead, it uses small particles combined with a rubbing motion to physically remove dead skin cells. Scrubs work mainly on the surface of the skin, whereas exfoliants penetrate deeper to cleanse it.

Because scrubs rely on friction, they can be more intense and are often not recommended for sensitive or thin skin. Of course, there are gentler options, like Nourished Daily’s Face + Body Scrub.

The key difference between the two is that scrubbing works physically, while exfoliating works chemically. The risk of irritation is generally higher with scrubs than with exfoliants, as long as the product is used correctly. 

Whether you choose a scrub or an exfoliant, it all depends on your skin’s needs. Give your skin time to adjust, start slowly, and choose products suited to your skin type. That way, you’ll gently renew your skin and bring back its natural glow!