Beauty posts

How to make a facial scrub?

When it comes to facial scrubs, there are two schools of thought. There are those who are reluctant to do so, and those who are aficionados of exfoliating treatments and peelings ! And if the grain scrub is the most popular, there are actually other types of exfoliants more suitable for all skin types. We also take this opportunity to explain how to make a homemade face scrub and which are the best students in terms ofexfoliation at Oh My Cream.

What are the best face scrubs?

To eliminate dead skin cells, we systematically recommend chemical or enzymatic exfoliation. These two types of exfoliation boost cell renewal, improve the penetration of the active ingredients applied afterwards, and make the skin softer and more radiant. However, exfoliation should not be synonymous with irritation. This is why we systematically recommend chemical or enzymatic exfoliation.

How does it differ from so-called "mechanical" exfoliation? It is a way to exfoliate the skin without using grains. If the exfoliation is called "enzymatic", it is because the job is ensured by enzymes, 100% natural agents, which come to nibble the bonds which maintain the cells between them. This system is the most gentle and has the advantage of being suitable for all skin types. It is even the exfoliation to be preferred in case of sensitive skin !

But enzymes do not have the only monopoly of the zero defect complexion: there are also fruit acids. The latter act in the same way as enzymes, but in a more powerful and targeted way. It is ideal in particular in the event of imperfections and particularly recalcitrant marks. On the other hand, chemical exfoliation is not recommended for reactive skin.

Frequency side, these two types of exfoliations can be done 2 to 3 times a week, depending on the sensitivity of your skin, or even daily for certain very specific exfoliants such as the Daily Microfoliant Dermalogicawhich is very gentle. If you are not used to this gesture, we advise you to start at once a week. You can then decide to increase the frequency or not. If you notice more dehydration or redness, the product is too strong or the frequency too high. For a stronger mask exfoliator like the Glycolactic Skin Renewal Mask Ren Skincare, once or twice a week maximum is more than enough.

What are the best ingredients for an effective facial scrub?

The alpha-hydroxy acids or AHA (also called fruit acids) most commonly used in cosmetics are glycolic acid and lactic acid. Globally, their effects vary according to their concentration, the pH of the formulation, the use or not of derivatives... Known for their exfoliating powers, they dissolve the links between dead cells to reveal a clearer and smoother complexion. While glycolic acid is recommended for resistant skin, lactic acid in small concentrations is ideal for sensitive skin because it is also moisturizing.

What you need to know about fruit acids:

Glycolic acid: anti-aging and regenerating exfoliant 

Lactic acid: lightening and smoothing exfoliant 

Salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid): also an exfoliant, it is also an excellent anti-inflammatory agent for blemish-prone skin.

How to make a face scrub at home in the "Do It Yourself" way?

First of all, just because it's natural and homemade doesn't mean it's necessarily gentle and suitable for everyone... This recipe for homemade scrub although it is rather "basic", is contraindicated for the most fragile skins or in case of moderate imperfections (the grains risking to open the buttons and to spread the bacteria responsible for the imperfections). This is a "stop-gap" recipe, as nothing can replace a perfectly formulated exfoliant with even more advanced active ingredients. Finally, the homemade face scrub cannot be preserved, it is for single use only.

 

Ingredients & dosage : 

  • 1 tablespoon of oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon of sweet almond or coconut oil 
  • 1 tablespoon of liquid honey

Recipe: 

 

  • In a blender, finely blend the oats to a powder. 
  • Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the mixture. 
  • Add the tablespoon of liquid honey. 
  • Mix and apply to the face with gentle circular movements. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off. 
  • Follow up with your usual routine. 

What type of facial scrub is right for my skin type?

I have normal to dry and dehydrated skin. 

In this case, I opt for a nourishing facial scrub. I can for example turn to theHydro Exfoliating Mask Dermalogica. Equipped with bamboo-based exfoliating spheres that melt on contact with the skin, it compensates for the exfoliation with its moisturizing action. Thus, you can enjoy exfoliation without fear of discomfort and redness!

 

I have combination to oily skin and am prone to blemishes.  

I opt for a purifying facial scrub. Here again, we avoid grains and turn to the mask Prism Herbivore : with its rainbow packaging and especially its AHA & BHA, there's no doubt that this exfoliating mask without grainswill give even the dullest of complexions a bluffing glow. Bonus: an action on the skin texture and small pimples, for a reset of the skin!

Our selection of facial scrubs

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