by Ana | Last Updated:March 27, 2024
Are you confused about the difference between a face scrub and a face wash? Then, you’ve come to the right place. We will be comparing the uses and benefits of each beauty essential.
As you already know, the key to maintaining healthy skin is to keep it clean from oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. That is why you need to have a good face scrub and face wash in your daily regimen.
Although both products clean your face, there is a slight difference between them. If you’re wondering about the difference between a face scrub and a face wash, then continue reading below.
- Purposes and frequency of use
Face scrubs are used to exfoliate dead skin cells from your face. Unlike face washes that can only clean the surface of the skin, face scrubs can go deeper and help unclog your pores to reveal a more glowing skin.
Since most face scrubs contain abrasives, they shouldn’t be used every day. Usually, face scrubs are recommended to be used 2-3 times a week.
On the other hand, face washes are meant to clean the face. They are intended to remove dirt, oil, and makeup that may build up on your skin throughout the day. They are gentler compared to face scrubs, which is why you can use them twice a day— morning and night. However, they don’t clean as deeply as face scrubs.
- Ingredients
Face scrubs usually have microbeads that act as exfoliating agents. There has been an ongoing debate over the safety of microbeads to the environment.
Researcher Marcus Eriksen discovered that some of the debris that pollutes rivers and sewer systems includes the sort of microbeads that are used in face scrubs.
Due to this discovery, more face scrub brands are opting to natural exfoliating agents. For instance, the Organic Exfoliating Facial Sugar Scrub from Bee Friendly Skincare uses organic cane sugar as their microdermabrasion agent.
On the other hand, face washes contain sulfates that may make your face overly dry. Sulfates are substances that reduce oil from the skin. Although they can really make sure skin is clean from oil, they can lead to surface dehydration.
If you want to clean your skin without over drying, pick sulfate-free products like Beauty by Earth’s Face Wash-Organic & Natural Ingredients Facial Cleanser. It contains super fruits and sea kelp to moisturize your skin while cleaning it.
- Texture and consistency
Face scrubs have a gritty texture to scrub away dead skin cells that lie buried deep in your pores. They have a thick and creamy consistency for easy application. However, most dermatologists discourage the use of face scrubs on acne-prone skin.
Recent products have offered great solutions for this problem. They use soft microbeads that don’t irritate the skin. A stellar product that you could try is the Honeyskin Organics’ Organic Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub Exfoliatorwhich uses positively charged microbeads to pull toxins and dirt from your skin.
On other hand, face washes have a creamy or foamy texture, which easily glides over your skin. They lack the gritty texture of face scrubs, which can remove dead skin cells. The foam is intended to clean the dirt from the surface of your skin.
Benefits of regularly using a face wash:
- Removes build up
Washing your face helps remove the dirt and oil that accumulates throughout the day. The best way to remove them is to use a face wash that suits your skin type.
- Boosts hydration
The regular use of face wash can help maintain the right pH levels of the skin. If you have an imbalanced level of hydration, then you become more vulnerable to dry or oily skin.
- Maintains clear skin
Removing the dirt can inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Benefits of face scrubs:
- Removes toxins and dead skin cells
The exfoliating agents help remove toxins and dead skin cells that are buried in your pores. As a result, you get fresh and radiant skin.
- Improves blood circulation to the skin
As the face scrub helps stimulates the skin, the blood circulation in your face will be improved. This results in younger looking skin.
- Removes deep-seated dirt
Using face scrubs can help remove the dirt that can’t be removed by face washes alone. This leads to blemish-free skin.
