Scrub Vs. Exfoliator: What's the Difference and When Should I Use Them?

It can be hard to know the differences between so many skincare products. Two of them that many people confuse are a skin exfoliator and a facial scrub. What’s the difference? When should I use them? How often? Don’t worry, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about a scrub vs. an exfoliator, and why you should try the vegan, cruelty-free skincare scrub and exfoliator products from Cosmedica Skincare.  

The Big Difference Between a Facial Scrub and Skin Exfoliator

The main differences between a facial scrub and a skin exfoliator are the product itself and the delivery. A facial scrub is a physical exfoliant usually made of small beads, crushed-up plant-based items, or natural skincare ingredients, like sugar or salt granules. Facial scrubs are made of all different things, but in natural skincare products, they are a non-invasive way to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells.  

A skin exfoliator will also remove dead skin cells to reveal newer, brighter, and better-looking skin underneath, but it does it with a chemical base that’s usually made of alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acids, mineral enzymes, or retinols. 

Here’s where it gets confusing. A skin exfoliator can also mean a device that exfoliates the skin. An example of this is Cosmedica Skincare’s Derma Roller System. Our Derma Roller is a microneedling device that helps to stimulate and exfoliate the skin with tiny painless needles that spur the production of beneficial collagen when rolled over the skin on a regular basis. 

How They Are the Same

The overall goal of using a facial scrub or skin exfoliator is to improve the look and feel of your skin. It reduces uneven skin tone, makes it softer, and allows all your skincare products to absorb better on freshly exfoliated skin. 

For Any Skin Type

A facial scrub or skin exfoliator will work well on any skin type from oily to dry. Using clear skin products and having a skincare regimen that incorporates both a physical scrub and a chemical skin exfoliator will make the biggest improvements in the quality of your skin. Your skin will look and feel so much better once you routinely start using a facial scrub and exfoliator in your skincare regimen. 

A Facial Scrub to Try That Also Contain Skin Exfoliating Ingredients

In order to get the most beneficial physical exfoliation with skincare ingredients that also exfoliate, try Cosmedica Skincare’s 2.5% Glycolic Facial Scrub. This is a facial scrub with glycolic acid for maximum exfoliation of dead skin cells. Use this facial scrub two to three times a week to remove dullness, impurities, and reveal more beautiful skin. 

Keep in mind that after using an exfoliant scrub, you want to hydrate the skin right away. Start with a moisture-binding serum, like our Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. The hyaluronic acid serum will plump up the skin and make your moisturizer work better in your skincare regimen. Dewy, glowing, and radiant skin is the end game with this combination of vegan, cruelty-free skincare products from Cosmedica Skincare.