Sunday, 01 February 2009
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What Is More Effective, a Face Scrub or a Face Wash?
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Question Of The Day:
A Healthkicker reader sent us this message:
I've been having acne problems and wanted to try some products to hopefully get rid of it. What is more effective, a face scrub or a face wash? Is there really any difference?
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Comments (23)
Don't use a face scrub, if you're having acne problems. While a face scrub might sound good, because it removes dead skin cells, it's counterproductive. It will enlarge your pores, for one thing; however, the more important issue is that it actually helps to spread infection (which is what acne is).
Certain people react differently to different acne products. There are a million out there. The trick is to find one that works for you. It's a little pricey, but the Obagi Clenziderm usually gives good results (the normal-to-oily skin, not the one for dry skin). If you're looking for something you can just pick up anywhere, try the Neutrogena Acne Kit. You can get that at Target or Wal-Mart. Most of these products will dry out your skin, so make sure you invest in a good moisturizer. I'm very fond of the Cetaphil Moisturizing lotion, but I've heard good things about the Aveeno brand, too. I would not suggest Proactiv's system, btw; its face wash has granules in it, and (over time) it will stop working.
I hope that this helps!
I had a serious breakout recently, and I used a gently face wash with a bit of scrubbing ability, two times per day. and I moisturized like crazy. Acne went away pretty quickly, and my skin is HORRIBLE to try and heal!
A face wash should be used every day and a face scrub should be used once a week since it can dry out your face from too much exfoliation
scrub
I get the best results from using two products at the same time. I use a gentle exfoliator/wash in the shower and some cleanser pads before I go to bed. The combination of two different brands and different forms of anti-blemish chemicals takes care of my skin pretty well.
scrub
It depends on your skin. For some people with acne, scrubbing aggravates the problem. For others, it helps. I can scrub my face until it's red and not have a problem... but if I gently apply just a dab of the wrong product, I'll get zits.
See a dermatologist. They should be able to give you some advice based on your skin type and how it reacts to different things. Or, alternatively, see a doctor and have your hormones checked. One little hormone out of whack can make a big difference to your skin.
I have acne (not pimples) as well and I use face wash. Scrubbing only irritates my skin furthermore. But I find that everyone's skin type is different so experiment with both.
Scrub.
It depends. It depends on your skin, and the cause of your acne. I honestly would not use a scrub everyday unless it is the kind intended to be used everyday. My skin is sensitive and I will get breakouts from the products I use, I would only use a scrub intended for treating acne and/or one for senstive skin.
A scrub is only going to remove dead skin, it may or may not unclog your pores.
Do NOT use face scrub. It will just irritate your skin further.
I recommend using a plain face wash (Cetaphil Daily Cleanser works well, or the knockoff Target brand is just as good!) and then using some acne medication on top of it (Dan Kern's Regimen works wonders!). Overdoing it by using medicated wash and then medicine is just not good.
Use face wash because a face scrub would aggravate the skin more. you have to be gentle.
Like everyone has said be careful with the scrub, you shouldn't use it everyday. The one thing I will say is that you have to be patient with your skin. Most products take at least 6 weeks to get to the full benefit. So don't switch a few weeks in, wait and see what really happens after about two months.
Use face wash on a daily basis and a face scrub on a weekly basis.
Hmm yeah it's kind of a trial and error thing because every person reacts differently to products... I do have acne-prone skin and I still like to use a scrub (right now I'm using Neutrogena's Acne Stress Control scrub, I think is the name) every night. That may be too much for you, but it helps my skin get rid of the dead skin cells that could clog up my pores. I also use the Neutrogena face washes (argh can't remember the name at the moment, but it has a bit of menthol in it and it's a cream cleanser).
@LadyLibellule@xanga - I definitely agree that a dermatologist is the best way to figure out what works best for individuals. Some people have serious acne and need more treatment than either a wash or a scrub can help with.
However, I've found the biggest difference between washes and scrubs to be the consistency. I've used both products, switching products pretty frequently. I've found that scrubs often times have exfoliates in them, which is optimal for me in the summer time, because it helps get rid of any dead skin residue left over from a sunburn. A wash for me has always been more helpful if I'm experiencing oily skin, because the washes tend to dry my skin out more.
But it's key to remember that everyone's skin is different, and just like diets or medications, what will work for your sister/roommate/best friend may not work for you.
Don't use a face scrub if you're undergoing acne breakout!
Wash your face with gentle cleanser gel.
After that, gently pat it dry with a towel.
Then, use toner.
By the way, try using toothpaste & apply alittle on to those acne .
Don't apply the whole face
just apply it onto the pimples or acne
Toothpaste will helps to dry up the pimples or acne.yea
Oh, you can try using Egg White to tighten your pores.
Its very good for the face. yea
Just egg white. Apply the whole face.
Wait till it tightens your face, for like, 10 minutes less.
Then you wash it away.
After that, apply moisturizer
I have, and had horrible acne.
I use cetaphil face wash, everyday.. and a scrub once a week.
You should try the Rooibos Face Scrub from the Made from Earth product line....here's what it did for me:
I used to have acne in junior and high school, but 10 years after graduation I didn't think it would come back just because I got pregnant. I sure was WRONG! My acne first trimester was so horrible even my husband couldn't deny it any longer. I wish I could say that the Made from Earth Rooibos Face scrub is a miricle product and it cleared up my acne completely and immediately, but the truth is that is took a few weeks and it cleared about 50% in the first couple of weeks. But after months of NOTHING working I was very pleased!
I've bought another jar after my first one ran out and though my skin is better - MUCH BETTER. It is very gentle and doesn't irritate the skin in any way whatsoever - which i think is what was causing my breakouts - because I have VERY sensitive skin. Plus--it's the only safe acne wash I've found that actually has acne fighting ingredients.
Highly recommended!
you can find them at www.madefromearth.com
So, from what I gather the general consensus is that a scrub is much better as a weekly thing whereas the face wash is better for everyday use, but could one use a gentle exfoliating wash everyday? I only saw a few comments that addressed this and to give you an idea the biggest issues I have with my face is extreme itching, and a few pimples scattered around on my chin, forehead and my cheeks towards my ears; although it doesn't seem to be very sensitive at all. So, my question is for a skin type like mine if one were to use a gentle exfoliating product that included moisturizing properties would it be okay for everyday use, or should one just buy a scrub and a face wash and use them separately?
i use a scrub twice a day and use moisturizer. i ran out the other day and had to use my sister's face wash. within a day my face was getting dry and flakey and started to break out twice as much. definitely go with the scrub but make sure you moisturize so it your skin doesn't start to over produce oils