While physical exfoliants and face scrubs have gotten a bad rep for being harsh and abrasive for the skin, it actually is quite the opposite. Some say they cause micro-tears in your skin, some claim it thins the skin barrier and some complaining of microbeads being harmful for the environment. But in reality, it’s about using them correctly and looking for scrubs with the right ingredients.

How To Use Face Scrubs?

The key to using face scrubs is to be gentle on your skin so that you aren’t causing any unnecessary damage. Apply the product on your skin using small circular motions using your fingers and lukewarm water for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Do not go beyond 2 minutes when it comes to exfoliating. You would want only the dead skin cells to shed off and not rip your skin of its natural oils.

How often to use face scrubs truly depends on your skin type. If you have dry and sensitive skin, you’ll want to stick to using face scrubs one to two times a week. For those with oily skin, you can use it for a maximum of three times a week.

Now that you know how to effectively incorporate face scrubs in your beauty routine, here is our hand-picked list of gentle face scrubs that’ll give you smooth and glowing skin.

1.   Kate Somerville
Exfolikate

This super exfoliator is a cult favorite. Even Meghan Markle swears by this product for a ‘homegrown glow’. ​​It contains both physical and chemical exfoliants that work together to really unclog those pores. Ingredients like lactic acid and salicylic acid, covering both AHAs and BHAs, work to remove dead skin cells. While natural ingredients like papaya, pineapple, pumpkin enzymes, and honey give you that glow without being too drying.

2.   HARNN
Water Lily Sugar Cane Facial Scrub

HARNN Water Lily Sugar Cane Facial Scrub gently buffs away dead cells with soft sugar cane fiber and oatmeal kernel while dousing your skin in nurturing benefits of grape seed extract and rice bran oil. This face scrub is a testament to HARNN’s philosophy of creating only high-quality products using nature’s healing properties.

See also: HARNN Launches Urban Wellness Solution and Lifestyle Spa

3.   AEOS
Gentle Exfoliant

If you’re looking for something beyond just skincare, AEOS’ gentle-exfoliant is something you’d want to consider. This restorative product is a favorite amongst spiritual seekers, mostly because of its crystal-infused healing properties (yes, crystals). A potent bottle of jojoba, grape seed, argan and avocado oils mixed with biodynamic spelt oil gives you polished smooth and glowing skin. Intuitively choose between the blue, pink and yellow variants to reap the benefits of color therapy healing, nurturing the radiance both within and on the outside.

See also: Skincare That Heals on an Emotional Level

4.   Elemis
Gentle Rose Exfoliator

Developed keeping mature skin in mind, the Elemis Rose Exfoliator contains the fragrance of rose, the exfoliating properties of jojoba beads, and the cooling properties of cucumber. It is also rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps brighten skin and reduce discoloration. The gel-like consistency of this face scrub makes it much gentler on the skin.       

5.   Subtle Energies
Saffron and Frankincense Face Scrub

For those who prefer all natural products without the sulfates and parabens, Subtle Energies has always come to the rescue. The Subtle Energies Saffron and Frankincense face scrub is made of finely polished walnut shells that smoothen the skin, and saffron extracts which help give radiance to the skin. The invigorating smell of Frankincense in this scrub is also an added bonus.

See also: Top 10 Eco-friendly Skincare Brands That Give Back to the Earth

6.   Clarins
One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

With extensive skin care routines making the hype these days, multi-tasking products are the best time-saving hacks. This Clarins product gently cleanses and exfoliates your skin in one simple step. It contains ingredients such as moringa, orange and micro silica beads that offset the effects of pollution and refresh your skin. This product works particularly well for those with sensitive skin.

7.   Phytomer
Marine Scrub

Phytomer has been a French family-run business in the beauty industry for over 50 years now. They have been lauded for using the sea’s exceptional benefits in their signature ingredient Oligomer® – a powerful sea water concentrate. The thought of black sand and pumice stone in a face scrub might sound scarily abrasive but this scrub proves otherwise. Combined with Chondrus crispus oil, this cream-scrub gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin. A single use of this face scrub claims to give up to 91% smoother and 87% softer skin.

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