To scrub, or not to scrub? Expert Dermatologist explains why you should think twice when using a facial scrub for exfoliation, even if Kylie Jenner is behind it
Kylie Jenner may be the Queen Bee of make-up, but when it comes to skincare could the billionaire be falling short? The new skincare line includes a walnut face scrub at $22 (£17) and despite it not even launching yet – fans are divided on whether this will be a skin saviour or hinderer.
Revered Dermatologist, Dr Gabriel Serrano, Founder of Sesderma (www.sesderma.co.uk) shares his thoughts…
Facial exfoliators are ideal in helping to un-clog pores, by drawing out congestion, which can show itself as blackheads and whiteheads, and can also be beneficial for breaking up pigmented cells, encouraging them to fade. However, while it’s important to remove dead skin it’s also important not to strip away too many of your natural oils, so a good balance is essential.
- Make sure you read the label
A scrub is an exfoliation product that uses some particles – which often includes the likes of sand, seashells, or sugar, to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Scrubs can be too abrasive, especially if these contain particles with rough edges, as these can scratch and damage your skin.
This coupled with consumers being too enthusiastic with how they use an exfoliator can lead to areas being over exfoliated, leaving the skin looking red and irritated. Exfoliation done too harshly can demolish the protective barrier and once removed, your skin is exposed to environmental toxins and sun damage, which can all contribute to ageing.
There are products on the market that you can use that contain chemicals for exfoliation. I would advise that rather than opting for a facial scrub, you choose a product that contains Glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliator, as opposed to a physical exfoliator—like a face scrub. As such, glycolic acid can be used to help eliminate rough texture by sloughing away dead skin cells and smoothing out the top layer of the skin. This miracle ingredient is a multitasker; it doesn’t just exfoliate your skin, it also hydrates it too, as well as supporting collagen production and helping to fight the premature signs of aging. Glycolic acid also has a very low molecular weight, so penetrates deeply into the skin, as opposed to just sitting on the surface.
Try Sesderma’s Acglicolic Classic Moisturising Gel Cream, (£46.00, www.sesderma.co.uk), which contains Glycolic acid, as well as aloe vera to soothe and calm the skin and Vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
