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The Best Face Scrubs And Exfoliators For A Skin Reset
We've moved on from that apricot scrub – and you should have too
A mens face scrub feels like a fairly primitive grooming move. Manually scrubbing grime and dry bits off a weary complexion is a habit even the most skincare-averse man can get behind.
However, a gritty, sandy cream isn’t always the best way to refresh your skin – in fact, it might be doing more harm than good. Now, men's skincare is a precise science, and those in the know do not rub pulverised apricot stones into their precious complexion.
Face scrubs – now rebranded as 'physical exfoliators' – are not entirely a thing of the past, but selecting the right one is crucial. According to consultant dermatologist Dr. Alexis Granite, it's important to use one that contains spherical beads: many are now made from biodegradable jojoba. “Fine grains are gentler to the skin than larger, coarser pits and shell fragments,” she says. “Using grains that are too large – or using a physical scrub too aggressively – can cause micro-tears in the skin. Lower friction, softer face scrubs will help remove dead skin cells and debris without damaging the skin barrier.”
A facial scrub, or chemical exfoliator?
If you’re keen to eschew physical face scrubs entirely, it’s time to venture into the world of chemical exfoliators. Not nearly as NHS-straining as they sound, these acid-based products are actually beloved by experts – in fact, they’re widely considered the superior, less irritating alternative to a grainy face scrub.
“There are two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical,” explains Dr. Granite. “Physical scrubs utilise grains to manually remove dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliants break down the ‘glue’ that holds skin cells together.”
Chemical exfoliators are split into two subsections: alpha-hydroxy-acids and beta-hydroxy-acids. The former work on the surface of the skin, and are ideal for general brightening and renewal. Glycolic and its gentler sister, lactic, are the most common. The latter, also known as salicylic acid, works in a slightly different way due to its oil-soluble composition. This acid can penetrate the pores to dissolve oil and congestion from within. It’s a great choice for the breakout prone and those with oily skin.
These new-gen exfoliating products are effective, and can be especially potent. Dr. Granite stresses the importance of moderation, advising no more than two applications per week. “For those with sensitive, eczema-prone skin or rosacea, exfoliation may best be avoided altogether, due to the potential for irritation,” she says.
Finally, if you’re using a face scrub or chemical exfoliator, a moisturiser with SPF is a must: exposing those youthful new cells to the elements would be entirely counterintuitive.
Here, see the top men's facial scrubs and exfoliating treatments to try now.
The best face scrubs for men
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
Your shaving kit can only work well on a properly prepped canvas, and exfoliating dead skin cells will help ensure a closer, cleaner result.
A face scrub that dermatologists can get behind, Kate Somerville’s formula combines spherical silica beads with a cocktail of acids to double down on the renewing benefits. The results are instant, so it's best employed before a big night out.
Medik8 Sleep Glycolic™
For serious brightening and renewing, a leave-on serum is going to be the most effective choice. Medik8's expert overnight formula contains a hefty dose of glycolic acid to fade rough texture, pigmentation and acne marks as you sleep. Apply it two nights per week.
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
Dr. Dennis Gross is a man at-least partially responsible for the acid boom. These two-step sachets contain a glycolic acid-based resurfacing pad, and a neutralising one to ensure you don’t take things too far. Use them twice per week for strikingly smooth skin.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Another much-loved product, this liquid toner is famed for the way it treats oily and congestion-prone skin, even making blackheads a thing of the past. Swipe it on after cleansing using a cotton pad, two evenings per week. In time, it’ll prevent spots, shrink pores, and even fade rough texture.
La Roche-Posay Ultra Fine Scrub
La Roche-Posay Ultra Fine Scrub
Dermatologists rave about La Roche-Posay for good reason: it creates well-priced products that truly deliver, even on sensitive skin.
This traditional facial scrub is fine enough not to damage your delicate complexion, yet effective enough to make even the roughest of cheeks feel brand new. The tube is small, but you're only using it twice a week.
Malin + Goetz Jojoba Face Scrub
There's nothing in the Malin + Goetz line-up that can't be used on reactive skin – so sensitive types, you're in good hands here. Formulated with gentle hydrators alongside jojoba beads, it'll exfoliate and rehydrate simultaneously.
Humanrace Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator
If you're going to buy skincare from a celebrity, buy it from one that looks as perplexingly ageless as Pharrell.
Proof he truly knows his stuff, Humanrace is a top-tier collection of elevated essentials, and this enzyme-based exfoliator is the star. There's a hefty dose of glycolic acid, alongside brightening fruit enzymes and rice powder for that satisfying yet gentle grit.
Ren Clean Skincare Micro Polish Cleanser
If you don't want to spend more than three minutes on your skincare routine, consider REN's two-in-one time-saver. A creamy cleanser infused with scrub particles, it'll slough away the day's dirt and excess oil in a matter of seconds, leaving skin satisfyingly smooth.
Murad Pore Reform Skin Smoothing Polish
Murad Pore Reform Skin Smoothing Polish
Combining jojoba beads with pore-detoxing salicylic acid, this one is ideal for those hoping to get a handle on breakouts. Formulated by a dermatologist, you can trust it to deliver real results.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Carrying hefty cult credentials, Dermalogica's long-loved exfoliator comes in the form of tiny powder particles. Mix a pinch with water and watch it transform into a gritty paste, loaded with spot-clearing salicylic acid and resurfacing enzymes to clear out even the most congested of pores. It might feel gentle, but the results will impress.
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