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A woman using face scrub

Face Scrub vs Body Scrub, What Are The Differences?

Welcome to the battle of scrubs! Which one is the best one for you?
Updated: November 9, 2022
Article Contents:

Scrubs come in many different variations, each with its own jobs and roles. The skincare and cosmetics world has an incredible abundance of these simple products, but a lot of people can make the mistake of thinking all scrubs are the same and can be used for different parts of the body. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case and it’s important to learn the appropriate areas and situations where certain scrubs should be used. Face scrubs and body scrubs aren’t the same, and here’s why.

Face scrub

Face scrubs are an industry standard product that is used by millions of people on a daily basis, but what are they exactly? Face scrubs are cream-based and contain exfoliating particles. The purpose of a scrub is to remove dead skin cells from the surface, giving you a more youthful appearance. If you rub some face scrub between your fingers you’ll notice there are rough little stone-like objects in it, these can be made up of micro-plastics, bamboo powder, micro-fine granules, and even crystals. The act of rubbing these rough objects over your skin is what scratches off the bad stuff. Pretty neat, right? It’s recommended to use face scrubs daily to maintain youthful healthy skin.

Body scrub

The simple answer is a body scrub is exactly like a face scrub just for your body. It works the same way by having rough particles mixed into the texture that scrapes off dead skin when you rub it in. It also stimulates blood flow. Even though our bodies naturally shed dead skin cells, this process slows as we get older, which brings in the need for powerful body scrubs.

Here are the differences between body scrub and face scrub

Even though they’re both basically the same product with the same application, face and body scrubs aren’t exactly the same, and they should always be differentiated. Face scrubs are made to service your facial skin, which by nature is soft and quite delicate. The rough granules in the cream are perfectly suitable for your face. Body scrubs are heavier and rougher. The skin on your body is thicker and can get very tough in places like your elbows and knees.

Using body scrub on your face

We wouldn’t recommend using a body scrub on your face. The fact is body scrubs are made to tackle harder skin that accumulates on your body. The bigger scraping particles in the body scrub could damage the skin on your face in multiple ways, including scratching it, and making you more prone to breakouts and rashes. This could be especially damaging if you have dry skin or sensitive skin.

Which is better, face scrub or body scrub?

Both products serve their own specific purpose and are exceedingly good at their job. Not only do they get rid of dead skin cells to make you look better, but they also contain moisturizing and hydrating qualities that will benefit your skin overall. One isn’t any better than the other, they just need to be used correctly.

Conclusion

While it’s easy to think that all scrubs are alike, the truth is body scrubs and face scrubs should be strictly differentiated. Using a face scrub on your body probably wouldn’t generate the necessary strength to get rid of rougher skin, and using a body scrub on your face could be harmful. It’s best to evaluate your individual needs and take action from there.

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