Acne scrubs are designed to help exfoliate skin by removing dead skin cells from the epidermis (outer lawyer of the skin). Scrubs also help to stimulate blood circulation, remove toxins, cleanse pores and, more importantly, promote clearer, softer, healthy-looking skin.
Acne is a universal skin disorder. Millions of people deal with it. And though acne is not a severe health threat, it's a widespread problem. Those affected are constantly looking for treatment products. With the advances in skin-care technology, many specialized products, including scrubs, have been formulated to reduce breakouts and limit the amount of oil in the pores.
Whether you have a few bothersome pimples or severe acne, your treatment goals are the same: to heal existing blemishes and prevent new ones. Acne scrubs kill bacteria, reduce unnecessary oils and inflammation and unplug clogged pores.
What to Look for
Carefully consider all the products that are available. To eliminate acne, you must cleanse, exfoliate and disinfect. Choose a gentle, soap-free, water-soluble cleanser. If you remove your makeup with a washcloth, always use a fresh, clean one. Use either a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) product for optimal exfoliation. Benzoyl peroxide is considered by many experts to be the most effective over-the-counter topical disinfectant.
There are various types of facial scrubs. One type, designed to act like miniature sandpaper particles to remove dead skin cells from the skin surface, is made from small particles such as ground fruit seeds or other vegetable material.
Another is made from synthetic materials in the form of a cloth or pad. Frequently, the companies that make these materials claim that they will gently exfoliate dead skin cells, so they can be used repeatedly. When in doubt, ask for advice. Department stores should have experienced salespeople ready to help. It's often necessary to experiment with a variety of treatments to find the most effective product for you.
Common Pitfalls
Acne scrubs work well, but too much mechanical exfoliation can backfire and damage the skin. Gently exfoliate. Rough scrub pads may make your problem worse. Rubbing or touching the affected area can lead to the development of scars.
Don't place scrub pads in the shower soap dish or some other warm, moist place. These create ideal conditions for bacteria from the "exfoliated skin" to multiply overnight. The next time the scrub is used, acne breakouts can be reinfected.
According to dermatologists, treating acne is a very individual task. No two people have the exact same skin. When you find what works best for you, do it daily. Also remember that acne is a problem that takes time to cure.
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