Face scrubs are simple to use and they can actually fix a lot of skin issues you might have. Such as dead skin build up, which can make shaving worse and prevent other skincare products from working.
A face scrub is a physical exfoliant, a cleanser with small granules, beads or a gritty texture that manually buffs away dead skin cells when you rub it across your face. Unlike a regular cleanser which just lifts dirt and oil, a scrub actively removes the top layer of dull dead skin sitting on the surface.
This is different from chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid which dissolve dead skin using acids rather than friction. Both get you similar results, smoother brighter skin, but a scrub does it mechanically.
Why Men Specifically Benefit From Scrubbing
Here are a few reasons face scrubs tend to matter more for mens skin;
Remove Shaving Buildup; every time you shave, you're already scraping the surface of your skin. But dead skin cells that haven't been cleared away can clog around hair follicles, leading to ingrown hairs, razor bumps and that patchy uneven texture along the jawline. So going in with a manual scrub can remove this build up and make shaving better.
Thicker Skin More Oil; Men's skin is generally thicker and produces more oil than women's skin, which means dead cells and oil combined will clog pores causing breakouts. Regular scrubbing helps stop that buildup before it turns into breakouts or blackheads.
A Better Shave; A scrub the night before or morning of a shave lifts the hair follicles and clears the path, so your razor glides instead of dragging. Less irritation, closer shave.
What to Look For In A Scrub
Not all scrubs are equal, and can actually do more harm than good. Especially if you scrub with pressure rather than letting the scrub do the work.
Here's a quick guide;
- Jojobas beads - gentle enough for daily use without tearing at your skin - try this one
- Walnut shell or apricot kernel- effective, but can cause micro tears if you use it too often or scrub to hard This is a good one - This is a good gentle walnut scrub
- Added salicylic acid or charcoal - good if you are also dealing with oily skin, breakouts, good to get physical and chemical exfoliation in one step. Recipe For Men face scrub - a good combination scrub. Or this scrub
- Avoid anything overly abrasive, if it feels like sandpaper, it's stripping more than it should.
How Often Should You Actually Use One
This is where most guys get it wrong, more is not better here.
- 2-3 times a week is the sweet spot for most skin types - try this one
- Daily use is only ok if you are using a very fine, gentle formula, even then most dermatologists would say to dial it back. This one is good.
- Avoid doing it after shaving, can cause more skin irritation
Over scrubbing strips your skins natural oils which can actually trigger your skin to produce more oil to compensate, which is the opposite of what you want.
How to Use a Face Scrub Properly
- Wet your face first; never apply a scrub to dry skin, it increases friction and irritation
- Use light circular motions, you're buffing away dead skin not sanding down a table. Gentle pressure for about 30 seconds
- Avoid the eye area, skin there is thinner and more sensitive
- Rinse thoroughly, use warm water not hot, as heat can strip moisture
- Follow with moisturiser, scrubbing removes your skins outer barrier so its important to lock in hydration straight after.
Sensitive or Acne Prone skin
If you deal with active breakouts, go easy. Scrubbing over inflamed skin can spread bacteria and worsen irritation. In this case a gentle chemical exfoliant is often better than a physical scrub.
The Bottom Line
A face scrub can be the most effective, low effort way to improve your skin texture, prevent ingrown hairs and get more of your skincare products. Use it two to three times a week and always follow up with moisturiser.
