Men's Face Scrubs - The Unsung Hero to Great Skin – Thirty7

A Hero Skincare Product

Men's face scrubs are one of the most overlooked steps in a male skincare routine. Most of us know the basics like cleansing, moisturising and using sunscreen — but exfoliation is the step that can completely transform how your skin looks, feels and responds to every product you apply.

As a men's beauty retailer, we hear many stories of transformations simply from adding a men's face scrub to the mix. A good face scrub clears pores, provides a smoother texture, and boosts the absorption of your active products, helping your skin perform at its best.

Why Do Men Need Face Scrubs?

Everyone needs face scrubs and should use them, but men's skin in particular produces more oil due to higher testosterone levels. While that can be an advantage when it comes to aging, it also comes with its challenges – blocked pores, rough texture, dry patches, ingrown hairs and general dullness.

Washing your face removes surface oils and dirt, but it doesn't remove the dead skin cells sitting stubbornly on top. That's where exfoliating comes in.

Unclog Pores & Reduce Breakouts

Dead skin cells and excess sebum are the perfect recipe for blackheads and pimples. A face scrub for men, whether physically or chemically (we'll explain the difference below), removes that buildup, keeping pores clear and skin looking fresh.

Prevent Ingrown Hairs

If you shave, exfoliation is a must. By removing the dead skin, scrubs help prevent hair from curling back into the skin, reducing razor bumps and irritation. Many men notice smoother, cleaner shaves when exfoliation becomes part of their routine.

Improve Skin Texture

Roughness, dry patches and uneven tone can make skin look older and more tired. A scrub helps sweep away that buildup to reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath.

Enhance Product Absorption

Your moisturisers, serum or beard oil can't do their job properly if they’re sitting on top of layers of dead skin. By exfoliating regularly, you get more benefit out of the products you're using.

The Different Types of Men’s Face Scrubs

Physical Exfoliating Scrubs

These are the most recognisable scrubs, and the formulas they use are tiny particles to manually buff dead skin cells. You'll feel the grains and grit in your hands as you prepare to apply to your face.

Some of the physical exfoliating scrubs can include Jojoba beads, rice powder, volcanic ash or pumice, walnut or apricot shell.

These types of exfoliating scrubs for men are probably best for oily, combination skin or anyone who enjoys a deep scrub.

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, it’s best to avoid the really harsh scrubs and choose a gentler one.

Chemical Exfoliating Scrubs

These scrubs are acid-based, but don't let that scare you. These are incredibly effective and often gentler than a physical scrub.

Instead of rubbing off dead skin cells, it chemically exfoliates by dissolving the bonds that hold the dead skin cells together.

Types of chemical exfoliants

AHA - (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), Glycolic acid and Lactic Acid.

Clear dullness and improve fine lines. The lactic acid is good for gentle exfoliation and hydration.

BHA - (Beta Hydroxy Acids), Salicylic acid.

These dig deep into pores to fight blackheads and acne. You can also buy products that are hybrids, combining the best parts of both types of exfoliation.