Exfoliation plays a key role in skin care. The process helps by getting rid of dead skin cells and cleaning your pores while reducing the appearance of acne, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Regular exfoliation also allows for better penetration of serums and moisturizers so that they work more effectively.
Still, there’s a right way and a wrong way to exfoliate your skin — especially delicate areas like your face. The coveted sugar scrub may help reduce dull skin on other parts of the body, but these types of scrubs are much too harsh for facial skin.
Consider other exfoliating alternatives for your face to help get rid of dead skin cells without causing irritation.
Potential side effects of using a sugar scrub on your face
A sugar scrub consists of large sugar crystals. The idea is to massage these granules into your skin to remove debris and dead skin cells.
However, the rough nature of sugar scrubs makes them far too harsh for facial skin. They can create small tears in the skin and lead to damage, especially if you’re using regular sugar.
Using sugar scrubs on your face may lead to:
- irritation
- redness
- dryness
- scratches and wounds
These side effects apply not only to sugar scrubs you can buy at a store or online, but to homemade scrubs, even if you use finer white and brown sugar granules. As a rule of thumb, sugar crystals ought to be avoided for the face entirely.
Safer exfoliating facial scrubs
Milder scrubs may be suitable for weekly exfoliation, but only if they have small, round-shaped particles. Always test a small amount of a new facial scrub on your arm first — if it’s too harsh for your body, it’s too abrasive for your face.
Instead of focusing on scrubs, consider ingredients that help exfoliate the skin without the use of harsh particles. Talk to a skin care specialist about the following alternatives.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
AHAs, including citric, lactic, and glycolic acids, remove surface skin cells to help improve the look and feel of your skin. Instead of abrasive particles, products with these acids dissolve dead skin cells.
Though most commonly used for anti-aging concerns, AHAs may also benefit acne-prone skin.
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)
Perhaps the best-known BHA is salicylic acid, which works by dissolving dead skin cells in your pores. Salicylic acid is widely available in toners, cleansers, and lotions. Be sure to use only one salicylic acid-containing product at a time to prevent irritation and peeling.
Mechanical exfoliants
Mechanical exfoliants can be used to enhance your daily facial cleanser, and are especially useful if you have oily or combination skin.
Examples include using soft washcloths or cleansing brushes designed specifically for your face. The key is to massage these in small circles along your face rather than scrubbing.
No matter which exfoliant you choose, it’s important to apply moisturizer appropriate to your skin type afterward to prevent your face from drying out. Avoid exfoliating more than once or twice per week or else you can damage your skin.
Where you can use a sugar scrub
Unless you have preexisting irritation, sugar scrubs are generally safe to use on the body. They’re particularly useful for extremely dry, rough patches of skin on the elbows, knees, and heels. You may even use a sugar scrub on your hands to help prevent dryness.
Due to the rough texture of sugar crystals, you should avoid using sugar scrubs on any areas of irritation, wounds, and rashes. Sugar scrubs could further exacerbate these conditions.
Talk to a dermatologist if you experience any side effects after using a sugar scrub that fail to improve after a few days.
You should also avoid sugar scrubs if you have sensitive skin, eczema, or any inflammatory skin condition.
