Facial scrubs are a smart addition to your beauty routine. Exfoliating scrubs are used to remove dead skin cells and to freshen your face. Depending upon the scrub you choose, it may be simple or include active ingredients to fight aging, treat acne or improve your skin. Available textures range from fine to coarse.

Function

Facial scrubs exfoliate the skin, removing the dead skin cells on the outer layer of the skin. Regular use of a facial scrub may help skin care products to penetrate, leave you with a fresher and brighter complexion, and may reduce oil secretions, according to SmartSkinCare.com. As you age, the skin may appear somewhat duller, making exfoliation a more important part of your skin care routine.

Time Frame

Most people should not exfoliate daily. If your skin is quite oily, more frequent or even daily exfoliation may be appropriate, but you should use a scrub much less often if you have dry or sensitive skin. Most people will find exfoliating once or twice a week quite adequate. Plan to use a gentler product more often or a harsher one less frequently.

Types

Facial scrubs put abrasive ingredients into a cream or foaming base. Apricot kernels, sugar, or baking soda are common scrub ingredients. More finely milled ingredients are used in microdermabrasion products. You can also opt for a chemical scrub that uses alpha or beta hydroxy acids to encourage cell turnover and freshen your skin. Select an exfoliating scrub designed for your skin type, whether you have dry, oily, normal or sensitive skin. A variety of scrubs are available in your local drugstore and are an acceptable choice at a budget price for most people.

Considerations

You can make your own facial scrubs at home. Mix sugar, cornmeal, oatmeal, baking soda or coffee grounds into your usual cleanser to create an easy, inexpensive abrasive scrub. As an alternative, mix the scrub ingredients with water or a carrier oil, depending upon your skin type. Rub the homemade facial scrub gently into your skin with your fingertips, then rinse well with warm water.

Warning

If you notice irritation, redness, or tenderness after you exfoliate, you may be using a facial scrub too frequently. Choose a less-abrasive scrub, a different type of scrub or replace your purchased scrub with a natural homemade version to reduce irritation. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may find that exfoliation is too harsh for your skin. Keep in mind that anti-aging products may include alpha hydroxy acids or other exfoliation ingredients and you may not need to use a facial scrub along with these products.