Face Scrub vs Face Wash - The Difference You Should Know for the Best Skincare Routine, Whether During the Day or at Night.(2021)

Cleansing on a regular basis is key to healthy and glowing skin. However, we tend to confuse at times while selecting different skincare products. There are so many variants of skincare products that sometimes it is an overwhelming decision to make. One such confusion occurs when selecting between the face scrub and face wash. The basic idea of both scrub and face wash is to clean the skin by removing the dirt accumulated throughout the day. However, there is a slight but especially important difference between the two about which we will discuss here. Facewash and face scrub cannot be used interchangeably rather both are complimenting. In Face Scrub Vs Face Wash discussion, here are a few points worth noting.

Here are the points of difference between Scrub and Face Wash:

You might have heard and seen the advertisements stating that how it is beneficial to use face wash at least once a day. Using the face wash before going to bed and thereafter applying a light moisturiser is perfect.

Talking about the face scrub, it is not advisable to use it daily. Most of the scrubs available in the market have the abrasive components and therefore using it regularly will only harm the skin. It is true that scrubs clean the skin more effectively than the face wash but using it twice a week will just do the job.

Face wash available in the market across the shelves will have creamy and foamy texture and are used to remove dirt and excessive oil from the skin.

Scrubs on the other hand differ from face wash as they could be cream-based, clay-based, oil based and so on. Further, a major ingredient of any scrub would be granules such as walnut, sugar etc. These grains are infused in the scrub to ensure proper exfoliation of the skin. Some or other ingredients might be used interchangeable by the companies depending on their brand positioning targets. For instance, you might have come across face wash with micro beads that perform 2-in-1 process of exfoliating and cleansing the skin.

Ever evolving products in the skincare industries leaves a lot of scope for the companies to experiment and formulate the best product. Since scrubs have gritty texture, most of the dermatologist do not recommend for acne prone skin. Light and chemical-free face washes on the other hand can be used by any skin type to remove dirt and excessive oil. However, consistent research and experiments regarding the same has seen some positive results in the area of scrub as well. Many companies are using the soft microbeads in the scrub that are not harsh on the skin. Then you have formulations such as positively charged beads that remove the dirt and oil from the skin settled in the pores without harming the skin.

While face wash can be used on a regular basis, face scrub is a potent complementing option to clean the skin from deep within. Using the scrub couple of times a week will add to the regular skincare regime showing visible difference. Now, that we know the correct way of using face wash and face scrub for the optimum result, let us also understand the order in which face wash, cleanser, scrub and toner should be used for the maximum benefit

Scrubs are a great way of exfoliating your skin and getting rid of all the impurities. However, using it in a wrong way might not deliver the same result and therefore correct way of applying face scrub.

Understanding your skin type will help you in selecting the best product available. From sensitive to oily skin types, there are different types of face scrub available in the market. Once, you have got the scrub you want, now is the time to know the effective way of applying it.

Apply face scrub on your face and massage with gentle hands for 2-3 minutes. Irrespective of the type of skin you have, make sure to massage with gentle hands because a harsh rub will damage the skin. Make sure that you cover all the areas like side of the nose etc. Some scrubs might get dry on face not letting soft movement of the hand on the face. In that case, dip the finger tips in water and start massaging again.

After massaging, wash your face with lukewarm water. It might come as a surprise to some but plain water is an excellent option to wash your face and get rid of external dust and oil. Pat the skin dry and apply oil free moisturiser on the face.

Before deciding between Face wash or Face Scrub, we should know the correct skin care routine.This might come as a surprise to some, but the day skincare and night skincare routine differs. Let us talk about the day skin care routine. The order in which you should use the products during the day is:

Removing the makeup with the oil-based cleanser and thereafter the creamy cleanser is the first thing that you should do. Even if there is no make-up, cleanser does a good job of making your skin ready for the next steps.

Think of toners like a primer to the face that hydrates the skin and unclogs the pores thereby reducing the chances of blackheads, acne and so on. Look for a toner that is induced with BHA like salicylic acid or AHA such as glycolic acid for the best results.

After cleansing and toning, face wash is option and depends on the type of cleanser and toner that you have used. For instance, if you are selecting cream based cleanser or toner, then using non-chemical, light face wash after is a good option

Concentrates of hydrators, skin nutrients and antioxidants, serums are the essentials for the skin that we often tend to skip. However, most of the skin nutrition comes from the serums and therefore skipping it is not advised.

Get rid of dark circles, fine lines, and other such issues that skin around the eye most commonly suffers from. During the day, you should opt out for the eye cream with SPF. Eye creams with the rollerball application are also extremely popular.

You can be flexible with spot treatments and apply when necessary. Spot treatment creams and serums can also be applied in the night.

An absolute necessity after Face wash is the moisturiser with SPF that you should apply on skin. Retaining the natural oil and water balance of the skin prevents it from aging and other skin problems.

Now, the regimen for the night will also be the same with the difference being that you might want to include retinol applications. Night is the time when the skin works most aggressively to repair itself and therefore repeating the above routine during the night will do wonders for the skin. Most of us folks are reluctant in appreciating the benefits of a regular skincare routine. However, step wise care of skin daily will do wonders to the skin. Removing the dirt, oil and dust from the skin lets your skin breathe and protects from free radicals. Cleansing, exfoliating the skin on a regular basis will take care of wrinkles, fine lines and early onset of aging signs. While selecting the skin care product also make sure that you are considering your skin type, moisturising content, ingredients, and price to select the best option.