Jun 25, 2024

How physical scrubs can harm your skin's natural balance

Siddhartha Jana

Physical scrubs contain small, gritty particles, such as crushed walnut shells, apricot pits, or synthetic microbeads, designed to remove dead skin cells through exfoliation.

Source: Canva

The coarse nature of these scrubs can cause microtears, leading to skin irritation, inflammation, and an increased risk of infection, compromising the skin’s barrier over time.

Source: Canva

Regular use of physical scrubs can lead to over-exfoliation, stripping the skin of natural oils, causing dryness, excessive oil production, and acne.

Source: Canva

Physical scrubs can exacerbate skin conditions like rosacea and sensitive skin, potentially leading to long-term damage, skin thinning, premature ageing, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Source: Canva

Many physical scrubs contain plastic microbeads that harm marine life and the environment; even natural alternatives can have uneven edges, causing scratches and uneven exfoliation.

Source: Canva

Chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs provide a gentler, more controlled exfoliation process by dissolving bonds between dead skin cells without the risk of physical abrasion.

Source: Canva

Enzyme exfoliants from fruits like papaya and pineapple, and keratolytic agents like retinol, offer milder alternatives suitable for sensitive skin, promoting anti-ageing and treating thickened skin areas.

Source: Canva

Professional procedures like microdermabrasion and medi-facials, as well as keeping the skin moisturized with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, can aid in healthy exfoliation without abrasive scrubbing.

Source: Canva

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