Scrub: types, benefits and uses of exfoliating treatment
To experiment with an exfoliating treatment using a scrub means to indulge in the luxury of deep and rejuvenating cleansing. The term "scrub" evokes the vigorous action of rubbing but also the idea of impeccably clean and radiant skin. With scrubs, you open the door to a unique beauty experience that bestows silky, luminous skin with an unmistakably youthful appearance.
Here's everything you need to know about scrubs: meaning, actions, benefits, and how to use them.
What is a scrub and what is its purpose?
A scrub is a very useful product for thorough skin cleansing, particularly for removing dead cells and impurities that accumulate on the outer surface of the skin tissue, namely the epidermis.
This exfoliating treatment is an important step in skincare because the skin on our face and body naturally regenerates every month, but it can be slowed down by external factors such as pollution and UV rays, resulting in dullness, thickness, and sometimes the appearance of spots. By using an exfoliating scrub, you can help the skin regenerate optimally.
The main types of scrubs are available in different forms, such as creams or gels, and they contain solid micro-particles that, through rubbing, stimulate skin renewal by removing dead cells. Depending on the skin's needs, these particles can be composed of granular substances, spheres, or fine powders.
What is the meaning of scrub?
The term scrub means "to rub," "to scrub," or "to scrape" and originates from the English verb "to scrub", initially used in the surgical context to refer to the thorough washing of hands, forearms, and sometimes other body parts performed before surgery.
The purpose of this practice is to minimize the presence of microorganisms on the skin and prevent infections. Similarly, in the cosmetic field, the term "scrub" has been adopted to refer to a treatment that involves rubbing to physically remove impurities and dead cells from the skin's surface.
Benefits of using a scrub
Scrub offers numerous benefits for the health of the skin. Firstly, it can be used year-round for deep cleansing of the skin, effectively removing dead cells and other impurities such as makeup residue, smog, airborne allergens, and pollutants. When used regularly, it can help maintain healthy, soft, smooth, and radiant skin.
Scrubbing is also a valuable ally in preparing the skin for tanning and achieving optimal shaving results for men by controlling sebaceous activity in the dermis.
Another advantage of this treatment is its ability to limit the occurrence of ingrown hairs. By removing impurities, it facilitates hair removal, reducing the chances of hairs becoming trapped beneath the skin.
Types of Scrubs
There are several types of scrubs, each with different characteristics, benefits, and methods of use. Here are the main ones:
- Mechanical scrubs: these are the most common scrubs and contain granules or abrasive particles that remove dead skin cells. They can be based on:
- Sugar or salt: primarily used for the body, these scrubs have a gritty texture that aids in cleansing, while the presence of oil or butter in the formula leaves the skin soft and hydrated.
- Microbeads: made of plastic or other materials, these help remove dirt residue.
- Chemical scrubs: these scrubs use substances such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) that act on the skin by dissolving dead cells without the need for rubbing.
- Enzymatic scrubs: these scrubs utilize natural enzymes to remove dead skin cells. They are particularly suitable for sensitive skin or for those seeking a gentler exfoliating action.
- Powder scrubs: these scrubs activate when mixed with water. They often contain natural ingredients such as clay, buckwheat, or rice flour.
- Scalp scrubs: These are specific products for the delicate scalp area. They can be used to detoxify the scalp and remove excess sebum and dead skin cells.
Difference between Scrub, Peeling, and Gommage
There are many beauty treatments that can help eliminate dead skin cells and impurities from the skin. Among these, scrub, peeling, and gommage are frequently mentioned. However, it's important to note that these terms are not synonymous but rather identify three different exfoliating treatments:
- Gommage: it is the gentlest treatment with exfoliating and nourishing action. It is suitable for those seeking a light exfoliating effect, thanks to the presence of substances with fine grains that are only slightly abrasive, along with moisturizing ingredients. Additionally, it stimulates microcirculation and rapid cell renewal, purifies and enriches the skin, erasing signs of fatigue and giving it tone. This treatment can be performed once a week. Just like thermal scrub, this cosmetic also incorporates thermal water in the Pumilia facial exfoliating gommage and the sugar gommage by Innova.
- Peeling: it is a more intense treatment that utilizes chemical substances, such as acids, to remove the superficial layer of the skin and stimulate collagen production. There are different types of peeling, ranging from superficial actions to deeper effects, which can be used to treat wrinkles, blemishes, acne scars, and other skin concerns.
- Scrub: it is a treatment that removes dead skin cells and impurities from the skin's surface, leaving it smoother and more radiant. Exfoliation through a scrub can be physical, using mechanical exfoliating products, or chemical, utilizing substances like alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids. Additionally, a scrub helps remove impurities and improve the texture of the skin, but it doesn't have as deep of an effect as a peeling treatment.
When to use exfoliating treatments with a scrub
Scrub can be used throughout the year, preferably in the evening, to restore skin balance overnight.
There is no minimum age to start using this treatment because everyone has different needs. However, for optimal results, it is particularly recommended to start undergoing regular scrub treatments after the age of 30. This is because scrubbing can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and skin discolorations by stimulating collagen production, which is essential for a healthier and more radiant skin.
Furthermore, consistent use of an exfoliating scrub can be an excellent defense against the negative effects of external factors such as pollution and UV rays, providing the skin with thorough and effective cleansing.
It is important to use products suitable for your skin type and apply the scrub with gentleness, avoiding excessive pressure or frequency of use.
For those with sensitive skin, it is recommended to do the scrub once a week, while normal or oily skin types can use it twice a week.
How to do a treatment with a scrub
To achieve the best results from a scrub, it is important to properly prepare the skin. A great option is to have a session in a sauna or steam bath, as the heat softens the skin and opens up the pores. Alternatively, you can take a shower and apply the scrub to damp skin.
After the treatment, it is important to thoroughly rinse the body with lukewarm water to remove any residue. Additionally, to keep the skin soft and moisturized, it is always advisable to apply a moisturizing cream, oil, or lotion.
Now let's see how to apply a face scrub and a body scrub.
Exfoliating Treatment: Face Scrub
The face scrub represents an essential treatment to remove smog and makeup buildup from the skin of the face, giving it a fresh and radiant appearance. However, since it is a delicate area, it is important to use specific products and avoid the eye contour and lips during application to prevent irritation or redness.
To apply the scrub, start from the center of the forehead and gently move from the base of the nose to the tip, with more intense circular motions around the edges of the nose. Then, move down along the jawline to the chin and then onto the neck.
After the scrub, it is advisable to spray thermal water on the face to soothe and moisturize the skin, which is now ready to receive further treatments. In this case, the Nebula Il Tempio della Salute remineralizing water can be useful, as it contains fossil salsobromoiodic water with refreshing and bio-stimulating action.
Exfoliating Treatment: Body Scrub
To achieve the best results during the application of the body scrub, it is crucial to follow some simple guidelines. Firstly, it is recommended to start from the lower extremities of the body, beginning with the feet and moving up to the legs and hips, then proceeding to the arms and back. During application, gentle circular movements can be performed, moving from bottom to top, to promote blood circulation and the removal of dead skin cells.
To enhance the effectiveness of the scrub, slightly more pressure can be applied to areas such as the heels, knees, elbows and shoulders, where the skin is thicker and rougher. However, it is better to be gentle on the breasts, décolleté and inner thigh to avoid irritation or redness.
Once the scrub is applied to damp skin, it is important to thoroughly rinse with lukewarm water to remove any granular residue and preserve the natural softness of the skin.
Finally, to soothe the skin and enjoy a feeling of soft freshness, it is recommended to apply a moisturizing cream.
Contraindications of Scrub Treatments
Although the benefits of a scrub treatment are numerous, it is important to be careful about how it is used to avoid potential contraindications. For example, the treatment should be avoided during pregnancy as some ingredients may be absorbed through the skin. Additionally, it is important to avoid using it on open wounds, cold sores, acne, or after invasive cosmetic treatments.
Those who have rosacea or particularly sensitive skin should also be cautious when using a scrub as it may cause irritation or redness. Furthermore, during the summer, it is advisable to avoid applying it to the scalp to prevent irritation in case of prolonged sun exposure.
In any case, individuals with specific needs or specific issues should consult a dermatologist or esthetician before using a scrub and carefully follow the instructions on the packaging.
Thermae - Il Tempio della Salute Thermal Scrubs
Thermal scrubs belong to the category of mechanical scrubs, but they differ from traditional scrubs due to their composition enriched with the precious elements of thermal water. For example, the Thermae Il Tempio della Salute scrubs contain the fossil salsobromoiodic water from Salsomaggiore, which gives these thermal cosmetics a detoxifying and emollient action, leaving the skin soft and smooth.
Thanks to their rich and unique texture, thermal scrubs prepare the skin for the subsequent steps of the beauty routine and provide a pampering experience for the body and mind.
Among the range of Il Tempio della Salute thermal cosmetics, in particular, the Noveo Black Diamond exfoliating treatment is a true elixir of youth for mature facial skin. With its formulation enriched with microgranulated sugar, charcoal particles, and black diamond powder, this scrub offers a gentle and calibrated exfoliation that smooths the skin surface and deeply purifies it. With regular use of the Noveo exfoliant, the skin regains tone and silkiness, becoming more elastic and nourished. Furthermore, its detoxifying and regenerating action makes the skin more receptive and permeable to the subsequent steps of daily skincare.
Alternatively, in the shower, you can use the Renova cleansing scrub: thanks to its microgranules, it activates the superficial microcirculation of the skin, leaving it immediately more even, compact, and radiant. It is the ideal exfoliating treatment, especially in summer, to promote a tan!
Scrub: An Essential Step in the Ideal Beauty Treatment for the Skin
Scrubbing is an essential step in a skincare routine as it allows us to free the skin from impurities and give it renewed vitality.
Thanks to its exfoliating action, it gives us a healthy, radiant, and youthful appearance, while also making us feel relaxed and pampered. Whether we practice it in our own personal home spa or at an esthetic center, what matters is dedicating ourselves to this act of care and well-being, which helps us take care of ourselves and enhance our natural beauty.
