Which Is Better, Face Wash Or Face Scrub?

Table of Contents

• What is Face Wash?
• What is Face Scrub?
• Understanding the Difference Between Face Wash and Face Scrub
• Benefits of Using Face Wash
• Benefits of Using Face Scrub
• How to Use Face Wash and Face Scrub Together: Step by Step
• Choosing the Right Face Wash and Face Scrub based on Skin Type
• Wrapping Up
• FAQ’s

Imagine a super long, stressful day ends! What do you need most? A full reset! All you want to do is take a nice shower, change into your Pj’s and get in bed. (sounds so tempting to me rn). Your skin needs a reset too!  Face Wash and Face Scrub are two products that cleanse and refresh the skin in two distincts ways. 

After reading this blog, you'll have a thorough understanding of the difference between face scrub and face wash, their benefits and how to use them.

What is Face Wash?

Face wash is the main product in all skincare routines. They use a variety of surfactants to serve the purpose of cleaning the oil, dirt and makeup from your face. Face wash comes in many formulations including creamy, gel or foamy textures. It is the real MVP in the skincare world. Face wash is used on a daily basis to remove trapped dirt from the pores

What is Face Scrub?

Face scrub is more of an exfoliating product than cleansing. It has a grainy texture that scrubs away dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and improves skin texture. This allows a new layer of skin to come through which makes your face look radiant. Face scrubs also help prepare the skin to efficiently absorb the next products in your skincare routine. They should be used on a weekly basis to refresh the skin.

Understanding the Difference Between Face Wash and Face Scrub

Now that we know what each is, let's further understand what the key difference between them is. Refer to the table below for a quick comparison.

Benefits of Using Face Wash

• Removes dirt, oil, sweat, and other impurities that accumulate on your skin throughout the day.
• Prevents clogged pores and breakouts.
• Maintains your skin's moisture balance.
• Regular cleansing helps prevent premature aging.
• Promotes a brighter, healthier look.
• Gives a refreshing, revitalizing feeling.
• Helps maintain the skin's natural pH balance.

Benefits of Using Face Scrub

• Removes dead skin cells.
• Smoothens rough patches and uneven texture.
• Helps keep pores clear.
• Increases blood circulation to the skin and promotes healthier skin.
• Leaves skin feeling soft and supple.
• Reveals a more radiant and glowing skin surface.
• Helps your skin absorb other skincare products.
• Helps reduce acne and removes impurities that could lead to blemishes.
• Prevents ingrown hairs.
• Removes dark spots and improves cell turnover.
• Stimulates the production of collagen.
• Maintains the skin's elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Use Face Wash and Face Scrub Together: Step by Step

Using a Face wash and Face scrub together can be quite beneficial in achieving clear and glowing skin. Below is a proper way to incorporate both of these skincare products in your regimen.

Step 1

The very first thing to do is use a Face wash. Wet your face with water, take a little amount of the product on your fingers and massage it onto your face. Use circular motions and focus more on the oily areas of your face. Rinse it off and let your skin be damp.

Step 2

Now we use a face scrub to ensure the skin is thoroughly exfoliated. Take a small amount of the face scrub on your hands and massage it gently on your skin. Do not apply too much pressure or scrub a particular area for more than a minute. Avoid using it on your eyes or lips. Again rinse it off and pat your skin dry.

Step 3

Follow the above steps with a toner to help maintain the skin's pH level and wipe away any remaining impurities. Take the product on a cotton pad and wipe it all over the face.

Step 4

Lastly, your skin needs a little nourishment after going through both cleansing and exfoliation. So use a moisturiser to hydrate your skin and lock in all the moisture. 

Choosing the Right Face Wash and Face Scrub based on Skin Type

Oily Skin

Face wash: It should be designed to control oil and minimize shine. Opt for gel based or foaming formulations that contain salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or charcoal.

Face scrub: It should contain ingredients like charcoal or salicylic acid that help deeply cleanse and reduce oil build-up.

Dry Skin

Face wash: It should be designed to help retain moisture and prevent your skin from feeling tight after washing. Opt for a creamy or hydrating face wash with ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid.

Face scrub: Opt for gentle exfoliating particles with ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E that prevent skin from becoming dry.

Sensitive Skin

Face wash: It should be specifically formulated for sensitive skin and be free from fragrance. Opt for mild face wash with ingredients like chamomile, calendula, or aloe vera.

Face scrub: Opt for chemical exfoliants or non-abrasive scrub that are not harsh on sensitive skin. 

Combination Skin

Face wash: It should address both dry and oily areas of your face. Opt for Gel or cream-based cleansers.

Face scrub: Opt for a scrub with fine exfoliating particles to keep your skin smooth without irritating either the oily or dry areas.

Acne Prone Skin

Face wash: It should be designed to help combat acne and prevent breakouts. Opt for a face wash with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil that deeply cleanses pores.

Face scrub: Opt for a scrub with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that helps treat acne while exfoliating.

Normal skin

Face wash: Opt for a gentle, non-stripping face wash that can maintain your skin's natural balance. 

Face scrub: Opt for a mild exfoliant with fine, soft exfoliating particles.

Wrapping Up,

A face wash & a face scrub both offer valuable benefits and can enhance your face to look more cleaner, softer and glowing. Face wash ensures your skin is free from the days tiredness and unwanted accumulation and Face scrub provides the skin with exfoliation leading to a brighter complexion. If you follow the right steps and choose the right products, you'll be able to get the best of both. 

FAQ’s

Which is better, face wash or scrub?

Both face wash and face scrub are good for the skin in their own ways. Face wash is ideal for daily use to cleanse the skin and face scrub is an exfoliating product used to remove dead skin cells. Both are important for a healthy skin.

Can I use scrub as face wash?

No, it's not ideal to use a face scrub as a face wash. Scrubs contain abrasive particles that can be harmful if used daily as a face wash. 

Can I use scrub on pimples?

You can opt for a  gentle scrub with chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid that  can be beneficial for acne-prone skin. However avoid scrubbing over active pimples or breakouts as it can worsen the condition.

How many minutes to scrub your face?

You should scrub your face for less than two minutes. Keeping the scrubbing time short is necessary to avoid over-exfoliation that can irritate your skin.

Can scrub remove acne scars?

No! Scrubs are unlikely to completely remove acne scars. They can help fade dark spots and improve skin texture and tone, when used consistently. 

What face wash is best for acne?

The best face wash for acne is Dr. Rashel’s Neem Fresh Face wash, because it helps eliminate excess oil, remove impurities and fight pimples and acne.