What is the difference between a scrub, peeling and exfoliant?

Both a scrub, peeling and exfoliant are products that are used to deeply cleanse the skin and remove dead skin cells. But what is the difference and how do you choose? Whether you suffer from dry or oily skin, pigment spots or acne - here you can read everything you need to know about the best exfoliant for your skin!

A scrub and peeling are exfoliants

An exfoliant refers to all products used to deeply cleanse the skin and remove dead skin cells. This can be done, for example, using small granules (scrub) or ingredients that 'chemically' dissolve your outer layer of skin ( facial peel ).

Why exfoliate?

By using an exfoliant, such as a scrub or peeling - you remove dead skin cells and your skin can better absorb other active substances. This ensures a better skin condition with, among other things, the following benefits:

• Clogged pores appearance
• Reduction of irregularities
• A smooth and radiant skin
• Less visible fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduction of pigment spots
• Reduction of a flaky skin

For these beauty goals it is important that you choose the right product that suits your skin, you can read more about this further on. 

What is the difference between a scrub and a peeling?

With a scrub you rub small particles over your skin (physically) and a peeling uses skin-renewing ingredients that dissolve dead skin cells (chemically). 

Scrub or peeling?

Scrub: A scrub is usually not suitable for sensitive or dry skin. Hard rubbing or the use of overly coarse granules can cause minor skin damage. This microtrauma can subsequently lead to skin problems such as pigmentation spots or periorbital dermatitis . The advantage of scrubbing is that friction stimulates blood circulation. Therefore, we recommend a body scrub (based on Himalayan salt).

Peeling: A peeling, on the other hand, removes dead skin cells using specific exfoliating substances, such as a peeling serum with fruit acids. Because they work 'chemically', the skin is renewed evenly. They can penetrate deep into the skin, making them also suitable for natural acne treatment or as an anti-aging product.

Please note: a scrub or peel can cause sun sensitivity. Therefore, protect your skin well from the sun. This will also prevent the formation of pigment spots after exfoliation.

Which exfoliant is best suited to your skin problem?

To get the most out of an exfoliant and, above all, to avoid unnecessarily damaging or drying out the skin, it is very important to choose a mild product that suits your skin's needs . Many exfoliants are too strong, throwing your skin off balance. As a result, problems can actually worsen in the long run!

What does your skin need?

As you have read, a peel can significantly improve your skin condition! However, it is essential that you provide your skin with sufficient moisture after a peel. A perfect ingredient for this is hyaluronic acid.

ACNE

Exfoliating acne-prone skin requires extra attention. Because excess sebum and clogged pores can worsen acne, it is important to use mild, natural products that both remove dead skin cells and soothe the skin. Acne-prone skin is almost always out of balance, and you do not want to make this worse. For deep yet gentle cleansing and exfoliation, choose, for example, our natural face mask with cleansing and exfoliating ingredients.

For acne, a gentle chemical peel with AHAs (fruit acids such as glycolic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid) from natural sources is ideal. These ingredients have a powerful exfoliating effect and effortlessly remove excess sebum. This is done without scrubbing the skin, as usually happens with a scrub. In our opinion, this method of exfoliation is certainly indispensable for an at-home acne treatment.

ANTI AGING

A peel for aging skin can work like a miracle cure for wrinkles . For as the skin ages, natural cell renewal slows down, allowing dead skin cells to linger longer. This causes the skin to become looser and dull. By exfoliating regularly and gently, you remove these cells and make room for new, healthy layers of skin.

Not only can this give you a smoother, more radiant complexion, it can also help reduce fine lines and improve overall skin texture. It’s important to choose gentle exfoliants with natural ingredients so that your skin isn’t overburdened. Also read: 

Extra tip: use the best retinol serum RetinLift 3-in-1 after your peel .

DULL SKIN AND PIGMENT SPOTS

Gentle exfoliation is perfect for removing pigment spots naturally. By gently removing dead skin cells, you give your skin the chance to renew itself and regain its natural radiance. Choose a natural peel with gentle fruit acids that treats your skin with respect, and discover how this simple step can reduce your pigment spots and improve your skin!

Finish your routine with a natural face oil containing rosehip oil. Rosehip in Lingonberry Bright gives your skin a healthy and bright glow after just the first use! Regular use reduces the visibility of pigmentation spots and dark circles.

SENSITIVE OR DRY SKIN

If you have dry skin, it is crucial to choose a gentle exfoliant to avoid irritation and further drying. Natural fruit acids, such as lactic acid from blueberries, help hydrate the skin and stimulate collagen production. 

Extra tip: apple cider vinegar for your scalp . If you also suffer from a dry scalp, malic acid can be your savior! This fruit acid in our apple cider vinegar hair rinse reduces itching and flakes.

ECZEMA

When it comes to treating facial eczema , less is more! In this case, the skin is already particularly sensitive and weakened, meaning exfoliating often does more harm than good. Removing dead skin cells, even with mild products, can further damage the skin barrier and worsen irritation and inflammation. This makes the skin even drier and more susceptible to infections, which hinders recovery.

Instead of exfoliating, it is wiser to opt for hydrating and soothing treatments that support and protect the skin when dealing with eczema. With a natural remedy for eczema , you give your skin the chance to recover gently without extra stress and irritation.

Want to know more about a peel or scrub? Check out: at-home fruit acid peel for more exfoliation tips for every skin type, or contact us, we are happy to help!