Which is better, exfoliating gel or scrub? The advantages and disadvantages of exfoliating gel and scrub

Exfoliating gel and scrub are mainly used to remove dirt and dead skin from the skin. Removing dead skin can make the skin more delicate, smooth and elastic. So, which is better, exfoliating gel or scrub?

Which is better, exfoliating gel or scrub?

Both exfoliating gel and scrub are good, the key is to see your needs. If it is used for facial exfoliation, it is generally advisable to use a mild and skin-friendly exfoliating gel. If you want to exfoliate your body, especially if the stratum corneum is thick and needs deep cleaning, it is recommended to use a scrub, which has the most direct and obvious effect.

Pros and cons of exfoliating gel

Advantages: Exfoliating gel usually uses chemical methods to remove dead skin cells. It does not contain abrasive particles, and uses its own ingredients to soften the skin's old dead skin cells, forming dead skin flakes that fall off with a rub. The advantages of exfoliating gel are that it is gentle and skin-friendly, non-irritating, and has milder ingredients. It has a wide range of applicability and is suitable for almost all skin types. Regularly using a mild exfoliating lotion to remove aged cuticles can help promote epidermal metabolism, cell renewal, and restore skin's smoothness and tenderness.

Disadvantages: The cleaning effect is weak.

Pros and Cons of Scrubs

Advantages: Scrub is a physical exfoliation method. It contains abrasive particles and removes dead skin cells during massage and friction. The advantage is that the effect is the most direct and obvious. Suitable for oily skin, it contains scrub particles that can deeply cleanse the skin, thoroughly remove facial dirt and residual makeup, and can also unclog pores and regulate excess oil secretion without feeling dry and tight.

Disadvantages: Scrub particles can cause damage to the skin, so you must use correct massage techniques and choose products with small particles. It is best not to use scrub on the face as it will cause the pores to become larger and the skin's stratum corneum to become thinner. It can be used on other parts of the body.

How Excessive Exfoliation Can Harm Your Skin

Whether it is exfoliating gel or scrub, you should not use it frequently. The stratum corneum is one of the structures of the epidermis. Its function is to prevent foreign substances from entering the human body and to prevent the loss of water in the body. Therefore, when we generally refer to exfoliation, we do not mean to remove the stratum corneum, but to help the stratum corneum remove the aging stratum corneum cells on the surface. The metabolic cycle of the stratum corneum is about 2 weeks and its thickness is only 0.1 mm. Therefore, excessive exfoliation can easily lead to skin problems. This "excessive" includes "too much" and "too harsh". Too frequent and harsh exfoliation will remove the original stratum corneum, making it difficult for the skin to form a new stratum corneum in a short period of time. Without the protection of the stratum corneum, moisture is more easily lost, resulting in problems such as dry skin. In addition, skin that has lost the barrier function of the stratum corneum is prone to problems such as flushing and itching, and may even allow bacteria to take advantage of the situation and cause skin infection.