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Jul 13, 20242 min read

What is the difference between a scrub and an exfoliator?

Short answer: A scrub is a physical exfoliator that uses granular particles to manually slough off dead skin cells, while an exfoliator refers to any product or treatment that helps remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.

Detailed answer

A scrub is a type of physical exfoliator that typically contains granular particles, such as sugar or salt, which are massaged onto the skin to physically slough off or scrub away dead skin cells. Scrubs work by providing mechanical friction to physically remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath. However, some scrubs can be abrasive and may cause skin irritation or damage if used too harshly or frequently.On the other hand, the term 'exfoliator' is more general and refers to any product or treatment that helps remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, regardless of the method used. Unlike scrubs, exfoliators can include chemical exfoliants that work by dissolving the glue-like substance that holds dead skin cells together, allowing them to be easily shed. Chemical exfoliators often contain ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) which help to gently exfoliate the skin without the need for physical scrubbing.In summary, while a scrub is a specific type of physical exfoliator that uses granular particles to manually slough off dead skin cells, an exfoliator is a broader term that encompasses all products and treatments designed to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, including both physical and chemical methods.

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