We all want radiant skin, so we pamper it with care year-round, whether it’s summer or winter.
One essential step in your beauty routine should be removing dead skin cells.

Why? Because it instantly gives your skin a fresh glow.
There are two ways to achieve this: scrubbing or exfoliating.

But what’s the difference between these methods? And more importantly, which one is better for your skin?

Keep reading! Because you deserve beautiful skin, too.

Is There a Difference Between Scrubbing and Exfoliating?

The short answer: Yes, there’s definitely a difference.

Many people think exfoliating is just a fancy synonym for scrubbing, but that’s not true.

While both techniques remove dead skin cells, they do so in entirely different ways—and that makes a big difference.

Scrubbing

Scrubbing is literally about scrubbing. Scrubs contain particles like sugar, salt, or ground nuts that physically scrape away dead skin cells.

This helps your skin renew itself more easily and prevents blemishes and breakouts. Sounds great, right? And it’s true—a good scrub session often leaves your skin feeling soft.

But, using the wrong scrub can seriously damage the healthy skin underneath. Scrubs with harsh particles or aggressive ingredients can irritate your skin, which is definitely not ideal. In fact, it can be outright harmful.

Does that mean you should never scrub again? Not at all! But it’s important to choose a gentle scrub that’s kind to your skin.

Tip: Check out this article where we answer all your scrub-related questions!

Exfoliating

Exfoliating is a gentler way to remove dead skin cells.

Often called “peeling,” exfoliation doesn’t scrape dead cells off your skin. Instead, it loosens them using acids that break the bonds between the dead cells and the healthy ones beneath them.

This makes it easier for the dead skin to shed naturally, leaving your healthy cells intact. The result? Smooth, glowing skin.

Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

But exfoliating can have its risks too, so it’s crucial to use the right exfoliant for your skin type.

Which Is Better for Your Skin?

Both methods are effective and beneficial when used correctly.

Scrubbing

As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to use a gentle scrub. The finer and more natural the scrub particles, the better.

Fine particles are gentler on your skin, and natural products are better for the environment.

After all, when you rinse your scrub away, those particles end up in the water system. Microplastics, found in many scrubs, can pollute our oceans.

Natural scrub particles, on the other hand, break down easily in nature.

That’s why our Kjarr scrub contains finely ground apricot kernels. Perfect for your skin and the environment!

Tips for scrubbing:

• Don’t scrub too hard; gentle circular motions are enough.
• Be extra careful with facial scrubs, as your face has more delicate skin than the rest of your body.

Exfoliating

When choosing an exfoliant, you’ll come across two main types:

• AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), such as glycolic acid.
• BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), such as salicylic acid.

Both stimulate collagen production, which helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines. But the best choice depends on your skin type.

Tip! Always test the exfoliant on a small patch of skin first and gradually increase usage. Does your skin respond well to the product? If so, you can start applying it more frequently.

AHA Exfoliant (Fruit Acid)

Best for: Mature, dry, and non-sensitive skin. Other skin types may find it irritating, so always test first!

Benefits:

• Anti-aging: AHA supports the formation of new skin cells.
• Hydrates and reduces dullness.
• Nourishes the skin.

Downsides:

• Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. (Always use a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher!)

BHA Exfoliant (Salicylic Acid)

Best for: Sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin with blemishes and blackheads.

Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
• Penetrates deeply into pores, effectively removing dead cells and excess oil.
• Helps reduce blackheads, large pores, and breakouts.

Downsides:

• Can dry out your skin.
• Not suitable if you’re allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).

Feeling inspired to pamper your skin with a natural and effective scrub after reading all about scrubbing? Why not try making one yourself?

It’s all-natural, effective, and so much fun to do. Our DIY Peppernut Scrub recipe is absolutely divine!

Prefer a natural scrub that smells amazing and leaves your skin glowing—without the effort of making it yourself?

Go for our YIONN Kjarr scrub! A ready-to-use, natural scrub made with finely ground apricot kernels. Perfect for all skin types!

Want even more useful and interesting beauty tips? Check out our shop, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and let’s stay in touch!