Scrubbing is a huge pick-me-up for your skin. For both your face and body. But, not every face or body scrub is right for your skin. Which type of scrub and which way of exfoliating best suits you depends on several factors. Age, genes, skin type and the reason you want to exfoliate – such as dry skin, blemishes or ingrown hairs – all play a role. To help you out, I researched 7 different scrub(method)s. In this blog article you will read about each type of scrub/method for whom it is suitable, for which body part, for what purpose and skin type. That way you will soon know exactly which scrub you want!

I cover 7 types of scrubs:

• Traditional scrub cream
• Dry brush
• Eco sponge
• Scrub glove
• Peeling
• Washcloth
• Scrub with microbeads

1. Traditional scrub

Traditional scrubs are available as dry scrubs or scrub creams. It is a popular cleansing product that contains natural exfoliating particles such as sugar, salt, oatmeal, coffee or ground seeds – such as walnuts or apricot kernels.

Sugar scrubs are fine for sensitive skin because the granules are not very sharp and dissolve quickly during exfoliation.

Salt scrubs have the advantage of being anti-inflammatory and sea salt is a natural purifier. Oatmeal scrubs are super gentle on the skin and have a moisturizing effect.

A coffee scrub is perfect for the body and is often used in anti-cellulite scrubs. Scrubs with coarsely ground, sharp seeds are too harsh for the face.

For removing and preventing ingrown hairs, however, this type of scrub is perfectly suited.

Body part: Coarse scrubs are suitable for the body and fine scrubs for the face
Purpose: Cleansing, moisturizing, stimulating blood circulation, removing toxins
Skin type: All skin types

2. Dry brush

To exfoliate with a brush, all you need is a brush. You do not use any cleansing product or water in this process. It is an exfoliating method suitable for those who prefer not to exfoliate while showering.

Exfoliating with a dry brush is claimed to reduce cellulite in addition to removing dead skin cells. In fact, scrubbing with a dry brush stimulates blood circulation and the lymphatic system (which drains waste products) so it has a kind of detoxifying effect.

Body part: Suitable for your body
Purpose: Remove dead skin cells, stimulate blood circulation, detoxify
Skin type: All skin types

3. Natural scrub sponge

There are all kinds of eco-friendly scrub sponges for sale these days, such as a konjac sponge or a loofah sponge. These have the advantage of being long-lasting and completely natural. Often there is not even plastic packaging. Good for the environment! Over time, however, bacteria may settle in the sponges. Cleaning them regularly is therefore a requirement.

Body part: Suitable for your body
Purpose: Cleansing
Skin types: All skin types

4. Scrub Glove

Scrub gloves are excellent for exfoliating your body because they allow you to quickly and easily exfoliate the entire body. They come in a variety of materials, such as silicone, hemp and loofah. Your face and other sensitive body parts such as your neck are best avoided with an exfoliating glove. It is a durable product that – depending on the material – you can easily wash in the washing machine.

Body part: Suitable for your body
Purpose: To remove dead skin cells, prevent ingrown hairs
Skin types: All skin types

5. Peeling

With a peel, also called an exfoliant, you remove dead, superficial skin cells using acids such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic or fruit acids. You conjure up a smoother skin surface, and a peel removes dead skin cells without the need to exfoliate with scrub particles or a sponge, brush or glove. So there is no risk of skin damage. This method of exfoliation is very mild, making it perfect for the face.

Do you suffer from blemished skin or skin with acne or pigmentation spots? Then exfoliation – because of its purifying effect – is a suitable exfoliation method for you. Aging skin also benefits from exfoliation as it stimulates the production of collagen. Do allow your skin to get used to the exfoliation and build up use slowly to avoid drying and irritation.

Body part: Suitable for your face
Purpose: To remove dead skin cells, purify, stimulate skin renewal
Skin types: Sensitive skin, aging skin and blemished skin

6. Washcloth

Do you have very sensitive (facial) skin and prefer not to exfoliate? Then don’t underestimate the power of a simple washcloth! In fact, with this you can also cleanse your skin well. But in a gentle way, without the risk of damaging or irritating the skin. Of course, use it together with a mild soap or face wash that suits your skin type.

Body part: Suitable for your body and face
Purpose: Mild cleansing
Skin types: Sensitive skin

7. Scrub with microbeads

So far, I’ve shared with you 6 great exfoliating methods you can use to enjoy the amazing benefits of exfoliating. They are 6 methods that are kind to your skin and nature.

I would like to take this opportunity and “warn” you about an unfortunately still common exfoliation method: exfoliating with microbeads. Mircobeads are very small plastic balls that are added to a scrub for the “exfoliating” effect. Huge harm to people and the environment, because they cannot be filtered out of our water, and you don’t do your skin any favors with them either.

The tiny plastic particles eventually end up in the ocean, our food and our bodies. Fortunately, the use of microbeads is decreasing, but there are still scrubs available that contain them. You can check the label to make sure a scrub does not contain microbeads, but a natural scrub particles. Mircobeads can be found on the label under the names: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate and polymethyl methacrylate.

Looking for a natural scrub for sensitive body parts?

Especially for women who want to exfoliate their body and face with a natural, organic scrub, I have developed YIONN Kjarr. This scrub and exfoliation in one is also specially designed for women who shave, epilate and/or wax. The scrub is suitable for the most sensitive body parts such as the bikini area. The mild scrub YIONN Kjarr contains two key ingredients: Bacillus Ferment and finely ground apricot kernels.

Instead of the typical acid-based exfoliation, YIONN Kjarr offers an organic exfoliation with the enzyme Bacillus Ferment. This is much kinder to the skin and perfect for all parts of the body. Even for your face. The scrub contains finely ground apricot kernels that no longer have sharp edges thanks to a fine grind. The scrub there is suitable not only for all body parts, but also for all skin types. View the YIONN scrub and peel here.

For an effective exfoliating routine, I recommend using a soft exfoliating glove weekly. With this you massage your skin and improve circulation. The result is soft, healthy skin that is free of dead skin cells.