Beauty
Fact-checked

At BeautyAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Choose the Best Microdermabrasion Scrub?

Kaiser Castro
Kaiser Castro

An exfoliating microdermabrasion scrub is designed to remove dead skin cells on the surface of the epidermis, revealing healthier skin. There is a large variety of facial scrubs that come with different formulations and exfoliating agents. Skin type, active exfoliating properties, and benefits being sought after will have to be taken into account when you are choosing the best comprehensive microdermabrasion scrub.

Consider skin type when choosing a microdermabrasion scrub. Most oily skin types will usually benefit from microdermabrasion scrubs formulated with acidic ingredients that can help eradicate sebum buildup. Facial scrubs for oily skin will usually be suspended in a chemical exfoliator such as alpha hydroxy acid. Alpha hydroxy acid creates an acidic environment that can help control sebum production. The scrub will usually contain papaya or pineapple extracts as the active exfoliating agent.

A microdermabrasion scrub.
A microdermabrasion scrub.

Dry skin tends to respond well with a microdermabrasion scrub formulated with finely milled apricot pits or other organic material. These exfoliating agents are capable of delivering a more thorough exfoliating action on the skin, effectively sloughing off dead skin. Jojoba oil, olive oil and shea butter are popular ingredients infused in facial scrubs formulated for dry skin. These ingredients act as emollients and humectants, effectively infusing and attracting moisture onto the epidermis.

Microdermabrasion scrubs commonly contain papaya extracts.
Microdermabrasion scrubs commonly contain papaya extracts.

Sensitive skin types can usually benefit with microdermabrasion scrubs formulated with rounded beads suspended in lactic or citric acid. Rounded beads tend to be gentler on the skin than other exfoliating agents. Lactic and citric acid offer a more gentle exfoliating experience than beta and alpha hydroxy acids. Some formulas for sensitive skin will include oatmeal, sugar or herbal extracts as an ingredient. A gentle microdermabrasion scrub can deliver exfoliation onto the skin without leaving it feeling dry and sore.

Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.
Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.

Skin that is prone to acne lesions tends to respond well to salicylic acid. A type of beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid is a popular ingredient formulated in microdermabrasion scrubs designed for skin that is prone to acne lesions. The acid works by drying up pimples and increasing cellular turnover.

Finally, scrubs formulated with vitamins and antioxidants tend to be beneficial for aging skin. Vitamins A, C and E are usually found in microdermabrasion scrubs formulated for aging skin. Antioxidants are sometimes infused in the scrub as well, retarding the deterioration of skin cells that can result in wrinkle formations. A microdermabrasion scrub for aging skin will usually have aluminum oxide crystals as the active exfoliating agent.

Discussion Comments

SteamLouis

@turkay1-- I think microdermabrasion might be the right term to use for these kind of scrubs because not all scrubs have actual skin exfoliants in them. Scrubs usually have little granules in them that you have to rub on your face so that the dead skin can come off.

But microdermabrasion scrubs don't require that much work because the acid exfoliants in the scrub do it all themselves.

I use a microdermabrasion scrub with AHA in it and I don't have to do too much. I just gently massage it in for a minute or two and wash it off. The AHA inside helps remove the dead skin. And it doesn't just happen while I'm using the scrub. It keeps removing dead skin throughout the day. So microdermabrasion is the right term for these scrubs and these microdermabrasion treatments can be done at home.

candyquilt

@burcidi-- No, they're absolutely not the same. Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure. I had it done at my dermatologist's office, although it can be done in some spas too now. It's a procedure where they throw very small exfoliating particles on your skin through a little tool. This helps remove the layer of dead skin from your face.

Exfoliating scrubs that can be used at spas or at home, also exfoliate the skin but usually using chemical exfoliants like BHA or AHA as the article also mentioned. And you have to use the product and massage it into your skin yourself.

I think the author of the article had exfoliation scrubs in mind when writing this. Because microdermabrasion generally uses crystals, not chemical exfoliants. Plus, skin microdermabrasion removes an entire layer of dead skin. Scrubs are not as invasive.

burcidi

Is a regular face scrub and a microdermabrasion facial scrub the same thing? From the article, it sounds like the same, but then what does microdermabrasion mean?

I'm using an exfoliating face scrub with salyclic acid right now. Does this count as a microdermabrasion scrub?

I have acne-prone, problem skin and I have to use a face scrub several times a week. Otherwise, my pores get clogged from dirt and oil. If I don't clean them, they turn into blackheads or get infected and become acne.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A microdermabrasion scrub.
      By: picsfive
      A microdermabrasion scrub.
    • Microdermabrasion scrubs commonly contain papaya extracts.
      By: anjelagr
      Microdermabrasion scrubs commonly contain papaya extracts.
    • Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.
      By: kubais
      Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.
    • Acne-prone skin typically responds well to salicylic acid.
      By: badmanproduction
      Acne-prone skin typically responds well to salicylic acid.
    • Microdermabrasion is used to clean skin pores and to remove dead skin cells.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Microdermabrasion is used to clean skin pores and to remove dead skin cells.