How Over-Scrubbing Can Spoil Your Skin

It’s probably something most people say about checking into a body scrub spa for some pampering with a sea salt, sugar or another exotic scrub. People tend to use a scrub more than their skin actually needs which can be detrimental.

Excessive scrubbing and rubbing of skin and also exfoliating can damage the skin. One should not do so on a daily basis until it is a mild homemade scrub.

As it is believed that scrubs are said to slough off dead and dry skin, we take that real seriously sometimes and often overdo that. Few scrubs have mineral oils, synthetics (abrasive beads made of plastic)/chemicals which are very harmful for sensitive skins. If there is a cut or bruise on the skin, then avoid using a salt body scrub as it will worsen the condition and burn the skin.

The skin’s top layer is a protective barrier layer. Too much scrubbing will disrupt this layer. It will make that part of the skin more sensitive to UV rays. This will lead to easy tanning, sunburns and rashes. Also, the creams used for scrubs can block pores. It can also cause whiteheads and infection of hair follicles.

It is wrong to scrub dry flaky skin without proper care. This will disrupt the barrier function of the skin and makes it extremely sensitive. If you have a flaky skin, it’s better to moisturize with a coconut milk-based moisturizer. Scrubbing will cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which leads to darkening of blemishes.

How often should one use scrubs in a spa? The answer is once in every seven or 15 days. Every three to four days is not advisable. What will someone experience if they over-scrub their face?

•Rough, bumpy skin

•Very dry patches of skin

•Random breakouts on various parts of the face

•Uneven skin tone

•Skin that feels like sandpaper

•Tough, hardened skin