The best face scrubs to polish up your complexion (2024)

Scrub up with one of these and your skin will look fresh as in no time

Good face scrubs are essential for maintaining your complexion and that's a fact. Your skin's cell turnover means that it's important to give it some help in getting rid of dead skin cells from time to time, along with the help of a good exfoliator.

Whether you opt for a grainy scrub or an exfoliating chemical face peel, there's a formula and set of ingredients to suit each and every skin type. Read on to find out which is the right one for you.

Homemade face scrubs

Of course, you don't have to splurge on a high end scrub to get results. Just like the best homemade face masks, it's possible to make your own face scrub using ingredients you most likely have in your kitchen already.

So, which ones do you need to know about?

While there are lots of benefits to cutting sugar out of your diet, sugar scrubs are a completely different story. A scrub made with sugar and coconut oil for skin is a great remedy for dryness, but avoid recipes using this ingredient if your skin is prone to excess oil.

Face scrubs for dry skin

Dry skin is always a pain, but it's particularly annoying if you struggle with it on your face – nobody wants to look flaky, do they? The good news is that exfoliating twice a week with the right scrub can fix that.

Follow up with the best moisturiser for dry skin to keep flakiness at bay, as over-exfoliating can make your skin even drier. Choose a scrub with moisturising properties, such as Superfacialist's Brighten & Refine Facial Scrub

Face scrubs for oily skin

When it comes to oily skin, you're probably already well-versed in the benefits of salicylic acid (BHA) for helping regulate your skin's oil levels and cleaning your pores. After scrubbing, be sure to apply the best moisturiser for oily skin to maximise the effects and keep your skin smooth and oil-free.

Another option is to try out a professional blackhead extraction facial, in which a facial therapist cleans out your pores by extracting the oil using a special tool. Regular extraction isn't a cheap solution, but it does help to keep pores clear and clear your skin over time.

Follow these tips for exfoliating your oily skin and you'll have clearer, less-clogged pores in no time.

Scroll through our round up to find your new favourite facial polish. It'll bring a whole new meaning to the expression 'you scrub up well' (sorry).

The best face scrubs to polish up your complexion (1)

ESPA Refining Skin Polish, £30, espaskincare.com

The best face scrubs to polish up your complexion (2)

Nars Double Refining Exfoliator

Best for: Uneven skin texture

If your biggest skin bug bear is enlarged pores and dullness, this one's for you. NARS' Light Reflecting Complex contains light reflecting particles to give you the youthful glow of your dreams, while refining your skin with a mild citric acid exfoliator that reduces pores' visibility.

Shop now: Nars Double Refining Exfoliator for £26 from Fabled

The best face scrubs to polish up your complexion (3)

Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask and Scrub

Best for: Oily skin

Working in the city can wreak havoc on your skin, particularly if you already struggle with oiliness. A charcoal detoxing exfoliator can work wonders on restoring your skin's natural balance, and the natural silica beads in Clinique's will give your pores a good, deep clean.

Shop now: Clinique City Block Charcoal Clay Mask and Scrub for £29 from Fabled

The best face scrubs to polish up your complexion (4)

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel

Best for: Dull skin

Not all exfoliators have to have scrubby little particles. This Papaya Enzyme Peel from Elemis not only smells like a tropical cocktail, but it gently exfoliates your skin in a leave-on cream formula – meaning you can get on with things while it works its magic.

Shop now: Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel for £34 from Fabled

The best face scrubs to polish up your complexion (5)

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Best for: Ageing skin

Murad's products are known for their active ingredients, and their AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is no exception to the rule. This scrub softens and smooths out fine lines while brightening its appearance, thanks to the active and hard-working combination of glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Dead skin cells, be gone.

Shop now: Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser for £35 from Fabled

The best face scrubs to polish up your complexion (6)

Superfacialist Rose Brighten & Refine Facial Scrub

Best for: Dry skin

Exfoliating can lead to excessive dryness, so not only is it important to moisturise afterwards, but also choose a face scrub that won't dry your skin out too much. Enter the Brighten & Refine face scrub, containing naturally moisturising ingredients like cocoa and shea butter to moisturise your skin while you buff away those dry dead skin cells.

Shop now: Superfacialist Rose Brighten & Refine Facial Scrub for £8.99 from Boots

The best face scrubs to polish up your complexion (7)

Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Scrub

Best for: Sensitive skin

You'd be forgiven for thinking that face scrubs were a complete no-no for sensitive skin. The last thing you want is a rough scrub abrading your face and making it sore, right? Mostly – but a face scrub doesn't have to be intense. Choose something like Simple's face scrub, which is free from harsh chemicals, colours and perfumes, and won't upset your skin.

Shop now: Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Scrub for £3.49 from Boots

The best face scrubs to polish up your complexion (2024)
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