ABSTRACT

FACIAL SCRUBS Facial scrubs are mechanical exfoliants, as opposed to the chemical exfoliants previously discussed, employing small granules in a cleansing base to enhance corneocyte desquamation. The scrubbing granules may be polyethylene beads, aluminum oxide, ground fruit pits, or sodium tetraborate decahydrate granules aiding in the removal desquamating stratum corneum from the face (6). Sibley et al. considered abrasive scrubbing creams effective in controlling excess sebum and removing desquamating tissue (7). However, they can cause epithelial damage if used too vigorously. This view is held by Mills and Kligman, who noted that the products produced peeling and erythema without a reduction in comedones. Aluminum oxide and ground fruit pits provide the most abrasive scrub because of their rough-edged particles, followed by polyethylene beads, which are smoother and produce less stratum corneum removal. Sodium tetraborate decahydrate granules become softer and dissolve during rubbing, providing the least abrasive scrub.