Exfoliating vs. Micro Dermabrasion vs. Facial Scrubs...What is the difference?

Also do any of you have a recomendation for a fine scrub with smaller beads? Or any other recommendations. I have flakey combination skin and acne.Exfoliating vs. Micro Dermabrasion vs. Facial Scrubs...What is the difference?
The two prior answers are correct, but I wanted to throw my 2 cents in anyway.





If you have open/active lesions (pimples) on your face, you should avoid exfoliators to reduce the chance of spreading the bacteria that causes acne (p acnes bacteria) to other areas of your face, and/or irritating the skin that it could become hyper-sensitive and scar as a result.





A scrub may not be the ideal product for you at this time. A skin care programe for your skin type to interrupt the break out cycle and stabilize your skin sounds more in order.





If consulting a skin care therapist (Aesthetician or a dermatologist) is not an option, try these steps:





1. Look at your diet. Some acne skins are aggrivated by iodine (found in common table salt), you can sind iodized salt at most fast food places. You can even have breakouts if your body has a low zinc level.





2. Understand ingredients found in acne products. Salicylic acid is used to gently exfoliate the skin and absorb excess oil. Benzyoil peroxide is a bacteria killer.





3. Salicylic is typically used in cleansers and moisturizers as a daily maintainance item. Benzyoil peroxide is used to treat an active lesion (break out).





4. A low-cost, gentle exfoliator that helps to kill bacteria on the skin and soften blackheads for removal is common household baking soda. Simply mix with water to a runny consistency, and apply to clean skin. Remove with a clean cloth/rinse with tepid water.





5. Use a toner w/o alcohol to rid skin of any residual debris and to restore the pH balance of the skin.





6. Hydrate with a light/gel based moisturizer.





Good luck!Exfoliating vs. Micro Dermabrasion vs. Facial Scrubs...What is the difference?
Exfoliating means polishing off the top layers of the skin.


This can be done using:


- micro-dermabrasion (which is harmful to the skin in the long term, and can actually aggravate acne and make it worse)


- facial scrubs, which are also harmful if you get the ones with apricot shells or walnut shells or sand in them. These are rough and will scratch the skin and make it worse (even though it might feel good at the beginning)





There is a good polishing scrub from Artistry (only available online from Quixtar.com) that is made with small round beads that gently polish the skin without scratching.





The flaky combination skin and acne could all stem from one source - scrubbing too hard and removing the top protective layer of the skin and the surface oils, making the skin produce more oil. The flakiness is from the damage to the skin done by the scrubbing.





Go gently. Use a gentle scrub only once or twice a week, use a cleanser that doesn't contain alcohol, use a toner that doesn't contain alcohol, and use a moisturizer that doesn't contain oil (a water-based lotion).
Exfoliation is defined as ';to remove in flakes or scales, peel';. It is the process of removing the outermost layer of dead and dying skin cells to reveal younger, brighter skin. Micrdermabrasion is a particular exfoliation treatment. Facial scrubs are a myriad of products that claim many levels of exfoliation from mild to aggresive.





Facial scrubs are a daily treatment, meant to safely exfoliate your skin as not to cause excess drying or redness. Most are gritty, varying from finer sand-type grains to larger crushed walnut shells that are used in St. Ives Apricot Scrub. I Share in your pain with the same skin type. I would highly recommend Mary Kay skincare products for 25%26amp; up and Proactive for under 25. I have used them both and now prefer Mary Kay's products for the added anti-aging benefits and continued clear complexion.


The Proactive cleanser uses very fine exfoliating particles.





Microdermabrasion is the ';abrasion'; or resurfacing of the outermost layer of skin using ';micro'; or small objects. Most dermatologist treatments use aluminum oxide crystals. This is an intense resurfacing of your skin and is meant to be used on an ocassional basis (1 or 2 times a week at most, especially if you are acne prone). This process reveals newer skin cells that are more vulnerable to damage, so you MUST wear sunscreen after a treatment. Your skin is likely to appear red afterwards, but will return to normal quickly. Most over-the-counter microdermabrasion products are simply one step; intense exfoliation. I highly recommend a two step kit, such as Mary Kay's Microdermabrasion Set. A two step set exfoliates and has a second treatment (usually a cream) that protects and replenishes the fragile, newly revealed skin. There is some risk this process may intensify your acne breakouts, you should seek the advice of a dermatologist if you have any concerns.





Truly, the best way to clear breakouts is a consistent skincare routine. It is very important to cleanse %26amp; moisturize every morning and evening and to wear sunscreen daily.





Best of luck!