A facial scrub, facial wash, and facial cream are all great high-level maintenance tools for men who pay extra attention to their skin. And these should very well be in your skincare arsenal if you’re looking to keep your skin fresh and youthful as the years accumulate.

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However, it’s often easier to mix one with the other; and knowing which one to use or which one is generally suited better to your skin can be quite a predicament.

Allow us to break things down for you as we look at the differences between the three and how best to use them.

What’s a Facial Scrub?

A men’s facial scrub, also known as an exfoliator, has fine particles and specially formulated ingredients to assist in physically exfoliating the top layer of the skin which has dead cells. An ideal facial scrub is effective yet gentle at the same time.

High-end facial scrub products contain dermatological-grade glycolic acid, which also helps dermatologists, beauticians and stylists exfoliate the skin. Dead skin cells have certain bonds between them which are easily softened and broken down by glycolic acid, which is effectively removed using the exfoliating particles.

Pay close attention to what kind of exfoliating beads are used in facial scrubs; soft and rounded miniaturized ones are best as the larger, rougher ones can damage your skin.

What’s a Facial Wash?

A facial wash, also known as a facial cleanser is more or less a liquid facial cleanser. It has varying properties compared to a bar soap as it uses gentle liquid cleansing agents rather than detergent agents bonded with fatty substances.

Facial washes are ideal for removing impurities from your face without removing the soft and natural emollients found in your skin cells.

Look for professional-grade products that contain salicylic acid, and combine with a gentle cleanser and conditioner. Salicylic acid has unique properties which clear oily residues from the pores of your skin.  

What’s a Face Cream?

Facial creams are a mix of oil and liquid, with oils sharing a higher ratio. They are thick and have a butter-like texture which allows them to easily get absorbed into the skin. Face creams have good moisturizing properties and are preferred by many instead of lotions.

The face cream is often combined with a glycolic peel which is used as a for exfoliation; i.e. anything that lifts off the top layer of your skin. Following up with a face cream is important when using peels to accomplish this exfoliation; the latter of which contains formulas such as beads to rid the top layer of the skin.

Creams are generally preferred by those who want a fairer complexion and a face that feels fresh as an orange peel.

Facial Scrub (exfoliation) vs Facial Wash

Face washes have a specially formulated liquid that’s used to wash your face and cleanse it better. Scrubs, however, have a certain amount of grit to them, including bits of plant matter or beads to compliment the exfoliation process.

Face washes are meant to only remove dirt and grime, while scrubs will remove a layer of skin from your face. The best way to use scrubs is to put it on a cotton ball and use it right after you have washed your face. You’ll definitely enjoy younger looking skin.

Give your facial skin a good exfoliation a few times each week for a brighter complexion. At other times, use face washes simply to better clean your skin.

Exfoliation and Scrubs vs Creams

Facial creams, when combined with peels, may require extra time and attention and work well as an at-home facial maintenance and cleansing option; peels at your local spa might be intense and expensive as well. At-home facial peels and creams work well to do away with dead skin cells, in addition to having anti-ageing benefits. The chemicals found in at-home peels and creams will give you a brighter complexion.  

Anti-ageing face creams, in particular, are necessary for men who frequently venture out during the day. These creams can reduce signs of ageing caused by exposure to the sun.

They’re ALL Great but Which One Do I Use?

So the question remains: which one is better? Which one should you choose and under what circumstances? The fact of the matter is that there is no clear answer to this.