Can I use Tree Hut sugar scrub on my face?

Can you use Tree Hut body scrub on your face?

If you mean a Tree Hut body sugar scrub, keep it out of your facial routine; a product sold specifically for facial use is a different case, but facial sugar scrubs still carry the same general concern. This is general guidance about sugar scrubs, rather than a verdict on a particular Tree Hut scent or formula. Switching scents does not address the abrasion from the granules.1

Why is a sugar scrub a poor choice?

Sugar granules physically remove dead surface cells. They can also cause tiny tears in the skin barrier, the protective outer layer that helps keep moisture in. Those tears leave skin more vulnerable to inflammation, irritation and bacteria. Harsh scrubs can strip natural oils, increasing water loss and leaving skin drier and more sensitive. Fragrance adds another potential source of irritation or contact allergy when a scrub contains it. A freshly polished feeling is not a reason to keep rubbing.1

Who should be especially careful?

• Dry, sensitive or acne prone skin can find mechanical scrubbing too irritating. A mild chemical exfoliant, which dissolves dead cells instead of rubbing them off, can be a better option.
• Prescription retinoids, retinol and benzoyl peroxide can increase sensitivity or peeling. Adding exfoliation can worsen dryness or trigger breakouts.
• Avoid aggressive exfoliation if you have a darker skin tone or develop dark marks after irritation, because it can increase pigmentation.
• Never exfoliate sunburned skin or areas with open cuts or wounds.

What should I do instead?

Start with ordinary face washing rather than replacing the body scrub with another scrub. Cleansing and exfoliation are different jobs, even if the bathroom has merged their departments.23

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water.
2. 2Apply a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser without alcohol using your fingertips. Skip the mesh sponge, washcloth and vigorous rubbing.
3. 3Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
4. 4Apply moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy, using a gentle touch around your eyes.

Wash once in the morning and once at night, and after heavy sweating. More washing is not a substitute for choosing a gentler product.2

What if I still want to exfoliate?

A facial cleanser containing an alpha or beta hydroxy acid is one alternative to physical scrubbing. These acids help remove dead cells, and exfoliation can improve surface texture. Daily exfoliation is not a default schedule: frequency depends on your skin and the method. Apply moisturizer immediately afterward. Stop exfoliating if skin becomes red, irritated, stinging or burning. Ask a dermatologist for help choosing a method if your skin is already sensitive or you are unsure whether exfoliation would benefit you.34

Will scrubbing clear the dots on my nose?

Small, flat, pale dots can be sebaceous filaments, normal structures that carry oil to the skin's surface, rather than blackheads. They cannot be permanently removed. Normal pore structures do not need to disappear for skin to be clean, despite the close up mirror's ambitious job description. Salicylic acid can help prevent clogged follicles by dissolving dead cells. If pore concerns persist despite a gentle routine, or you also have severe acne, see a dermatologist rather than scrubbing harder.5