The 10 Best Skin Scrubbers
Editor's Notes
October 24, 2020:
We have updated our list, replacing many unavailable and outdated products with newer, better, and more affordable options. We considered vibration rate, design, and specific desired modes.
If you want a heavy duty scrubber, pay attention to the vibrating frequency of the device. The higher the rate of vibrations, the stronger the device, which may mean more extractions. The Anlan Scraper and the Gugug La-1 are the strongest on our list, both of which reach 24 kilohertz. However, if you have ultra-sensitive skin or you’re not used to using skincare tools, you may want to try the New Spa. It vibrates at only three kilohertz, but may not perform as well as other choices. Alternatively, if you don’t like the thought of vibrating steal on your face, check out the Fancii Advanced. It features spinning nylon bristles instead of an ultrasonic plate and can leave your skin feeling smooth.
If you’re on the road a lot and want something that won’t weigh you down, the Gugug La-1 may be the best choice on our list. It weighs only 2.68 ounces, as opposed to the heavier New Spa (14.4 ounces) and the Hailicare Extractor (9.14 ounces). In terms of compact devices, all of the options listed here can fit in an average make-up bag.
If you plan on using yours in the shower, look for one that is completely waterproof, like the Larimar Wireless. Be aware the Kinga Brush and the Hamswan Spatula, while both good products, have non-waterproof handles.
In terms of function, these devices offer anywhere from two to four modes. If you're looking for an all-in-one product, the Kingdom Cares and the Meeteasy Original are both good choices. They each offer four settings, including clean, positive ion (for extracting blackheads), negative ion (for optimal product absorption), and EMS massage (for firming and lifting.)
January 14, 2019:
Since ultrasonic scrubbers can be intimidating to those new to the product, we made sure each of our selections has intuitive controls and feels gentle on the skin. That being said, we did add some models that pack a little more punch and can vibrate at a higher rate, for those ready for a spa-level treatment. Each model should work nicely with your chosen serums, moisturizers, and other products.
Exfoliation: The Most Important Step Toward Clear Skin
A skin scrubber features a small spatula-shaped protrusion through which tens of thousands of minute vibrations are channeled every second.
Even the finest skin care products can't produce the clean, elastic, and healthy-looking skin you want if you have badly clogged pores and dead skin cells covering your face. Exfoliant scrubs tend to pass right over badly clogged pores, potentially removing some of the visible oil secretions, known as sebum, but without actually opening up the pore.
Likewise, moisturizing lotions or oils can't fully penetrate into skin that is clogged and/or covered with older, dried skin cells, thus preventing proper skin hydration, which, in turn, leads to over-production of oils and more clogged pores. The cycle can be a difficult one to break, and the longer your skin suffers from improper cleansing and exfoliation, the harder it is to achieve the complexion you want for the purposes of both health and beauty.
But where exfoliants and soap can't reach, ultrasonic sound waves can, thus the growing popularity of ultrasonic skin scrubbers. These compact devices are now seen both in professional spas and in home treatments, and are both easy and effective when used as part of a larger exfoliation and cleansing regimen. A skin scrubber features a small spatula-shaped protrusion through which tens of thousands of minute vibrations are channeled every second. The skin scrubber helps to loosen and lift the sebum and polish away dead skin cells and any dirt or other contaminants too fine for simple washing to remove. Done properly, the process is painless and causes no redness, swelling, or discomfort of any kind.
Ultrasonic skin scrubber treatment is an excellent alternative to microdermabrasion, a mechanical facial cleansing technique that has now been popular for several decades, but which comes with myriad drawbacks. Unlike the gentle effects of an ultrasonic treatment, the more rigorous grinding and suction action of a microdermabrasion treatment can irritate or even damage sensitive skin, ultimately causing more problems than it relieves.
Using A Skin Scrubber
Proper use of a skin scrubber means first preparing the skin on which the device will be used. Your face should be clean and warm before you start the scrubbing routine. For a skin scrubber to do its job well, your skin must be wet. While warm water can serve for this purpose, using a specialized oil or moisturizer works even better, as the products won't dry out during the procedure and can better penetrate down into your skin, helping to loosen the oils and detritus caught there.
Then, you gently run the skin scrubber's spatula over the skin's surface, with the blade edge held at an approximately 30-degree angle. After a few slow passes over the entire surface to be treated, the skin scrubber has done its job for the day. It is now up to the clinician or the individual to choose a cleanser that suits his or her skin type for a follow-up washing, and then finally to choose a moisturizer that will not clog pores. (This is critical as after an ultrasonic skin scrubbing treatment, pores are likely to be at their widest-open state.)
Regular use of a skin scrubber can do more than just treat acne issues, clear pores, and remove dead skin; these devices can also stimulate better blood flow and can strengthen skin, adding more elasticity and both reducing the appearance of existing wrinkled skin and slowing the development of new wrinkles.
Tips For A Clearer Complexion
Healthy skin starts with overall health. The better and more balanced you keep your diet, the better your skin will look. Proper hydration is also critical to enjoying clear, radiant skin. And, of course, avoiding exposure to the sun, minimizing your use of alcohol and tobacco, and other common sense steps are all a part of getting the best possible skin.
And avoiding stress is not only good for your mental and emotional health, but for your skin, too.
But it's also critical that you create a customized approach to skin care; while all skin types benefit from hydration and minimal sun exposure, not all people's skin will respond the same way to certain types of soap, moisturizer, oils, and to myriad conditions of your larger life.
Make sure to get as much sleep as you need to feel rested and productive and you will also help make sure your skin looks as good as possible. Consider putting an air filtering device in rooms where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom and office, as poor air quality, such as that affected by smoke, smog, or chemicals, can have negative effects on your skin. And avoiding stress is not only good for your mental and emotional health, but for your skin, too.
Finally, pay attention to any medications or supplements you take regularly. If they carry warnings about dry skin, or of you suspect your skin ailments may be related to a medicine or supplement, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. You might be able to switch medications or change your dosage without a loss of efficacy and you might give your skin a break at the same time.