Exfoliation is an important step in any skincare routine. Physical exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells, softens skin texture, and allows better absorption of your skincare products. One of the best ways to physically exfoliate your skin is to use a specially formulated facial scrub that is effective without being too harsh on the skin.
This means absolutely no DIY ladies; homemade scrubs risk being too overwhelming on the skin, often causing micro-tears if not used the right way. Fortunately, the market is filled with plenty of alternatives, and we have rounded up five of our favourites for every skin concern. Check them out...
- 01. Dull, uneven skin tone
- 02. Oily, acne-prone skin
- 03. Stressed, tired skin
- 04. Sun-tanned skin
- 05. Ageing skin
01. Dull, uneven skin tone

Dealing with a dull-looking complexion and uneven skin tone? Not anymore. The iconic Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliant helps you achieve brighter and smoother looking skin in no time. It’s enriched with a skin brightening complex of phytic acid from rice bran, white tea and licorice, which help even out the skin tone. Plus, the super-soothing blend of allantoin and colloidal oatmeal helps soothe and calm the skin. The best part? It’s gentle enough for daily use.
02. Oily, acne-prone skin

Oily skin types often run the risk of their ores getting clogged by the gunk made up of grease, dirt and leftover makeup. The Simple Daily Skin Detox Clear Pore Facial Scrub offers a deep-ore cleaning solution to keep it blemish-free. Formulated with skin-safe ingredients like witch hazel, zinc and thyme, use this scrub at least twice a week to keep your pores clear and skin breakout-free.
03. Stressed, tired skin

Daily damage and stressors can lead your skin to feel tired and stressed. The energising and invigorating formula of the St. Ives Energizing Coconut & Coffee Scrub can help revive dull skin while softening it simultaneously. Coffee has also been known to have anti-acne and anti-ageing benefits when used regularly, so this one can very well become a staple in your routine!
04. Sun-tanned skin

Are you noticing some skin darkening due to unprotected sun exposure? The Lakmé Sun Expert De Tan Scrub can help fix that! This gentle scrub is formulated with oatmeal extracts (unclogs pores) and walnut shells (natural exfoliator) which work together to reduce tan and leave your skin softer and brighter. Psst… it can also be used as a mask when you want to give your tanned skin some extra TLC.
05. Ageing skin

Last but not least, you need an effective scrub that fights premature signs of ageing. The Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant is a worthy addition to your anti-ageing skincare routine. Infused with AHAs, Binchotan Charcoal and niacinamide, this scrub fights environmental aggressors that make your skin age faster and shields it from damage caused due to pollution.
Written by Sumona Bose on 15th Jun 2021
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!