Dermat Shares What To Apply Right After You Scrub Your Face To Restore Moisture

Exfoliating your face with a scrub makes the skin feel smoother and clearer right away, but it destroys natural oils and compromises the skin's moisture barrier. What we put on right after exfoliating can mean the difference between glowing, hydrated skin and stiffness, dryness or redness. 

So, the editorial team of Onlymyhealth reached out to their expert, Dr Kriti Lohia, CEO & Consultant Dermatologist, MBBS, DDVL, DABRM,  Aesthetics Redefined by Cocoona Clinic - Gurgaon, to take a look at what to apply immediately after scrubbing to seal in moisture and defend your skin barrier. 

What To Apply Right After You Scrub Your Face To Restore Moisture

Here is what Dr Lohia recommended to apply to your face right after you scrub your face:

1. Begin with a Gentle Pat and Dry

Rinse the face thoroughly after exfoliating with lukewarm water to get rid of scrub particles. “Refrain from using hot water because it will dry your skin out even more and make it sensitive,” she suggested. Don't rub your skin with a towel; pat it dry gently instead to prevent microtears and redness.

2. Apply a Hydrating Toner or Essence

As your skin is still moist, use an alcohol-free hydrating toner or essence. Products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, rose water, aloe vera and cucumber extract provide soothing to freshly scrubbed skin and prepare it to better take in the following steps. This step replaces lost water in the skin and soothes any irritation from scrubbing.

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3. Use a Lightweight Serum

Immediately after toning, grab a serum that promotes skin repair and barrier function. Seek out ingredients like:

• Hyaluronic acid for deep hydration
• Niacinamide for soothing and strengthening
• Vitamin B5 (panthenol) for healing
• Ceramides for repairing the barrier

“Steer clear of potent actives such as retinol, AHAs, or vitamin C right after scrubbing since newly exfoliated skin is generally more prone to irritation,” she added.

4. Lock It In With a Moisturiser

Moisturising is the most important step following exfoliation. A rich moisturiser repairs and seals in moisture, and replenishes the lipid barrier that may have been lost through scrubbing. Select a texture depending on your skin type:

• Gel-based moisturiser for combination or oily skin
• Cream or lotion-based moisturiser for dry or sensitive skin
• Ceramide-based moisturiser for repair of the barrier

Seek out ingredients such as squalane, shea butter, peptides, and hyaluronic acid that help restore balance and prevent dryness.

5. Incorporate a Facial Oil (Optional but Helpful)

“If your skin tends to be dry or becomes tight following exfoliation, a few drops of facial oil over your moisturiser can enhance nutrition,” Dr Lohia said. Oils such as jojoba, rosehip, argan or marula assist in strengthening the moisture barrier and maintaining the skin soft and pliable. Oily or acne skin types can omit this step or utilise non-comedogenic oils in small quantities.

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6. Don't Forget Sunscreen (Daytime Only)

Exfoliation, particularly physical scrubbing, is likely to sensitise your skin to the sun. If you exfoliate in the day, always seal with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen acts to prevent UV damage, pigmentation, and dryness. Opt for light, non-greasy textures that won't clog pores.

How Often Should You Exfoliate

“Even with after-scrubbing care, excessive scrubbing ruins the skin barrier. All skin types except sensitive can scrub one to two times weekly. Sensitive skin should do once a week or use gentler, enzyme-based scrubs,” Dr Lohia concluded.

Bottomline

What you put on after scrubbing is just as important as scrubbing itself. Moisturise, fix, and seal in moisture with gentle, barrier-friendly products to keep your skin shining and guarded.