Are Apricot and Walnut Scrubs Too Bad for Your Skin?


If you have grown up with Bonne Bell Lip Smackers, you are more likely to have a physical scrub as a precautionary measure — and make the most of it. Amidst the bad smell and aroma, it feels like you are doing your skin a favor, rubbing any skin problems you had at the time (hello, acne) to produce a better, lighter skin underneath.


But our aesthetics have come a long way, and now we are well aware that harsh, harmful scrubs are useless, to say the least. But are apricot kernels and walnuts really good for anyone's skin? We contacted two dermatologists, Drs. Dendy Engelman and Drs. Orit Markowitz, to find out if apricots and walnut scrubs are actually bad.



What are Apricots and Walnut Scrubs?

Explains Engelman: “Walnut shells and apricot kernels contain small pieces of walnut shells or apricot kernels that act as a visible exfoliant. “When you rub your face, pieces of shell or hole produce dead skin cells. Unfortunately, they can also cause minor damage to your skin, as the patches tend to be very large and explode on the skin of the face. "


There are two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Although they have the same goal, they work in different ways. Physical exfoliants use something physical, such as brush bristles, particles in a sugar scrub, or in the form of apricot and walnut scrubs, apricot kernels and crushed walnut shells. Meanwhile, chemical exfoliants use acids — such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, and / or salicylic acid — to remove dead skin cells. "The thought behind the removal of the skin uses these stitched, grain particles to directly exfoliate the surface of the skin," Markowitz said. "Ultimately all you have to do is peel off the top layer of your skin and leave the skin exposed and smooth almost immediately."


However, although physical exfoliants are usually very affordable, quick, and easy to apply (as you simply rub the scalp on your skin and wash it), they can cause inflammation and small tears on the skin, and can even lead to infection. Apricots and walnut scrubs can also weaken the skin barrier, leaving your complexion red and irritated.


Are Apricots and Walnut Scrolls Safe?

Says Engelman: “Walnut and apricot kernels are notorious for damaging the skin rather than helping it. "I recommend that my patients avoid scrubs like this, as the disinfectants (shells and pores) severely damage the skin and can cause minor injuries, or minor tears, as well as inflammation and infection."


In fact, Markowitz does not even recommend using physical exfoliators in moderation. "I do not recommend that you get rid of it because it actually does a lot of damage to your skin," he explained. “There is a misconception that when you use exfoliating scrubs you are fighting dry, flaky skin because the immediate effect of exfoliating is smooth skin. However, this smooth effect is temporary and actually damages your skin even more by shedding more over time. That is why I do not recommend extremes in love and emphasis in emphasizing relaxation. ”


However, if you are adamant about using a scrubbing brush, Engelman recommends that you do not use it more than once a week and rub it well to avoid causing irritation and injury. "If you have to use an exfoliant or scrub, look for products with the best exfoliating beads or particles (not shell or hole pieces), which may tear and irritate the skin," he says.


Walnuts and apricot scrubs, as well as all other body scrubs, are harmful to all skin types, but especially to sensitive and dry skin types. "Those with sensitive skin or inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea should completely avoid using physical exfoliants, especially walnuts and apricot scrubs, as this can irritate and damage the skin and worsen the condition," he said. -Engelman.


What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Skin?

"I highly recommend chemical exfoliants for those who want to rejuvenate their skin, promote cellular regeneration, and get rid of acne," Engelman said. "Used properly, chemical peels are very effective and safe for sensitive skin." Both Engelman and Markowitz agree that chemical exfoliants are the most preferred method.


"Acid chemical exfoliants work to remove dead skin cells, and there are several different types," says Markowitz. “The two most common chemical exfoliants are AHA and BHA. AHA is a water-soluble acid that is usually made from sugary fruits, and helps to clear the surface of your skin. I especially like AHA exfoliants as many AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid are also considered as humectants. Humectants are important in keeping your skin moisturized, so I find these products are best for your skin, especially your face. BHA dissolves oil and acts under the skin, removing dead skin cells. A common example would be salicylic acid.


But it is important to note that even chemical exfoliants come with minimal risk. "While I would like to recommend this because they do not put patients at risk of tearing their skin, they do take more time and effort," warns Engelman. If not used properly, or for those with sensitive skin, acids can be harsh and can cause irritation. The thing to go for is the Hydra-Bright AHA Glow Peel for Glo Skin Beauty ($ 85), which is a chemical release kit that comes with everything you need to make a professional qua.