Face scrub: what is it for? Does it really make you lose your tan?

The end of summer is never easy: until a few weeks ago there was the sea, the sun, longer days and more relaxed rhythms, then all of a sudden, the alarms, the office, and the days marked by commitments are back. Skincare also changes its pace, and products like a face scrub can prove useful to support the skin during the transition from the summer season to the daily routine.

Exfoliation is a simple gesture that helps to remove superficial cells, refine the skin's texture, and restore radiance to the complexion which, little by little, loses that amber glow acquired during the summer.

But beware of a very common myth: does a face scrub make you lose your tan?

Let’s see what really happens.

Face scrub: what is it for?

The face scrub is an exfoliating product designed to facilitate the removal of the most superficial corneal cells and the impurities present on the skin's surface.

Skin, in fact, is a tissue in constant renewal. New keratinocytes form in the deeper layers of the epidermis and, as they make their way to the surface, they transform into corneocytes, which are gradually eliminated through natural desquamation.

When dead cells accumulate on the surface, the skin can appear rougher, duller, and uneven. Exfoliation can therefore help to make the skin surface smoother, softer, and more radiant.

Does a face scrub make you lose your tan?

The answer requires a brief explanation of how the skin works.

When we expose ourselves to UV rays, melanocytes increase the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Melanin is then transferred to the keratinocytes present in the epidermis: it is this process that contributes to the appearance of a tan.

The epidermis, however, is constantly renewing itself. Over the weeks, keratinocytes reach the surface and are gradually eliminated. When sun exposure decreases, the complexion also tends to fade naturally.

A scrub does not "erase" a tan; on the contrary, it promotes the removal of the most superficial cells that make the complexion dull or uneven, making the skin appear smoother, brighter, and more homogeneous. It does not biologically prolong a tan but can help to enhance the skin's appearance as the summer tan gradually fades.

And this is where another fundamental element comes into play: hydration. Well-hydrated skin naturally appears softer, firmer, and more radiant, characteristics that also help to enhance a still slightly golden complexion.

How to use a face scrub?

Using a face scrub takes a few minutes, but the way it is applied makes a difference.

After cleansing your face, leave the skin slightly damp and distribute a small amount of product. Massage gently with circular movements, without applying excessive pressure. Focus on areas that tend to appear rougher and/or impure, avoiding the eye contour area (where the skin is thinner and more delicate). Then rinse with lukewarm water and proceed with the products of your routine.

Note well: do not exfoliate the skin if it is red, irritated, sunburned, or has small lesions.

How often should you use a face scrub?

There is no single ideal frequency for everyone. The Nuvò Face Scrub can be used 1-2 times a week, adjusting the frequency based on your skin's needs and response.

More sensitive or dry skin might need longer intervals, while combination or more resistant skin can tolerate a slightly higher frequency. The important thing is not to overdo it, because the goal of proper exfoliation is not to remove as many cells as possible, but to respect the skin barrier and its natural balance.

Face scrub after the summer: why hydration and exfoliation go together

After the summer, the skin may appear duller on the surface while simultaneously needing more comfort.

This is why exfoliation and hydration work well together: the scrub helps to improve the appearance of the skin surface, while serums and creams help to retain water in the skin and support the skin barrier.

The goal should not be to “hold on” to the tan at all costs, as it will inevitably diminish, but to accompany the skin through the change of season, keeping it soft, even, and radiant.

The post-summer face routine: our tips

A few carefully chosen steps are all you need for the perfect post-holiday skincare routine.

1. Start with gentle cleansing

Cleanse your face morning and evening with the Nuvò Cleansing Mousse, formulated with 20% snail secretion filtrate and purifying and soothing active ingredients to remove impurities, excess sebum, and makeup residues.

2. Incorporate a face scrub 1-2 times a week

After cleansing, massage the Nuvò Face Scrub onto damp skin: the vegetable hazelnut and almond granules will gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it soft and smooth after rinsing.

3. Apply a serum

The Anti-Aging Elixir is the perfect serum for this routine: its formula with 80% snail secretion filtrate, enriched with Hexapeptide-8 and Vitamin E, provides intense hydration and radiance to the complexion.

4. Seal in hydration with a face cream

Finally, complete with the’Anti-Aging Cream, a cream that combines the hydrating action of snail secretion filtrate and hyaluronic acid with the nourishing properties of natural oils and shea butter to give the skin the maximum comfort it needs after the summer.