Here's everything you need to know about face scrubs

Regular exfoliation is the key to brightening the complexion and refining skin texture so that light can bounce off the surface. When dead skin cells accumulate, the skin becomes grey and dull. While removing these dead cells, you'll also benefit from getting rid of impurities and pollutants like tobacco, sebum and make-up residues. Last - but definitely not least - scrubbing will also up the skin's circulation, brightening it instantly and helping to increase the absorption of active ingredients in products applied post-scrub.

If you've got normal skin that isn't too oily nor too dry, plump for a classic face scrub that contains natural or synthetic grains and will slough skin off. Make sure you apply with light, circular motions to avoid damage and steer clear of the fragile skin around your eyes.  If your skin is sensitised or prone to overproducing oil, opt for an enzyme scrub with exfoliating agents that'll break any bonds holding on to dead skin cells, allowing them to be washed away. Sometimes these are found in masks, which makes life easy; just apply, let the chemical exfoliating ingredients go to work, and rinse off.  If you're concerned about wrinkles or want to have the gentlest exfoliation possible, try a lotion containing fruit acids swiped over skin after cleansing to remove some dead skin cells and also boost collagen production.

If applying a manual scrub, being gentle is the most important thing. Pop a dab of the product in your hand and apply to a damp face in little circular motions so as not to irritate the skin. Work from the centre of your face outwards, concentrating the bulk of the product on your T-zone. Take the scrub down your neck, too. Rinse off with lukewarm water with the aid of a flannel or cotton pad. After, remember to moisturise to strengthen the barrier and replenish the skin. Use once or twice a week, depending on how your skin responds (if it becomes reddened and aggravated, consider a chemical peel instead).