How is this different from a regular scrub?
Most scrubs use jagged particles or crushed shells that catch and tear the skin. That's the "you can feel it working" sensation, and it's actually micro-tearing. Ours uses finely ground bamboo and silica, rounded instead of jagged, so it lifts dead skin without damaging what's underneath.
How often should I use it?
Twice a week, not daily. Exfoliating more than that doesn't get you smoother skin - it strips the barrier and leaves skin raw and reactive. Twice a week is the point, not a starting number to build from.
Do I still need my cleanser?
Yes. The scrub is the occasional reset; the Volcanic Ash Cleanser is your daily wash. The scrub clears the buildup a daily cleanser leaves behind - it doesn't replace it.
Will it dry my skin out?
No. Most scrubs leave skin tight because the abrasive strips it of moisture. This one has glycerin, panthenol, and jojoba built in to hold moisture through the exfoliation, so you finish exfoliated, not scrubbed dry.
Can I use it if I have sensitive skin?
For most skin, yes. The rounded exfoliants and the chamomile and allantoin are there to keep it calm. Skip it on days your skin already feels irritated or you've shaved closely, and never scrub hard. Let the formula do the work, not pressure.
When should I use it in my routine?
On a clean, damp face, before you moisturize. Massage a small amount in light circles, avoid the eyes, rinse with warm water, then moisturize after.
Does it help with ingrown hairs or razor bumps?
It can. Clearing dead skin and buildup keeps pores from trapping hairs, which is what leads to ingrowns. Use it on non-shave days, not right after a close shave.