In the midst and fame of chemical exfoliants, regardless of how efficient and great they are, deep inside, I still miss that good old scrubbing. After two rounds of KORRES Wild Rose Buff Cleanser, I was out finding something else to fill the void. Not that the product wasn’t good, I just felt it’s time to move on from it.

Then, I came across this product when I was out e-shopping in Yoshimomo‘s website. I got intrigued by the name and clearly it’s enough for me to put it into the shopping cart.
It’s a scrub, y’all.

Yoshimomo Alpha Beta AHA + BHA Foaming Facial Scrub.

What it is (from the web):

This radiance renewing foaming facial polish is formulated with a trio of exfoliating acids and extra-fine walnut shell powder – which work in synergy to lessen the appearance spots, scars, and surface imperfections while deep cleansing pores. Reveals smoother, softer, more even-toned, radiant skin.

The AHA in this product is Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid. They target surface imperfections to improve the skin’s physical look such as reducing post-acne spots, discoloration and unevenness. The BHA comes from Willow Bark, which is touted as the natural Salicylic Acid. This one works deeper into the pores to dissolve dirt (including blackheads) and prevents blemishes.

The physical exfoliation aspect, the gritty bit so to say, comes from the ground walnut shell. Now, I think this is what makes a scrub, a scrub.

If you’re not used to scrubbing the face or using any kind of facial polish, this might be too intense. Actually this is intense no matter what. Even though the walnut shell is finely grounded, I can still see and ultimately, feel the granules. Despite the name, it foams up just the slightest with tiny little bubbles. When mixed and rubbed with water, the granules touch together and make a little fizzy sound like carbonated drinks. Yoshimomo advises to use this in place of the regular (second) cleanser on damp skin once a day for 7 – 10 days to remove significant build up and revitalize skin. As a maintenance, use 2 – 3 times per week, as needed. In any case, massage in circular motion, gently.

I didn’t like the peppermint sensation first time that I used it. It was very overwhelming and instead of feeling refreshed, my skin felt uncomfortable. The scent is pretty strong too. But then again, I’m never a big fan of peppermint in general. But I put through it, with just under 30 seconds of massage then hastily rinsing it off. Yes, my skin looked red afterwards. But that smooth skin though, hmm…

I went on for 7 days using this as my second cleanser, night time only. I was also off on any kind of acid/exfoliating toners on that week and reduced the usage on two weeks before. It really did make my skin more radiant and glowy in the next week ahead, and oh-so-smooth. It helps buffing surface irregularities (you know, those pesky tiny white bumps) and fades newer post-acne spots a little faster. However, it’s proven to be too much for my skin despite the results. It’s rough.

So, I had this clever idea on mixing it with my second cleanser, because why not! Yoshimomo Alpha Beta Foaming Facial Scrub is in the form of pure scrub with barely any emulsion or liquid mixed. I add it to Antipodes Hallelujah Cleanser and it’s a match made in heaven. The calming, creamy consistency from Antipodes Hallelujah tones down the harshness of the scrub and also makes the peppermint less noticeable. I love massaging it over the lips as well to take off scruffy bits. The result with these two mixed is albeit not quite the same but my skin is much happier.

After the initial 7 days, I only use this 2-3 times a week, at most, sometimes straight for 3 nights. Not every week either. I definitely do not use this when I have active/inflamed blemishes on the skin. I love using a hydrating mask after, such as Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask, Or a superfood nourishing one like Leahlani Mermaid Mask or Leahlani Meli Glow for that extra touch of glow in the morning. I may or may not use an exfoliating toner afterwards, depending on what I want to achieve and the skin’s condition. Whenever I multi-exfoliate, I do it cautiously, as always.

One tub of 60 ml will last a very, very long time. With only less than half a teaspoon for the face for every use, I’m twisting the brain to find other ways to use it. The easiest way is to utilize it as a body scrub. Still the same mechanism, I add a little bit into my body wash (preferably with a creamy texture) and massage it all over. I also indulge on focusing the elbow areas and lower legs (the shins). It’s handy for a quick hand scrub too, just remember to put on hand cream afterwards. I am this close on mixing it with my shampoos but that’s probably stretching it way too far LOL. But who knows, I might just try it. I’ve seen shampoos with scrubs and I can totally DIY-ed it.

Yoshimomo Alpha Beta Foaming Facial Scrub is indeed a guilty pleasure in my routine but definitely NOT for everyone. Not on the face anyway.