From my experience, there are normally two types of people:
1. those who don't exfoliate at all.
2. those who do it every day, sometimes twice a day.
There seems to be a lot of confusion surrounding exfoliating, with so many different types out there, like 'daily scrubs' etc, so I thought I'd help set the record straight.
Why exfoliate?
1. those who don't exfoliate at all.
2. those who do it every day, sometimes twice a day.
There seems to be a lot of confusion surrounding exfoliating, with so many different types out there, like 'daily scrubs' etc, so I thought I'd help set the record straight.
Why exfoliate?
Exfoliation is done to get rid of dead skin cells, and a build up of dirt and bacteria. It should leave your skin refreshed, soft, and smooth, NOT red, tight and sore. When you exfoliate properly, all your lovely serums, treatments and moisturisers work much better, because they aren't sitting on top of a build up of dead skin, dirt, etc.
Types of exfoliation
There are a few different types of exfoliator, granular scrub-type ones, acid ones (which are my personal preference), and exfoliating tools, as in Clarisonic brushes, exfoliating gloves, etc.
How often?
If you use 'manual' exfoliators, (granular scrub ones, brushes, gloves, etc) you should only use them once a week. More than that is too much for the skin. I don't care if it's called a 'daily scrub' or what it says on the bottle. Over use of these types of exfoliators can leave your skin red, sore, blistered, dehydrated, and give you more spots if you suffer with them. You don't want to destroy the skins acid mantle. Sooo many people tell me they use scrubs every day - and they are always the people who suffer with problem skin, whether it's dryness, dehydration, redness, spots or oilyness. Honestly, why are people so angry with their skin? Don't punish it!
For acid/AHA exfoliators, as they do not contain granules, they can be used more often than once a week. I use a mild exfoliating acid toner daily, and I also use my Alpha H Liquid Gold about twice a week.
Face/Body
I use granular scrubs on my body, but not on my face. The skin is more delicate on the face.
Skin types
Granular scrubs - best on dry skin & normal skin. Avoid these types of scrubs if you have oily skin, spots or sensitivity.
Acids - brilliant on all skin types to be honest. If you have hyper sensitive skin, or rosacea, try before you buy.
Skin types
Granular scrubs - best on dry skin & normal skin. Avoid these types of scrubs if you have oily skin, spots or sensitivity.
Acids - brilliant on all skin types to be honest. If you have hyper sensitive skin, or rosacea, try before you buy.
Which 'scrubs' to use
Granular face scrubs should have gentle beads in them, and the granules should be perfectly round so they don't scratch at the skin. Please, avoid anything with kernels or seeds in, especially that popular apricot kernel scrub. The jagged edges of the kernels scratch at the skin, and can cause tiny tears in the skin. Throw it away (or give it to someone you don't like!). The same goes for those horrible 'daily scrubs' full of big harsh granules and sulfates, aimed at those with acne.
Do you know what else I find extremely irritating? When celebrities are used to advertise these scrubs and face washes. There is no way they actually use those products. Why can't these companies put the money they use for their advertising, INTO the products and using better ingredients?? Actually I know why, because they know people will buy them, as they have done for years. Especially if they use a celebrity in the advert.
Anyway, below are some recommendations for exfoliators, granular and acids.
Granular
- Oskia Micro Exfoliating Balm £46.00 available here.
This one is more of a 'high end' product, and it's gorgeous. It has tiny, round particles in it, and is a lovely, hydrating balm consistency, which turns to a milk upon contact with water. It's packed full of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, omegas and lovely plant oils. It cleanses, exfoliates and nourishes in one go. It smells really refreshing, as it contains rose, lychee and peppermint. With this one, you can adjust the exfoliating 'level' to your desire, by just adding more water for a more gentle exfoliation.
Skin types: dry, normal skin.
To use: once a week, massage a small amount all over dry skin, adding water as you wish.
This is exactly as the title suggests, gentle. The particles in this are jojoba beads, and are perfectly round, no jagged edges to scratch the skin. It also contains Moroccan Rose which is really hydrating, and cucumber which is really cooling and soothing. It's a gel consistency, and has a really subtle scent. It's gentle enough not to irritate, but also leaves your skin feeling like it's actually had an exfoliation.
Skin types: most skin types, especially dry, normal skin.
To use: once a week, massage a small amount all over the skin, concentrating around the nose and chin, and rinse off.
ESPA Refining Skin Polish £27.00, available here.
This is a lovely creamy one, with small, perfectly round particles in it. The particles are crushed seashells, and it also contains rose damascena, as well as shea butter. This one really leaves your skin amazingly soft and smooth, it really gives the 'wow' factor, it makes you want to stroke your face constantly.
Skin types: dry, normal skin.
To use: once a week, massage a small amount all over the skin and rinse off.
- First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Polish, between £15-£18, available here.
This one contains shea nut shell powder, and oatmeal. It's nice and gentle, and buffs away dead skin without stripping the skin. It's quite a runny consistency so you only need a small amount.
Skin types: most, especially normal and dry.
To use: once a week, massage a small amount all over the skin and rinse off.
- Lush Angels on Bare Skin, £6.95, available here.
This one has tiny ground almonds in it, along with lavender, chamomile and rose to calm the skin, and kaolin clay (used in a lot of face masks) to absorb dirt and oil. This one has to be mixed with water in the hands to create a paste before you use it. It's really gentle and hydrating, and turns into an almond milk as you massage it in.
Skin types: mostly all, especially normal and dry.
To use: mix with water in hands, and apply to the skin and massage in circular movements, then rinse off.
Acids
Below are ones that you would typically use about once or twice a week, rather than a daily acid toner.
1. Alpha H Liquid Gold, £33.50 available here.
I talked about this in my PM skincare routine, so for more information, read it here. This one is used overnight, about once or twice a week. You soak a cotton pad with it, and wipe over the skin, then leave it on.
Skin types: all, literally everyone should use this!
For more acid recommendations, see my 'toning' post here, containing daily acid toners, which are a great way of exfoliating.
If you have any questions, pop them in the comment section below!
Below are ones that you would typically use about once or twice a week, rather than a daily acid toner.
1. Alpha H Liquid Gold, £33.50 available here.
I talked about this in my PM skincare routine, so for more information, read it here. This one is used overnight, about once or twice a week. You soak a cotton pad with it, and wipe over the skin, then leave it on.
Skin types: all, literally everyone should use this!
- Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, £32.00, available here.
This is another of my favourites, it doesn't have AHA's in it, however it does contain exfoliating fruit enzymes of papaya and pineapple, as well as milk protein and vitamin E. It smells amaaazing, honestly, if you are near an Elemis counter or spa anytime soon, have a sniff! Your skin feels like silk afterwards, it's sooo soft.
Skin types: all, for sensitive skin I'd try before you buy.
To use: apply a thin layer all over the face, and leave on for about 10 minutes, then remove with a flannel.
- Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant, £18, available here.
This one is mainly salicylic acid, as well as lavender, witch hazel and balm mint. It helps shrink the pores, gets rid of dead skin cells, and treats and prevents breakouts. It leaves your skin feeling really lovely and smooth. It is used in the same way as Alpha H Liquid gold.
Skin types: all, especially oily, spot prone skin.
To use: after cleansing at night, soak a cotton pad with this, and wipe over the skin, and leave on overnight.
For more acid recommendations, see my 'toning' post here, containing daily acid toners, which are a great way of exfoliating.
If you have any questions, pop them in the comment section below!
