Before I get to my 3 best facial scrubs and exfoliators, let me explain why we should exfoliate.
Why Exfoliate?
When I was working in retail it was so common for customers to come in with skin that was in desperate need of exfoliation. They were often coming in for a make-up application or just to get colour matched for a foundation.
It is impossible to achieve a flawless result from make-up without a flawless canvas to begin with. I enjoyed exfoliating my customer’s faces and demonstrating how much better their foundation would blend into their freshly exfoliated skin.
Exfoliating the skin prevents breakouts by removing the dead skin cells, promotes skin renewal, helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and leaves your skin smooth and hydrated. Your skincare will also be absorbed better on fresh skin.
There are three ways that the skin can be exfoliated – manually, enzymatically and chemically.
Main Types of Exfoliators
Manual Exfoliation:
Facial scrubs with their small granules will manually scrub away dead skin cells. Some facial scrubs also contain enzymesMost enzymes used in skin care are derived from fruits and vegetables, like papaya, pineapple and pumpkin. They are commonly use... and acids which naturally exfoliate dead skill cells.
Enzymatic Exfoliation:
Using fruit enzymesMost enzymes used in skin care are derived from fruits and vegetables, like papaya, pineapple and pumpkin. They are commonly use... such as papaya, this type of exfoliation does not require any scrubbing. The enzymesMost enzymes used in skin care are derived from fruits and vegetables, like papaya, pineapple and pumpkin. They are commonly use... are applied to the skin and they break down the glue-like substance that holds dead skin cells together.
This type of exfoliation is suitable for people with sensitive skin. There is no harsh scrubbing action required and no use of chemicals.
Chemical Exfoliation:
Containing acids derived from fruit, milk or sugar known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs).
The two most common AHAs are lactic acidLactic acid, is an AHA derived from milk that is used as a chemical exfoliant. The acid helps to brighten, reduce the look of wr... and glycolic acidGlycolic acid works by breaking down the substance that holds dead skin cells together, promoting cell turnover and leaving the ....
AHA’s encourage cell turnover by breaking down the glue that hold the skin cells together encouraging them to shed faster.
BHAs are able to penetrate the pores and clean them out from within, so are particularly good for oily skin and clearing blackheads.
My 3 Best Facial Scrubs & Exfoliators:
(1) Dr Barbara Sturm Facial Scrub:
This is a beautiful, hydrating scrub that feels slightly creamy and contains very soft granules. The skin is left looking smooth, plump and hydrated. It is one of the nicest facial scrubs I have used. A solid purchase.
(2) Kate Somerville Exfolikate
A lovely smelling scrub that is a mixture of manual, enzymatic and chemical exfoliation. This scrub is applied to wet skin and left on for up to two minutes. It is strong and can be left on for 30 seconds for more sensitive skin types. The skin might tingle which is normal.
(3) Radical Age Defying Pads
Powerful glycolic acidGlycolic acid works by breaking down the substance that holds dead skin cells together, promoting cell turnover and leaving the ... delivered on a pre-moistened round pad. I love these I cannot recall how many times I have repurchased these.
I love that they require just one-step (as opposed to, for example, the Dr Dennis Gross 2-step peel pads; which are a best seller) and they keep my skin very clear. When I run out of them I definitely notice and rush back to buy more.
Smooth the pad over your face, neck and décolletage and leave the product on. Follow with your serum and moisturiser. I use them nightly.
Word to the wise.. when I stay at my boyfriend’s place I have to remind myself not to use these. They really do not play nicely with pash rash!
JJ xx
