I have a thing about exfoliation. It just feels so good to do, and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth! Whether it be in the shower or at my sink, I always keep exfoliation products on hand to help keep cell turnover on cycle and keep breakouts and dull skin at bay.
There are two kinds of exfoliators out there, one being physical (mechanical), and the other being chemical. Both can do wonders for the skin in sloughing off dead skin cells and oil and dirt buildup to reveal more luminous, radiant, and healthier-looking skin underneath. I use a combination of both types depending on what products I am using and the frequency in which I do so.
It’s also easy to get impatient with exfoliators — so the first rule of thumb is to start off easy and increase usage as directed by packaging. It’s tempting to overdo it thinking you are helping your skin get to its softer, younger self, but overusing exfoliants could lead to irritation, redness, and even breakouts. So please friends, don’t try everything at once and start slow to assess your tolerance if you are just starting with a new product.
I want to say that the first real exfoliation product that I remember using consistently was Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic, an absolute staple product from the brand and has even been compared to the ever famous Biologique Recherche P50 toner. While I’ve never used P50 myself, I know that Pixi’s Glow Tonic is effective and always available at my favorite store, Target. This exfoliating toner is best used after cleansing and before any treatments or serums. It uses 5% glycolic acid to clean and exfoliate the skin while aloe vera hydrates and soothes. I always felt like this product helped bring pimples “up and out” very quickly and even prevent future breakouts when I use it consistently. If I use this too much I get some redness on my upper cheekbones but have never really experienced anything else other than clearer, brighter skin from using glow tonic. These also come in pre-moistened pad form.
I have been a serious Pixi Beauty fan for years now, so it’s no question that I would also want to give their Peel & Polish a try too. Ooh boy, this is a good one, you guys! This dual treatment mask and scrub gives you the best of both exfoliation worlds by using fruit enzymes and lactic acid (AHA) to offer a gentle peel while sugar granules physically polish the skin to a baby-soft finish. I like to apply this while I’m in the shower since there is steam in there. I let it sit for a few minutes and then massage in circular motions until I rinse.
Another fantastic one is Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. I’m going to make a guess that every single person that tried this for the first time went “wow” after touching their face. There is something special about the daily microfoliant, and that would be the perfect combination of rice-based enzyme powder, salicylic acid, colloidal oatmeal, and other skin soothers to create the perfect facial polish. My husband has stolen this one from me more times than I can count so we now keep enough in our bathroom for both of us! You just mix a small amount of the powder with some water and it creates a slightly foamy wash. Do not expect bubbles, it just becomes a thin white bubble paste on the skin that you massage in until you rinse. By the way, this product has no fragrance to it whatsoever.
Fresh Sugar Face Scrub is your familiar sugar scrub, but fancy and luxurious because of its elevated formula. Real brown sugar and strawberry seeds are used to smooth out rough patches while oils like meadowfoam seed and plum seed oil nourish the skin. I like that this one feels “thick” when you scoop it out and has some nice texture to it, adding to the whole experience of using Fresh products. Because it’s such a dense scrub, I couldn’t use this every day, but it’s quite a treat for my skin on the evenings I choose to use it.
I might have been sneaking my Husband’s Jack Black Energizing Scrub in the shower lately because it feels and smells so good to use in the morning! If you like products that have a “wake you up” scent then this is one to consider. The fresh and cooling sensation comes from menthol and mint while vitamin c brightens the skin. It’s got a nice texture to it, less than the Fresh scrub or peel and polish, but more than the microfoliant. My husband has enjoyed Jack Black for years and says this helps when he gets a breakout.
If you want things super easy and no fuss, Bliss IncrediPeel Pads are calling your name. Spa-strength pre-moistened wipes come in foil envelopes and offer an effective overnight 10% glycolic peel to address your textured or dull skin woes. Having them pre-moistened makes it easy to take on the go for travel and gives you the proper amount to use. Best of all, you don’t even need to bother with a rinse. Just sleep with it on for smoother, brighter skin!
If someone asked me for an exfoliating solution that’s ultra-gentle, I would have to go with First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads. These pads come with one smooth side and one textured, and are pre-moistened with lactic and glycolic acid for a gentle daily exfoliating treatment. I am currently using these nightly right after cleansing and before any serums or moisturizer. If I get lazy and don’t use these consistently then I notice a difference in my skin so I try to stay on top of it so I get the results I want.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C Sukari BabyFacial is probably the most potent feeling exfoliating mask I have ever tried. I’m at the edge of tolerability with this product because of its strength! The AHA/BHA (glycolic/tartaric/lactic – salicylic acid) pro-strength formula is a jackhammer for pores. Congested skin can say goodbye, and glowing skin is revealed with every use of this mask. The chickpea flour in this mask is added to soothe redness and fight dullness and adds a super fine grit to the cream. I like that they include a small vial of their virgin marula oil to use afterward to moisturize and balance the skin.
Do you see any familiar exfoliators here? Any others you think should be added to the list? Share in the comment section below!
