We always talk about how important your cleanser and your moisturiser are to your skincare regime and how they can be the key to healthy and glowing skin. One thing we rarely touch on is the importance of exfoliation. Exfoliation goes hand in hand with your moisturiser as it prepares the skin for optimal moisture absorption. As your face is an area where your skin is thinnest and most delicate you need to be careful not to use anything too harsh that could cause irritation. So you can see why, when it comes to exfoliating, there are lots of factors that we need to think about to make the right choice for your skin.
So why should you exfoliate?
If you find your complexion looks a little dull or lacklustre, it can sometimes be a result of poor diet, lack of sleep, stress or hormones. What many don’t know is that poor exfoliation habits can cause a dulling complexion too. Exfoliation is key to maintaining a healthy glow that makes your skin radiate as it’s essential to remove dead skin cells to prevent pores from becoming blocked and spots forming. Without it, dead cells build up on the surface, trap oil and sebum, and cause a vicious circle of blemishes, dullness and uneven skin tone. So pretty important I’d say people.
So how do you go about finding the right product for you?
When it comes to exfoliators, there really isn’t a one size fits all approach. Depending on your skin type and condition, you need to choose the right products that will give you the best results.
Skin type: Normal and/or Sensitive
One of the best exfoliators for normal skin types is the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. It is gentle enough to be used daily, but powerful enough to rid your skin of dead cells and leave you with a glowing complexion. This rice-based exfoliating powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter.
Skin Type: Dry/Dehydrated
This is a skin type that benefits the most from a good exfoliation routine. Dry skin leads to a build up of dead skin cells, oil and impurities that need to be cleansed away so your skin can begin to heal itself. I recommend Thalgo Softness Exfoliator. This product uses jojoba oil micro beads to make sure your skin is cleansed but still maintains its natural protection. The deep cleansing lotion removes dead skin cells to leave your face looking fresh and feeling healthy.
Skin Type: Acne Prone
For acne prone skin types, you want to opt for a non abrasive formula that is more chemical based. You don’t want to irritate any blemishes or cause scarring, but you still need to remove any impurities. I opt for Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant. This baby dramatically improves skin texture with this two-in-one masque/exfoliation treatment. Its non-abrasive formula contains Lactic Acid and Hydroxy Acid to help detach dead skin cells, increasing cell renewal while improving texture for dramatically smooth skin.
