Cleansing, toning and moisturizing have for long been touted as the perfect trifecta towards clearer skin, but we’re all ignoring the one underrated routine – exfoliating! Read on to explore the best ways to get the glow you crave this summer.
Buff away!
Exfoliating is one of the best things you can do for your skin. The process sloughs off dead skin cells and promotes healthy cells to take their place. Many of us get the instant image of ‘hard grainy bits’ when it comes to exfoliating (think: St. Ives apricot scrub!) and that vision is nothing but a dated way to exfoliate. Below, we’ve listed some tried and tested options that we have come to love and we think you will too!
If you have;
Combination skin: Look for creamy scrubs that contain rounded micro-beads in them. We love The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Microdermabrasion for this – their micro-granules work efficiently in sloughing off dead skin cells. But you have to be careful, rub the wrong way, and you can actually do more harm than good – scrub it gently in a circular motion as if you have the skin of a toddler.
Tip: If your shower steams up, that’s even better a place to do this.
Oily skin: Think chemical – these exfoliators use glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid to remove dead cells on the surface of the skin, which is really good for people with oily skin.
We wouldn’t recommend purchasing a chemical exfoliator right-off the Indian beauty market shelves as the options aren’t many. We reckon an appointment with your trusty dermat for a chemical peel is in order.
As an alternative you could try Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant that contains rice enzymes that exfoliate and release salicylic acid that helps your skin feel instantly fresh and supple.
Dry skin: An exfoliating scrub should never (ever) feel too harsh on your skin, and this rule especially applies to those with sensitive skin. Instead, use a gentle mask every week with a chemical ingredient rather than the kinds with physical granules.
We love Avene’s Cleanance Masque for sensitive skin – its non-drying formula along with a potent mix of AHA’s and BHA’s makes it ideal for those who want clearer skin without that tight and dry feeling.
Things to remember
– People with skin issues such as hives or sensitive skin should check with their dermatologist before considering using these types of products.
– Following up with a bit of moisturizer is as important as exfoliating itself.
– Too much of anything isn’t good for you. Exfoliate two to three times a week max, depending on your skin type. Someone with eczema or dry skin should not be exfoliating more than someone who has oily skin.
– Don’t forget your body! Just like your face, the skin on your body requires exfoliating too. Choose sea salts and coffee-based scrubs for this purpose.
If you liked this post, and would like us to address more such skincare problems, feel free to tell us in the comments below!
