Are you wondering, Do I really need a facial exfoliant? Maybe, or maybe not. Advice from a beauty & wellness professional on all the things you need to know about facial exfoliation.
So, do you need an exfoliant in your skincare routine? Long story short, yes. I’m sorry if you were trying to save money in this area.
Eventually, every skin type will need a facial exfoliant to resurface and remove dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria clogging pores.
This is what exfoliants do. There are two types of exfoliants. One you can physically feel the beads in the exfoliant, and/or you would wash off.
The other feels like a regular facial wash, and more often than not, you leave this on. This exfoliant is said to be the only true exfoliant, according to professionals, thanks to its highly potent ingredients.
But I will say a lot of beaded exfoliants are just there to add some fun color or the actual rough feeling most people like when applying an exfoliant. I feel there is a time and place for both.
That’s why my top picks are a mix of physical and chemical exfoliants. Depending on what your skin needs for your concern and the season.
Here are my top exfoliants that make a real difference in your skin.
ILUMA intense brightening exfoliating cleanser
- This product is a wash-off exfoliating cream. It leaves a brightened glow over time. No stripped feeling, thanks to skin-replenishing oils. This product could be used every day, but without a professional evaluation, I would recommend using it once or twice a week.
SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
- This wash-off exfoliant is excellent for all skin types, including dry. Not too harsh as it includes aloe leaf and glycerin for a cooling after-effect. This exfoliant is great for everyone because it is gentle enough for sensitive skin, and estheticians use it for this reason as well.
Get it on the SkinCenticals Site
Caudalie
Deep Exfoliating Cleanser
- I love this exfoliate mostly because it targets large pores, but also targets dullness and uneven skin tone. So, if improving texture is a big concern for you, this one might be a good fit. This is a beaded cream, wash-off exfoliate.
Moon Juice
Acid Potion AHA + BHA Resurfacing Exfoliator
- This exfoliant is a leave-on. After a freshly washed face and neck, pat in a quarter amount to finish off our night routine. With leave-on exfoliants, I would suggest starting by applying them to your concern areas, not the whole face, as they are very potent.
Paula’s Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- I used this exfoliant a lot to help with my large pores. Ugh, it is something that can never be entirely gone, but you can keep it out of sight, out of mind with an excellent routine, including this exfoliant. This product claims to work well for acne-prone skin, but I would still check with your esthetician or dermatologist for confirmation.
P.S. -Try to stick to one brand when using heavily contracted exfoliants like those with AHA and BHA in them. Anything natural-based or at any local drug store is usually fine to mix. And don’t forget your sunscreen.
Xxoo Lulla
This blog post was all about everything you need to know about exfoliants.
Leave a Reply