Best Exfoliators For The Face
SPOTLIGHT ON... EXFOLIATORS!
It's the middle of winter and we live in the UK, so when it comes to the weather, we fully expect the days right now to be dreary and dull. But when it comes to our faces, we definitely can't (and won't!) accept a dull complexion! We want our skin to be bright, glowy and radiant...and one of the best ways to combat dull-looking skin is to add an exfoliator into a skincare routine.
Exfoliating works wonders at removing dead, dry skin cells, brightening and evening out skin tone, unclogging pores, reducing lines and wrinkles and improving skin health. It also helps the rest of the products in your routine work that much better, allowing them to penetrate the skin's surface. With the right exfoliator, your skin will be left looking refreshed and glowy and feeling baby-soft...and you'll notice that the subsequent products in your routine will just glide on.
But how to choose the right exfoliator for your unique skin? That's where we can help! Here's our VeryMakeupMad exfoliator lowdown and the pick of the best products on the market... we guarantee there's something here for everyone!
Exfoliators have come a long way since the rough, abrasive formulations of twenty years ago. Nowadays, liquid exfoliators are the most popular option, with nearly every skincare brand offering their own version. These leave-on 'toners' make use of gentle acids to slough away dead, dull skin in just one swipe. Many are marketed as being for daily use, but we suggest to most of our clients to use them a couple of times a week, so as not to damage the skin's natural repair barrier. Don't be alarmed if you feel a little tingling sensation when applying these products. And don't forget to apply your SPF when using acids!
VMM EXFOLIATING HEROES
REN READY STEADY GLOW: This brilliant toner is a favourite with our VMM clients and uses lactic acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid, (that's AHA to you and us!) to work its magic. It's particularly good for anyone with dry or sun-damaged skin, smoothing and refreshing skin instantly, leaving it looking bright and youthful.
PAULA'S CHOICE 2% BHA LIQUID EXFOLIANT: This cult product has an army of beauty fans! It contains a BHA - salicylic acid - which is a great ingredient for anyone dealing with oiliness, breakouts and blackheads, but also works well to hydrate dry skin. It also helps minimise enlarged pores and tackles redness.
DR DENNIS GROSS UNIVERSAL DAILY PEEL PADS: For instantly visible results and red-carpet worthy skin, we love these pads which contain a cocktail of acids to mimic the effects of having had an in-salon peel treatment. They are available in a variety of strengths and they are definitely a splurge...but worth it!
GATINEAU RADIANCE GOMMAGE: For a little luxury, we often reach for Gatineau's bestselling Radiance Enhancing Gommage, which is a unique, shimmering balm that transforms to an oil when massaged into dry skin. It contains AHAs, along with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and vitamin C to brighten and is always a pleasure to use.
MEDIK8 PRESS & GLOW: This is our pick for anyone with sensitive, reactive skin. This hydrating toner uses a PHA, which is an acid that doesn't penetrate the skin as deeply as others and works on the surface to smooth and brighten. Your skin will look dewy and glowy after each use. You can also use it in conjunction with retinol products
AMELIORATE RESURFACING FACIAL MASK: If you're a fan of masking, you'll love this new offering from brilliant skincare brand, Ameliorate. In just 10 minutes, skin is resurfaced, renewed and hydrated thanks to a blend of acids. It's a great option for dry skin and an instant 'reviver'.
We can't ignore the fact that many of you still opt for a grainy exfoliator and we understand how satisfying they can be to use! So our two picks for physical (as opposed to chemical) exfoliators are:
LANCER THE METHOD POLISH: Beverley Hills based dermatologist, Dr Lancer, is famed for giving his clients the 'Lancer Glow'. You too can achieve this with his non-abrasive exfoliator that uses natural minerals that are uniform in size, along with fruit enzymes to leave skin radiant. It has a gorgeous, lavender scent too!
KATE SOMERVILLE EXFOLIKATE INTENSIVE EXFOLIATING TREATMENT: Not for the fainthearted, this invigorating scrub works on skin tone, texture, and congestion in just a couple of minutes, with both physical and chemical exfoliating ingredients to buff away dull skin and reveal a more radiant complexion.
As always, please do get in touch for personal product recommendations and remember when shopping online at Lookfantastic, to take advantage of our discount code, VERYMAKEUPMAD20.
Love & No More Dull Skin Days!
Vikki & Mala xx