WHICH EXFOLIANT IS BEST FOR MY SKIN?

With so many different types of exfoliants out there in the marketplace, how can we be sure we are using the most appropriate exfoliant for our skin type?

Also, why bother exfoliating at all??

As I tell my clients, the TOP 4 things you should be doing for your skin are:

1. Cleanse
2. Exfoliate
3. Moisturise
4. Protect with mineral spf daily

If you are not currently using an exfoliator then you will be pleasantly surprised once you begin. You skins texture, tone, brighteness and smoothness will all improve, not to mention your moisturiser will be able to work more efficiently as it penetrates deeper with in the skin. As we age our skin stops shedding the dead as much as it used to. A build up of dead cells make our skin appear dull, grey and lifeless.

Let us explore the different exfoliants available and which one is best for your skin:

1. Physical Scrub: This type of scrub is best for someone with a normal to dry skin type. Not suitable for sensitive skins. A reliable and cheap source of yesterday's scrubs were plastic beads. But now, with public and government pressure companies are using more naturally derived ingredients such as walnut shells, apricot kernels, jojoba beads and pumice. We use pumice in our Skin Matrix AHA Exfoliating Scrub. This is one of our cult products for normal to dry skin types. Nourishing yet exfoliating at the same time. I recommend using a scrub at least once a week, even twice for a more for a fresh and rejuvenated facial complexion. If you break out from a scrub, then you  are possibly over scrubbing.

2. Physical Scrub with Fruit Acids (AHA's): This is perfect for all skin types, except sensitive. If you have a normal to oily or a breakout skin type, then this style if preferred over option 1. This combines the physical scrub component of option 1, with a blend of fruit acids to give a deeper exfoliation. AHA's break down the intercellular glue that compacts cells together. Also, AHA's loosen oil and dead cells that become compacted in your pore, creating a pimple. The Daily Exfoliating Scrub (pictured below) is one of our most popular scrubs.

3. An Enzyme Exfoliator: I think Osmosis Skin Care do the best enzyme exfoliator. Polish is gentle on the skin, hydrates and firms at the same time. It is a delicious cranberry enzyme-smoothing, peptide-firming, antioxidant mask. You apply as a mask then remove after 10 minutes. Enzymes digest dead skin cells and leave the skin smooth and plump. Perfect for a sensitive skin that can not tolerate a physical scrubbing motion.

4. An At-Home Peel: A peel usually consists of a blend of fruit acids or AHA's. These AHA's break down intercellular glue revealing a fresh smooth complexion underneath. I always suggest doing a physical scrub within 3 days of your peel. Pending of the strength of your peel will determine how soon you exfoliate. 

The Rolls Royce of any at home exfoliation routine is to use a peel once a week, and a physical scrub once a week. Acneic skins may be able to scrub every second day. It will be a matter of trial and error. Remember if you are getting the results, don't push your skin with too much exfoliation. It is a matter of finding your skins equilibibrium.