Have you ever wondered why painters always use sandpaper first on woodwork and even cement walls before painting them? This is because having a smooth surface is ideal to achieve perfectly painted walls. The same applies to your skin. Exfoliation, or the removal of dead skin cells on the skin’s outermost surface, is essential to achieve the smooth, glowing skin we all covet. Sloughing off old skin cells ensures that all the serums and creams we apply are absorbed effectively. Removing that unwanted layer of skin reveals the fresh and smooth skin just beneath the surface. Of course, you shouldn’t use harsh sandpaper on your most visible asset. In fact, certain exfoliants in the market have been banned for being too abrasive. Here are our top recommendations of gentle and effective exfoliants to smoothen your skin:
Japan’s #1 exfoliator has gained cult status all over the globe, especially for those looking for an alternative exfoliant without microbeads. It is so popular that an estimated one bottle of Cure is sold every 12 seconds in Japan.
After cleansing, pump a few drops of this gel and spread it on your face with your fingers. Let it dry for a few seconds to allow it to react to the dead cells. Once it turns white, massage it in a gentle, circular motion and feel the tiny chunks of dead skin rolling around on your fingertips. Rinse your face with water and get ready to be wowed by the fresh faced being staring back at you on the mirror.
This innovative manual exfoliator has single-use exfoliating pads loaded with Vitamin C. It sloughs off impurities and leaves powerful antioxidants and lactic acid that penetrate deep into your pores. Use the crisscross gauze side of the pad first on your dry face and massage with gentle, circular motions. Next, flip the pad to swipe the quilted side across the face to pick up the remnants of dry skin and dirt. Finish up by washing up your face with lukewarm water. Your skin will be visibly clearer and brighter after every use.
This hypoallergenic scrub with gentle microbeads is ideal for sensitive skin, as it has ingredients that respect the skin’s pH balance. It contains thermal water from La Roche Posay that effectively cleanses skin, along with polyethylene particles and ultrafine micronized diatomaceous powders that target skin impurities. Apply the scrub to a wet face and massage gently all over. Rinse off with water to reveal clean and smooth skin. Best to avoid the eye area, however, which is too sensitive for microbeads.
Exfoliation should not be limited to the face. The skin on our body also deserves major TLC. Soap & Glory Flake Away is a body polish packed with skin smoothing ingredients like shea butter, sweet almond oil, peach seed powder, sea salt, and sugar. Big bonus: Soap & Glory’s signature “pink” fragrance is totes addictive, too. Apply a handful of Flake Away to damp skin and massage until the grains melt away. Rinse and follow it up with body butter or moisturizer. It transforms the scaliest skin from reptilian to radiant.
St. Ives is a brand that is almost synonymous with face scrubs. This particular line of exfoliant specifically targets blackheads and fights blemishes via its green tea content. It is free from sulfates and parabens, and is mild enough to suit sensitive skin. Spread a dime-sized amount on a damp face and massage gently. Rinse thoroughly with water. Fresh skin free from blemishes awaits.
Text by: Yasha Barretto
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