AD: exfoliants featured below are samples with no obligation to feature.
Exfoliants “should” become part of anyone’s skincare regime. It’s a product that visibly makes a difference to one’s skin. Exfoliators are one big family. Available in different textures, formulations and strengths to suit the user’s needs. It’s a relief to know that “the days of the apricot scrub” have gone. Although, I do still see the “old skool apricot scrub” making an unwelcome appearance.
We should all know by now the importance of removing dead skin cells. Exfoliants reveal newer skin cells underneath the skin. This allows topical treatments to penetrate deeply into the skin. As a result of this, the product will work effectively, giving you the results you wanted.
For me, I like to “go wild” and experiment with a selection of exfoliants to satisfy my skin craving. Whether I am short on time or not, slotting in an exfoliant during my skincare routine makes the world a difference. Continue reading as I unravel with you three exfoliating products that prevent my skin from misbehaving. You never know, 1 out of the 3 recommended products could become your next favourite!
Not classed as an “exfoliant” as such, the Algenist Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Peel offers everything you could wish for in an exfoliating product. Exclusive Blue Algae Vitamin C provides instant radiance and pigmentation-reducing properties. With the power of three exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA and PHA) to deeply but gently resurface the skin. That rich, alluring blue colour isn’t from artificial ingredients. Algenist extracted a natural pigment found within Spirulina that gives this incredible product its distinctive colour.
It is recommended to apply 4-to-6 pumps to dampen skin. However, I find 2-to-3 pumps plentiful to cover the entire face. After all, if you’re spending £80 bucks on a skincare item, you would want to make it last. During application, I did notice a slight cooling sensation from the product, but nothing too overbearing. The texture itself was a pleasure to apply and had that tacky feel which enabled the product to stay put. For me, it brightened and decongested my complexion like no other “at-home peel” available on the market. Having said that, I didn’t see a *drastic* change with my dark spots on my upper cheeks and temple. However, an improvement was noticeable. The Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Correcting Peel is available at Cult Beauty here.
If you’re following me on Instagram (@misterwharff), you will have seen me speaking about Lisa Franklin Skincare. The Men’s Refining Scrub is Lisa’s take on “micro-exfoliation”, and what a pleasurable experience it was. Regenerating, revitalising and bacterial-reducing. This clinical formulated product combines unique, unheard-of ingredients to tackle skin issues on the spot. Citrus lime complex created of three lime species exfoliates, tones and smoothes. Caviar lime withholds natural AHA enzymes to shed away dead skin. Desert lime offers anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin. Furthermore, Rainforest lime brightens the complexion thanks to its high content of vitamin c.
I love when a brand uses “less common” ingredients in their formulations. We have a Mushroom extract that immediately refines pore size. Meanwhile, the phyto combination of burnet, cinnamon and ginger protects skin against bacteria, preventing irritation. Willow bark extract produces salicylic acid naturally, reducing the likelihood of blemishes. As a result, skin appeared vibrant, less congested and rejuvenated. I wouldn’t call this your “regular facial scrub” by any means. Don’t expect it to scrub your face off, but expect it to provide you with a youthful, energized complexion. Discover Lisa Franklin Skincare here.
Finally, a facial oil with salicylic acid that doesn’t strip the living daylights out of my skin. Indeed Labs created Clearify: an ultra-lightweight, dry skin oil for problematic skin. Combining two precious ginger extracts to reduce sebum production. Argan oil replenishes hydration levels. Furthermore, a duo of lotus extracts from Egypt and India calms inflammation caused by breakouts.
The key to application is by applying a pea-size amount over one area, continuing with the rest of the areas. Applying too much will cause a slight tackiness to the skin. However, many like that tacky feel, so for some, this shouldn’t be an issue. I like to use the facial in the evenings, mainly on targeted areas, including the t-zone. Again, only a drop or two is plentiful. Take your time and massage the product until no oil is present. Due to the product being a dry oil, the skin will be left balanced and not blocked. My skin appeared less oily and congested. Active blemishes were less angry-looking. If you’re on a hunt for a facial oil that offers a solution for acneic skin, the clarify facial oil from Indeed Labs is the one for you. Available at Cult Beauty here.
Will you be experiencing one of the above exfoliants?
