Exfoliation For Your Skin Type
Exfoliation is an absolute essential for me! And, of course, I almost always recommend it to my Beauty Mates. But, when shopping around for "the one", I always advise knowing your skin type first. Exfoliating can get tricky, because there are a number of different products that will help to slough off dead skin cells. From cleansers, to masks, creams, and more. Certain skin types should only exfoliate 1-2x a week, while others would benefit from using one every day, or every-other-day. Below are some of the most common skin types/concerns, and my favorite product recommendations for each!
Shop By Skin Type
Sensitive Skin Types - If you have sensitive skin, you know how hard it can be to find any product that won't irritate your skin. So, naturally, finding an exfoliant may seem daunting. Many of my sensitive-skin Beauty Mates have had fabulous results with iLike Ultra Sensitive Exfoliating Mask ($52), which gently softens and removes dead skin cells, improves skin texture and tone, calms and soothe, reduces inflammation and redness. This product was designed with sensitive-skinned users in mind, so you can rest assured that a lot of care and consideration has been put into making sure it is gentle while still remaining effective.
Dry Skin Types - dry skin types are unique in that they benefit from exfoliation, but excess can cause their skin to dry out. It is important to select products that are nourishing in addition to their exfoliating benefits. One of my favorites for dry skin is Eminence Organics Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser ($44). This product was designed for normal to dry skin, and helps to infuse skin with antioxidants while removing dead skin and tightening pores.
Normal Skin Types - If you are lucky enough to enjoy "normal skin", I salute you. This is definitely the easiest skin category to find product for, so the options are much more vast. That being said, one of my absolute favorites is Eminence Organics Citrus Exfoliating Wash ($38). This refining cleanser helps to: remove surface impurities, buffs away dead skin cells, assists in unclogging pores, prepares your skin to better absorb your nourishing products, and infuses the skin with antioxidants and vitamins. I highly recommend applying toner following this fabulous product.
Combo Skin Types - this is one of the most common skin types, and it can feel tricky, since parts of your face tend to feel dry, while others feel oily. One of my favorite exfoliating products for combo skin is June Jacobs Radiant Refining Exfoliating Powder ($52). This Paraben and preservative free product activates upon contact with water and gently sweeps away dead skin cells with rice, bamboo, papain and salicylic acid, leaving skin soft, smooth and clarified. It also helps to brighten skin, balance skin tone, and refine skin texture leaving it looking and feeling flawless and radiant.
Oily/Acneic Skin Types - If you struggle with oily/acneic skin, you need to be particular. Certain products may only serve to irritate the skin further, which is something you definitely do not want. One of my favorite products for this particular skin type is Skin Script's Glycolic Cleanser ($29). This exfoliating gem helps to: refine pores, renew the skin, reduce visible wrinkles, brighten, boost hydration, reduce acne scars, enhance cellular turnover, and more. So basically, it is a multipurpose product that will help improve the overall appearance of your skin. I simply love it!
Aging Skin - If aging skin is your concern , then I highly recommend Hydropeptide's Anti-Wrinkle Exfoliating Cleanser ($44). This invigorating product was designed to treat wrinkles, prevent collagen loss, fight against acne, and revive lifeless skin. It really works for any age group, but is particularly helpful for those wanted to slow down/reverse the signs of aging.
Body - So many of us neglect to exfoliate our bodies. Yes, our bodies benefit from exfoliation as well! In fact, exfoliating is essential if you want to achieve your most beautiful, luminous skin. One of my absolute favorites is Image Skincare Body Spa Exfoliating Body Scrub ($25). This product helps to increase cellular turnover, removing dead skin cell buildup to reveal polished, smooth skin. It is incredibly nourishing, and will help your post-scrub products to sink in much more effectively. I always use this before indulging in a spray tan for longer-lasting, more even results.
Lips - A newer trend is exfoliating your lips, and I have to admit I have fallen in love with this one! I always have my Glo Minerals Exfoliating Lip Scrub ($15.50) on hand. This product is fabulous for sloughing away dead skin to reveal smooth, moisturized, fuller looking lips. I like that the sugar melts into my lips . If you are looking for at-home tricks, try using your toothbrush gently over your lips as you finish up brushing your teeth.