I do love a good exfoliator. It’s probably the best part of my skincare routine. I always used to think that if it doesn’t feel rough on the skin, then it’s not going to work, but I’ve discovered a whole new array of exfoliators since then. Even facial brushes like the Clarasonic offer a deep cleansing and exfoliation of the skin like no other and something I also swear by, but at the moment I am quite enjoying using the more conventional cream and gel varieties and I’ve got four current favourites to share with you.
The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is amazing and I’ve been through several bottles of this beauty favourite over the years. It’s an unusual formula because it is in powder form, which turns into a creamy paste when you add water. The water activates this rice-based powder and releases Papain (an enzyme found in Papaya), Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes, all of which exfoliate dead skin cells. Suitable for daily use, all I need is about half a teaspoon of the powder which I apply to wet hands. Once a creamy paste is formed, I massage it into the skin for a minute and then wash off. This is so gentle to use but honestly the brightening and smoothness of the skin afterwards as well as the improvement in the texture of my skin over time is worth the price tag of £42. Plus you get 74g worth of product which given that you only need to use a small amount each time means this lasts for a very long time.
Next up is the Nourish London Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator * (£18). As its name suggests, Kale is the main ingredient which is great for detoxifying the skin as well as pomegranate enzymes which gently exfoliate. Mixed also with a number of soothing oils, this is a great little multi-tasker as you can use it as an exfoliating mask, a cleanser or a facial. Designed to defend against pollution I love using this in the evenings and I like that it has a subtle rose-water type scent to it.
The formula is a smooth, pale-green creamy paste and incredibly soft and gentle to use on the skin (see below for a swatch). I’ve tried all three ways of using this product and my favourite is to use this is as a second cleanse by rubbing a small amount on to wet skin and taking my time to massage it in before rinsing off.
When I have a bit more time at hand, I have also used this as a facial mask and then spritz on, as recommended, a facial mist before rinsing off. My preferred facial mist is the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist (see my post on this here) – the combination is just heavenly. Rubbing it on to dry skin as an exfoliator and leaving it on for two minutes before rinsing off is also a great way to buff and cleanse the skin. Whichever way I have used this I have noticed that my skin looks and feels more even and brighter and I am definitely looking forward to trying more from this organic and natural skincare brand.
Next up is the Oskia Micro Exfoliating Balm. How can anyone not love anything by Oskia? Whilst pricey at £48, I love coming back to this and it is probably one of the most luxurious exfoliators I own. You can read my full review on it here.
Left: Nourish London Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator. Right: My Little Beauty Vitamin Shot Face Scrub
The last product came in my July My Little Box subscription. I love that they also include their own products in the boxes and I was quite excited to get the My Little Beauty Vitamin Shot Face Scrub (swatched above). This refreshing face scrub contains bamboo extract, apricot seed powder and argan oil and feels uber refreshing on the skin. I like that you can feel the exfoliating beads with this but again it’s still very gentle and leaves my skin so bright after use. I aways get some fab products in this subscription box and this face scrub does not disappoint.
I literally have all four on rotation at the moment and each are good in their own right – I highly recommend them all. So, which are your favourite exfoliators? I’d love to know. x
Products marked * are PR/Gifted. Opinions are always my own
