Thanks to the world collectively improving its skincare game, we have more products, variety, and problem-solving potions than ever.
But there is one holy grail beauty must that ranks higher than its peers and it’s an exfoliator.
However, we aren’t talking about those standard ones with micro-beads – in fact we actively encourage beauty lovers to walk as far away from those nuisances as possible.
Instead, we’re talking about chemical exfoliants that are gentle and eat away at dead skin sitting on the surface of your face.
These acid serums and peels are usually formulated with BHAs and AHAs, which lower the skin’s PH and dissolve and digest (yes, digest) the cells from the surface to the deeper layers of your skin.
You can incorporate a clay mask into the mix for even better results to extract impurities hidden beneath.
Beauty experts often encourage blemished and clogged pored teenagers to invest in exfoliators and clay masks. But they are also effective on mature skin as the products promote cell renewal, which improves skin tone, boosts circulation, brightens and reduces fine lines.
Be careful, though – overuse will cause adverse effects. Ease your skin into exfoliation by using it once a week and increasing it to twice a week after 14 days.
Here are the best exfoliators and clay masks to revive your skin.
Exfoliator
This French pharmacy product purifies with green clay and zinc to freshen your skin.
Vinopure Purifying Clay Mask, $46.00, French Beauty.
Exfoliator
Medik8’s enzyme activator with PHA tonic encourages smooth skin, tone, brightness, and hydration to create an easy surface for makeup application.
Medik8 Press and Glow, $44.00, Adore Beauty.
Exfoliator
Dermalogica’s gentle enzyme powder is uniquely rice-based, and when combined with water, it removes debris to enhance the texture of your skin. It’s perfect for those with oily skin who need an extra oomph from their cleanser and exfoliator.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, on sale at $78.32, Adore Beauty.
Exfoliator
This is one of Mecca’s most incredible products because it gently exfoliates your skin with a 10 per cent blend of AHAs, BHA, PHA and natural plant extracts for next day results.
Mecca Cosmetica Glow-Giver Exfoliating Solution, $42.00, Mecca.
Exfoliator
Paula’s Choice’s iconic 2 per cent BHA exfoliant has made waves in the beauty industry for unclogging pores, smoothing wrinkles, and brightening skin tone.
Skin perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $33.60, Paula’s Choice.
Exfoliator
This fruit enzyme exfoliant has bioactive ingredients blended with salicylic acid, which delivers “microdermabrasion-style results” as per Adore Beauty, will powerfully renew your skin and brighten your face.
Ella Baché Revealing Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant, $72.00, Adore Beauty.
Exfoliator
A clay mask like this one works hard to calm the skin with green tea and willowherb as it offers purifying effects that don’t leave you feeling dry.
Clear Purifying Clay Mask, $33.60, Paula’s Choice.
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