Exfoliation: how to give your skin new life
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Exfoliation is one key skincare step that brings us closer to achieving that alluring youthful, fresh glow.
During the course of the day it is inevitable that dead skin cells gather on the top layer of our complexions. When these skin cells mingle with pollutants, oil residue and makeup particles, sad looking skin ensues. Pores may be clogged, resulting in breakouts and loss of skin clarity, or the complexion may be shrouded in that blanket of dullness. On the other hand, if Canberra winter leaves your skin dry and flaky, effective exfoliation will be a powerhouse tool to restore a smoother and more even-textured complexion, and bring back that summer radiance.
But where do we start? And what product is the best for you? With so many options on the market, it can be utterly confusing as to which method of exfoliation is the right fit for your skin. To help you choose, we’ve sorted at-home exfoliation products into three main categories: physical exfoliation, chemical exfoliation, and enzymatic exfoliation.
PHYSICAL EXFOLIATION
Physical exfoliation is the method that we all know and have probably all used.
By using small granules to buff away dead skin cells, physical exfoliation is possibly the most satisfying of the three product categories. The big mistake that can be made, though, is the possibility of doing it too often.
Because of the abrasive nature of this technique, keep your physical exfoliant use to about twice a week. Those with sore acne or very sensitive skin may not be the best candidates for this method, however, there is something undeniably satisfying about washing off the product and instantaneously revealing smoother and brighter skin below.
Aesop Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant
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Aesop has formulated this dry powder exfoliant to be mixed with a gel or cream-based facial cleanser in order to provide a physical exfoliation experience. Ground tea tree leaves act as a powerful antibacterial, crushed nutshell provides the physical exfoliation component, and purified clay detoxifies the skin.
Normal, oily and combination skin types will benefit from this product. The inclusion of tea tree and clay makes it a good option for those who suffer from occasional breakouts and want to keep their skin clarity in check. Head into Aesop’s stunning, newly refurbished Canberra Centre store to find out more.
Find at Aesop, Canberra Centre
Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub
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Those looking for a bit more of an intense physical exfoliation experience will enjoy the Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub.
This ruby crystal microderm exfoliator will slough away dead skin cells and reveal a smoother complexion. The skin is then healed by hydrating hyaluronic acid, and soothing seaweed extract and jojoba oil. Wash off and find yourself with fresh, plump and even-textured skin.
Find at Mecca Cosmetica, Canberra Centre
CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION
Chemical exfoliation typically uses Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) to exfoliate the skin.
These groups of acids include powerhouses that, when applied to the face, gently remove the top layer of dead skin without any scrubbing motion needed. The acids achieve this by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, therefore allowing them to shed off.
AHAs and BHAs are great because they help with common concerns such as remedying acne and provide anti-aging benefits by encouraging cellular regeneration. Chemical exfoliants typically come in a ‘peel’ or ‘serum’ formula, that can be easily integrated into your weekly, or daily skincare routine.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel
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Those ‘in the know’ commonly hail The Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel pads as, frankly, the ultimate skincare saviour.
The exfoliant is applied in two steps, and ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and retinol work together to help target ageing, texture, dullness, breakouts and even acne scarring. Depending on your skin resiliency, pick from the ‘extra strength’, ‘universal’ or ‘ultra gentle’ formulas. As the name suggests, this product is intended for daily use.
Find at Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Maxima, Canberra Centre
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
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If your skin tends to be quite sensitive, never fear! You are still eligible to use a chemical exfoliant.
Our recommendation is The Ordinary’s Mandelic Acid 10% + HA. This resurfacing peel features a dose of mandelic acid, which is a much gentler option when compared to other AHAs. The acid exfoliates the skin superficially and leaves it with a more even texture.
The ‘HA’ or ‘hyaluronic acid’ included in the formula will help to boost hydration levels in the skin, resulting in a more plump and illuminated complexion.
Find at DECIEM, Canberra Centre
ENZYMATIC EXFOLIATION
Enzymatic exfoliation works much like chemical exfoliation in the way that no physical exfoliation component or ‘scrubbing’ is necessary.
With this method, gentle, often fruit-derived acids do the work. The difference is that enzymatic exfoliation is often gentler than chemical exfoliation, as it encourages or ‘catalyses’ the body’s natural process of dissolving dead tissue. Therefore, only dead skin cells are removed, and healthy skin underneath is left untouched and unaffected.
Radical Express Delivery Enzyme Peel
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For a tried and tested, cult favourite enzymatic exfoliant, reach for Radical’s Express Delivery Enzyme Peel.
This product can be used on all skin types, from the most sensitive to the most problematic complexions. A blend of enzymes and fruit acids (think papaya, pineapple, lemon and grapefruit), gently resurface the skin, leaving it brighter and more radiant. The face is then moisturised and soothed by hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Another plus?… It smells absolutely amazing.
Find at Mecca Cosmetica, Canberra Centre
Pixi Peel and Polish
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Pixi Peel and Polish is an affordable and reliable enzymatic exfoliant option.
Natural fruit enzymes paired with lactic acid gently exfoliate, whilst the inclusion of fine sugar extracts also physically removes dead skin cells.
Make sure to carefully massage this product into the skin before leaving it on for two minutes, as this allows the enzymes to fully activate and work their magic. Wash off and see dullness erased and replaced by an instant glow.
Find at David Jones, Canberra Centre
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