Exfoliating can take skin from good to radiant, but traditional scrubs can be too abrasive for a lot of skin types.
Here is our list of the best glow-getting lotions, potions and tools to use instead. Goodbye pebbly, dry, flaky skin; hello smooth moves!
Words: Elise Wilson
Photos: Supplied
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EXFOLIATING GLOVES
The great thing about gloves, like these QVS Exfoliating Gloves, $9.99, is that they’re quick and take minimal effort. The woven material makes them effective at sloughing off dead skin, fake tan and grime and can even be used without a body wash. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, these may not be the best option as they can make skin worse if irritated.
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BODY PEELS
If you suffer from bacne (back acne) and ingrown hairs, body peel products are a great alternative to a scrub. The fruit enzymes, lactic and glycolic acid that they contain are gentle and leave skin smooth and subtle as well as unclog pores and hair follicles. This James Read Enhance Tan Perfecting Enzyme Peel Mask, $40, works to cleanse and exfoliate before smoothing, firming and hydrating skin. Ideal to use before a tan to prepare your skin or to maintain perfectly smooth skin all year round. Enriched with aloe vera to hydrate, blueberry extract to exfoliate, hyaluronic acid to boost elasticity and witch hazel to condition.
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SKINCARE BRUSHING
If your double cleansing technique still isn’t removing all the make-up, dirt and oil off your skin, it’s time to take it up a notch. A cleansing brush like this Clinique Sonic System Purifying Brush, $165, takes the effort out of cleaning your face – and is a two in one! It works to deep cleanse to unclog pores, and lightly exfoliate at the same time. Keep this in the shower to use when needed.
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FACE PEELS
By increasing your skin’s natural cell turn-over in turn improves its texture, tone and radiance. As we age desquamation (natural skin sloughing) begins to slow and our skin’s texture becomes more coarse with hydration also diminishing. Chemical peels are popular, but also abrasive and expensive. With this need in mind dermatologists have created at-home skincare containing ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acids to do the job at home. Used after cleansing and toning and before your serum these gentle formulas work at naturally exfoliating your skin – even while you’re sleeping!
For day we can recommend Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask, $59.80, and for night Kiehl’s new Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate, $109
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DRY BRUSHING
The benefits of dry brushing aren’t just for smooth, soft skin – it helps stimulate circulation that in turn aids in reducing cellulite, increase muscle tone and promote detoxification. Completed before you hop in the shower or bath, you should sweep your brush over your entire body in circular motions starting from your feet and working your way up your body. The Body Shop Cactus Brush, $37.95, has a longer handle, great for those hard-to-reach areas like the back.
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EXFOLIATING LOTIONS
If you have super sensitive skin or you suffer from keratosis pilaris (otherwise known as chicken skin), harsh scrubs can be too abrasive. Instead, look for neutralised lactic acid based body lotions containing medium levels of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) that are safe, gentle and non-toxic. Environ AVST Hydrating Lotion, $97.80, assists the natural exfoliating function, leading to a clearer skin with greater resilience and a finer texture. The lotion replenishes the skin’s natural acidity helping to prevent a build-up of bacteria, which can cause blemishes. It helps to safely and effectively soften and smooth the body skin while improving moisture.
