Glow for it: The best exfoliating beauty products
EXFOLIATING is the key to a radiant complexion – so how do the latest products scrub up? Our expert reports
If there’s one step you add to your beauty regime this autumn, make it exfoliation. For vibrancy, even tone and banishing fine lines, there’s little else that works as quickly. And products have come a long way since the apricot-kernel scrubs of the 1980s. You just have to decide which method you like best.
From left, clockwise:
For something that does the work of two products – so there’s no excuse for not slipping it into your daily routine – look no further than the Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash (£23; 0844 406 8108). It’s a cleanser that doubles up to replenish and resurface the skin, while taking away the dirt and grime that have built up through the day. Skin feels instantly smoother – a speedy result that certainly surprised me.
A newer kid on the block is the Indeed Laboratories Facial Powdered Exfoliator (£19.99; 0345 070 8090), which uses bamboo extract, rice-bran powder, Okinawa red algae, hyaluronic acid and pineapple enzymes to resurface your skin. Shake a puff of powder into your palm, add water and massage in. The micro particles unclog pores and reveal brighter skin in a jiffy.
Another fruit acid essential is Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel (£31; 0117 316 1888), which exfoliates while it gives you the excuse to sit back and relax for 10 minutes. Interestingly, the creamy, non-abrasive mask contains an active enzyme – papain – with a cut-off point, so it can’t over-exfoliate. Vitamin E and sunflower oil mean skin isn’t left feeling taut once the good work is done. It’s the quickest way to a post-facial glow in your own bathroom.
Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer (£70.60; 0800 591818), a rice- based enzyme powder, was one of the original products of this kind (just add water and it becomes a silty milk that can be massaged into your cheeks). It includes skin-brightening ingredients for dealing with uneven pigmentation, while also blitzing unwanted layers of skin.
A mess-free option is to go for pre-soaked pads. Just because they’re quick and easy doesn’t mean they aren’t effective. Simply skim refreshing, damp Origins Modern Friction Instant Brightening Pads (£31; 0800 731 4039) across your face and watch the magic happen. These promise the effects of a professional glycolic peel in under a minute, but without the redness. Do they deliver? Well, if you’re looking for smoother, softer skin, I’m pretty sure you’ll be happy.
From left:
Sweeping Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner (£25; 0800 036 3558) over your skin with a cotton pad – once you’ve finished cleansing – once or twice a week will allow the gentle tamarind fruit acids to nibble away at dead skin cells and boost skin renewal. This product comes with the added benefit of white-nettle extract, which tightens pores and tones the skin – and there’s no need for a dock leaf.
At half the price, The Body Shop Nutriganics Drops of Youth Concentrate (£22; 0800 092 9090) is busy targeting the opposite end of the spectrum – those first signs of ageing. A few drops before you moisturise smooths and enhances the condition of your complexion.If you’re looking for something a little different, you could try an exfoliating powder. Less harsh than some products with a larger grain but impressively effective, exfoliating powders work well after cleansing – and help moisturising treats to sink in more speedily.
Mature skin will like the Decléor Prolagène Lift & Brighten Peeling Gel (£46.50; 020 7313 8787) because abrasive scrubs can feel too harsh as skin thins with age. This is a rinse-off product, a gel that’s left for five minutes to let the active ingredients do their thing. L-Proline complex stimulates the manufacture of collagen and hyaluronic acid works to hydrate and plump, while iris essential oil boosts elasticity. Aloe and rose water soothe away any redness, too.
Diptyque Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay (£44; 020 7495 8464) can be either massaged into damp skin to buff or applied more generously as a mask and left for five or 10 minutes while the apricot-kernel oil, vitamins and trace minerals encourage skin regeneration. I like the second option, as you get the benefit of exfoliation too as you rub it away under water.
