Best Exfoliators for Glowing Skin
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BEST Exfoliants and Its Benefit
This is a very important step, as makeup works best and lasts longer on a fresh face that is free of the outer layer of dead skin cells. The better your skin looks, the better the makeup will look. Products such as Clarisonic will not properly exfoliate your skin and St Ives scrubs can be harmful and too harsh on the skin. Over exfoliating is not recommended, especially if you have sensitive skin.
While I normally prefer chemical exfoliating over physical, I find that most clients do not have a very good and consistant skincare regimine that includes exfoliant on a daily basis, so I recommend implementing a physical exfoliating at least 2 weeks prior to the big day. Proper exfoliation removes the barrier of dead skin cells clogging the skin. This opens the way for moisturizing products to penetrate more deeply into the skin, which makes them more effective. Exfoliating will also help the longevity of the makeup application.
If skin has not been properly exfoliated by the time of your big day, then some of the products used will not absorb and adhere well , especially on patchy, pore-ish, and flaky skin (that can’t always be seen on a bare face) until it is completely removed. Remember, makeup can’t hide texture or pores, and if anything…at times can make it look worse. Exfoliating will help this.
Here are my TOP PERSONAL FAVORITE exfoliators and links where you can purchase them:
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant (my go-to skincare product…I love applying this after using either Accure Brighening Scrub or the AmorePacific Treatment Ensyme Peel to give me an extra boost for clear and supple skin for the next day if my skin is looking dull and pore-ish)
Purito Centella Green Level All in One Mild Pad (safe on sensitive skin; love this one when I am on the go)
Bobbi Brown Radiance Boost Superfine Walnut Grain & Orange Oil Exfoliating Mask (may not be suitable if you are allergic to organge)
Kora Organics Tumeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask (may not be suitable for those alleric to tumeric or sensitive skin)
ZO Skin Health Dual Action Scrub (best for oily and acne-prone skin)
In addition to exfoliating, I've listed a few more tried and true products that can be added to your skin care regimen that may help with reducing pores, even skin tone, dark spots, etc. I've personally tried the products and would absolutely recommend.
Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% treatment (my personal go-to skincare product)
Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief (best for normal to dry skin; helps reduce redness and promotes even skin tone and restores the barrier of your skin; may not be suitable for oily skin; it is marketed as a serum due to the ingredients, but feels more like a creamy moisturizer)
Retin-A (prescription only; not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding mamas; may not be suitable for long-term use and for those who have liver damage; best to ask your dermatologist for more information)
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration (to fade dark spots; may take 1-3 months, depending on the severity of the spots to see any visible results)
