You’ve nailed your routine essentials: cleansing, moisturising, and SPF - but there’s one crucial step you’re avoiding that may be preventing you from meeting your skin goals. (We’re talking about exfoliation).
Exfoliation is the process of sloughing off old, dead skin cells and build-up from the skin’s surface; build-up that may eventually lead to dullness, uneven skin tone and clogged pores. It’s an essential step for anyone wanting luminous skin - so, naturally, we had to ask our experts all about it.
What are the benefits of exfoliating the skin?
Exfoliation is key to a soft, smooth and radiant complexion. How is this possible? Lifting away dead cells and build-up from the skin’s surface will allow your natural oils to flow and limit the risk of clogging your pores.
Clogged pores will often lead to uneven texture and congestion, as a consequence, your complexion may appear extra dry, dull, lifeless and prone to blemishes.
Exfoliating overtime - and correctly (more on that below), will also promote new skin cell turnover and expose fresh, smooth and brighter skin underneath.
How to add an exfoliator to your routine?
You’ll first want to cleanse your skin to ensure any excess dirt, oil, and makeup is removed from the skin before following with your exfoliator.
Our top exfoliator pick? Ultra Gentle Exfoliating Gel; a gentle formula, featuring Jojoba Esters and a blend of AHA and BHA to help decongest the skin. If you want to incorporate Vitamin C into your routine, you’ll love Ultra Granule-C Microfoliant; this one contains granules of absorbable Vitamin C that meal into the skin upon massaging, leaving the complexion visibly polished and glowing.
Complete your routine with a moisturiser, and always remember to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen during the day.
When’s the right time to exfoliate?
You can exfoliate your skin either in the morning or evening. However, if you are using Vitamin A in the evening, we recommend adding this step as part of your weekly AM routine as Retinol and AHA may cause irritation when used together.
What’s an exfoliating mistake to avoid?
Over-doing it. Over-exfoliating your skin may potentially disrupt your skin barrier (and your skin will be sure to let you know). You may experience increased dryness, dehydration, tightness or sensitivity. This is why our experts recommend limiting this step to 2-3 times per week. If you have sensitive skin, you may reduce this to 1-2 times per week.
If you do feel like you’ve overdone exfoliation, read our experts guide on supporting your skin barrier.
Remember, skincare doesn’t stop at your face - and your body deserves some love too. Ultra Retexturising Body Complex is a must-try dual-action body lotion that exfoliates and hydrates the skin. Add this product to your evening routine, focusing on your legs, arms, declottage and back. This step will ensure your skin appears smooth, healthy and hydrated - all over.
