Hey you guys! Hope you’ve all had a fantastic 2017- I can’t believe the year is already coming to an end!
During the winter, our skin tends to get more dry. The cold temperatures, heaters, and drier air all tend to wreak havoc on our complexions. The problem is that so many exfoliants out there tend to do more harm than good, as they’re too harsh.
I have hypersensitive skin from using tretinoin, which also results in flaking. So, needless to say, I’ve tried a LOT of exfoliants over the past couple years. Luckily, I’ve found quite a few that are effective for different reasons, that don’t cause irritation. Here are the ones I’ve kept returning to over the past year:
PIXI GLOW TONIC
Pixi Glow Tonic is a favorite of beauty editors everywhere, and understandably so. This is a toner, but it doubles as a mild exfoliant because it contains 5% glycolic acid. Because of the pH, it’s not as “strong” as some other glycolic toners, so it works perfectly for daily use. I use it twice a day, with no problems- just glowing skin! (Read more here.)
Shop for great beauty products at Pixi Beauty.
BIONOVA SCRUB ALTERNATIVE BIOACTIVE OIL-FREE MASSAGE CREAM
Bionova is a long-time fave brand of mine, as I’m a “science nerd.” Ideally, our skin should exfoliate itself, and I discovered as a teen that over-exfoliating can have horrific results and cause a lot of damage. If you’re prone to irritation, this stuff is PERFECT. The massaging action combined with the formula helps stimulate blood flow and enhance cellular turnover, without causing damage. (Read our review here.)
OMOROVICZA MIDNIGHT RADIANCE MASK
The Omorovicza Midnight Radiance Mask is an overnight mask that contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, is not only less irritating than alphahydroxy acids, but it’s oil-soluble. This means it can penetrate into the pores to remove impurities, resulting in fewer blackheads and blemishes. It also helps address hyperpigmentation and fine lines. (Our review is here.)
Instant radiance with Omorovicza!
TATCHA INDIGO SOOTHING RICE ENZYME POWDER
The Tatcha Indigo Soothing Rice Enzyme Powder is one of my top enzyme exfoliants. The brand has several of these powders available, but the Indigo version is made for sensitive skin. Like other enzyme powders, when mixed with water, it’s used to cleanse and exfoliate, resulting in smooth, glowing skin. (Read more here.)
Shop Now for the Exfoliating Rice Enzyme Powder at Tatcha!
JAN MARINI HOLIDAY EXFOLIATOR
Omg, this stuff is SO decadent! It contains both a manual exfoliant, and fruit enzymes, so it works both ways. You can get more or less exfoliation depending on how aggressively you use it. Plus, it smells like sugar cookies and looks like cookie dough! (Read review here.)
BIORE BAKING SODA CLEANSING SCRUB
This is the best drugstore cleanser of it’s kind that I’ve tried. It’s gentle, yet effective at getting excess icky stuff out of the pores, and the baking soda is a gentle exfoliant. It smells really fresh, and leaves my skins super smooth! (Read more here.)
AQUAREVEAL SATIN BRIGHT SOFT WATER PEEL
The AQUAREVEAL Satin Bright Soft Water Peel is an absolutely amazing product. It’s a peeling gel- you simply massage it onto your face, and it kind of “balls up” and starts picking up impurities, and dead skin cells. You can literally feel the flakes coming off. (Read more here.)
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AMOREPACIFIC TREATMENT ENZYME PEEL
The AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peel one of the first, and one of my fave, enzyme powders I’ve ever tried. Like all AmorePacific products, it smells absolutely divine! It’s mild and doesn’t cause any irritation on my sensitized skin. (Read more here.)
Another great exfoliant is the Juice Beauty GREEN APPLE Peel, but I didn’t include it because, although I’ve had no issues, they specifically say it’s not for sensitive skin. They DO have a sensitive version, though, I just haven’t tried it. You can check it out here.
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With proper care, including gentle exfoliation and good hydration, keeping dry flaky skin at bay over the harsh winter months is easily possible- so you can have a healthy glow for all those holiday parties!
As always, make sure to do a patch test prior to trying any product to check for adverse reactions. Also, make sure you always, always, ALWAYS wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, since exfoliants make skin more susceptible to UV rays.
Happy glowing!
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
