How to Exfoliate Your Face the Right Way

The skincare step we're all guilty of neglecting.

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I've done it, you've probably done it; we've all skipped this one crucial step in our skincare regime, or at the very least, not spent enough time doing it right. Skincare experts often dub exfoliating the most important step in our routines; even more so than cleansing and moisturising (though, we can't have one without the other, right?). Apart from the removal of dead skin cells, exfoliating also dislodges the day-to-day congestion of our pores (goodbye white and blackheads!) and smooths the skin surface, but only when it is done the right way.

Keep scrolling down for my exfoliating tips and tricks, and my favourite exfoliants.
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MY EXFOLIATING TIPS AND TRICKS:

Tip #1: Wash your hands first. This is serious business.

Tip #2: Exfoliate after you've washed your face properly with a cleanser (see here for my cleansing tips and tricks).

Tip #3: Use a circular motion when rubbing in the product to stimulate blood flow.

Tip #4: When exfoliating, use a light hand. Using too much pressure can actually damage the skin, causing micro scratches and tears, which defeats the purpose of the step. The less is more exfoliate should definitely be applied when it comes to exfoliating.

Tip #5: Focus on particularly dry or flakey areas (just don't overdo it). For me, that is my chin, around my nose and forehead.

Tip #6: If you've got acne prone skin, stick to a chemical exfoliant, as the small beads in some physical exfoliants (not all, as you'll read below) can actually spread the bacteria and cause further inflammation. Oh heel no.

Tip #7: Use lukewarm water to rinse off the product and a clean facial cloth to pat your face dry.

Tip #8: FYI, you can exfoliate as much or as little as you want, however be aware of the way your skin is reacting to your exfoliating. If you find it is red or extra sensitive, you may want to reduce how often you exfoliate or change products.

Tip #9: Never ever exfoliate without moisturising your skin afterwards. It's incredibly important to make sure you're locking in moisture to benefit from exfoliating.

Tip #10: Don't expose your face to harsh sunlight after exfoliating and be sure to use a sunscreen, which you should be doing daily anyway.
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MY TOP 7 FACIAL EXFOLIANTS:

I wanted to begin by introducing you to the newest exfoliant in my beauty cupboard, the Jurlique Daily Exfoliating Cream. It's a very interesting product to say the least, as it is actually an oat, almond and sesame seed oil paste, that also contains green tea, grape seed and turmeric (all-naturale, baby). Pressed onto the face with wet hands (no rubbing needed), this technique is really wonderful for sensitive and/or acne prone skin. My skin always feels really clean, soft and smooth after using the Jurlique Exfoliating Cream.

The most popular type of exfoliant is the physical formula, which relies on small beads or particles to physically remove dead skin cells. Two of my long-time favourites have been the Kosmea Daily Facial Exfoliant and the Nude by Nature Nude Face Scrub. Both boasting an array of delicious natural ingredients - the Nude by Nature Scrub uses coconut husk, jojoba beads and walnut shells to gently exfoliate - both get a big tick.

Can you believe that The Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash is the very first product I've used by Philosophy? Yes, I am now well aware that I've been dearly missing out, and not just because of the fab minimalist packaging. There's a reason it has raving reviews all over the Internet - it's ah-mazing. I'd read that it helped some people with acne, so last week I decided to use it on my skin, which had just broken out again. While I usually avoid physical formulas when my skin is breakout-central, I sit here now with completely clear skin (not one zit - hoorah!). Proof is in the pudding.

I also really love how gentle the Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub is on my skin as well. It has a whole bunch of ridiculously good natural ingredients too (it doesn't get more healthy than kale, spirulina, parsley and pineapple), but the cranberry scent is what really grabs me - so yum!

My first thought when I used the Arcona Brightening Gommage (exclusive to Sephora Australia) was that this is one super intense exfoliator. Arcona is without a doubt one of the beauty world's most hyped products at the moment and I'd heard only the best things about their Brightening Gommage, a deep exfoliator and skin brightener. Honestly, when I first put it on, the cooling sensation was just too much combined with the physical exfoliation, but I'm glad I pushed through it because it seems this stuff actually works. The absolute best thing about it is that it stays true to claims that the gommage reduces the appearance of pigmentation and scarring, which is apparent after just a few uses. I couldn't use it more than once a week on my sensitive skin, but it's definitely one of those products I will commit to using as a treatment each week. A must try!

I've shared my thoughts on the Obagi Nu-Dern Exfoderm Skin Smoothing Lotion on the blog previously here, but I have to say how much I like it the more I use it (and I've been using it for some time now). It's a great chemical exfoliator that is perfect for sensitive and acne prone skin, which is why I continuously go back to it.
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SHOP MY FAVOURITE EXFOLIANTS:

What exfoliating products do you use? I'd love to know!

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