The skin care step that will give you immediate results? Exfoliation. Whether it's to bust breakouts, diminish dark spots and scars, or even smooth away lines, finding the right exfoliant for your skin will help ensure that your complexion stays healthy and glowing. Learn what type is right for you and shop our favorite picks, when you keep reading.
You know you should be doing it, but it's often a skipped part of most skin care routines: exfoliation. This important step, however, can help correct a slew of complexion concerns. To find out why you should be regularly sloughing away during your regimen, read more
Argan oil has long been touted for the shine-enhancing and hydrating properties it provides to hair. But when it comes to skin, this potent beauty ingredient works just as impressively. Josie Maran's Argan Exfoliating Powder ($35) is a gentle exfoliant that not only buffs away dead skin cells, but also hydrates and smooths your complexion, leaving a healthy glow behind. To use, add a few shakes to your hand and mix in some water to form a creamy paste. It's gentle enough to apply daily for those with normal skin, while people with more sensitivity should use it less. Whatever your skin type — or disposition — it's guaranteed to make you feel totally renewed.
Forget all those scrubs out of your kitchen cabinet, there's another type of facial exfoliator on the block: Rx for Brown Skin's Absolute Radiance Exfoliating Serum ($35). Developed by dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor, the skin care line, including the serum, is formulated specifically for women with medium to dark skin tones. And as for this serum in particular, it brightens the complexion without beads or harsh granules. In just one week, it reveals a luminous complexion void of discoloration (but the best results are seen within six weeks).
The key ingredient is glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that removes dead skin cells. This gentle ingredient also helps remedy acne, while hyaluronic acid locks in moisture. Just remember to wear sunscreen on top of this product because the acidic components increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Finally, apply foundation — but when you discover a more even and beautified skin tone, you may opt to go nude.
It's never a bad thing to take time out to pamper yourself, and Hydroxatone's Revitalizing Microdermabrasion ($40) allows you to do just that and more. Sure, the creamy exfoliant sloughs away dullness and fine lines, leaving skin looking more even, radiant, and smooth. It's the way it invigorates and massages the skin, however, that will have you oohing and ahhing. Think of it like a minifacial moment, sans the scratchy texture at-home microdermabrasion kits often possess. Sesame seed oil softens, and antioxidants help to keep environmental aggressors off your mug. How about that for some clarity?
Some skin exfoliators are so aggressive that you'd think you just had a run-in with a sand blaster. Then there are the kind that are so wimpy, they leave you wanting for more. Caudalie's new Deep Cleansing Exfoliator ($35), however, is the kind that makes you want more — but only for the best of reasons. A cross between a cream and a paste, this dullness-erasing face-washer feels like a gentle yet effective massage on the skin, and it's thanks to the microparticles contained within. It also has a fresh, not-too-sweet aroma (grapefruit and white peach), so you don't have to worry about smelling like a flowerpot all day. Use it weekly to bring radiance to the complexion. Nothing harsh about that.
With all the swimming, beaching, and short-shorts wearing that you're doing this season, what better time to indulge in a little full-body bliss? As important as it is to exfoliate your face during warm weather, you shouldn't forget about the rest of your skin; creating a smooth canvas for shaving, moisturizing, and applying bronzer is key — and it'll only make your skin look that much more amazing in all your pretty Summer ensembles. There are tons of great body buffers out there, but to see three of the best skin-smoothing scrubs, just keep reading.
