Maybe it’s the lack of Vitamin D, but isn’t winter skin the worst? The dryness really kills any glow factor, even if you are managing to eat healthy and get plenty of rest. We all know that exfoliation (AKA skin cell turnover) is the answer to brightening skin, but the real secret is targeted exfoliation.
Just like we treat different areas of our skin with specialized products (i.e. eye cream), think about the differences in elasticity and thickness for each part of your face to determine whether you should take a gentle or tough approach to exfoliating.
Of course none of this is a hard rule. Adjust to how your skin is feeling on a day-by-day basis, and your skin will never look brighter.
Gentle – Cheeks, Temples, & Neck
Patyka Damask Rose Toning Lotion: Technically toners aren’t exfoliators, but using a toner on your bare face (without cleansing) in the morning does a good job of acting like one. Just use a luxuriously thick cotton pad to slowly press the toning lotion into the skin to stimulate circulation and remove surface-level dead skin cells.
Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub: The key to a gentle physical face exfoliant (AKA face scrub) is to set the bar high for a creamy-textured carrier for the grains. This chlorella-infused one has the softest formula while brightening skin instantly.
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Exfoliating Peel Spray: This intriguing exfoliator is spritzed onto the skin and then rinsed off with a washcloth after being massaged into the skin. The verdict? Requiring minimal pressure/motion/stress on the skin makes this a gentle yet powerful treatment. Reserve for once a week and follow up with a hydrating mask for really dewy results.
Tough – T-Zone
Epionce Lytic Tx: This lotion works as a chemical exfoliant with its combination of salicylic acid and Azelaic acid to clear clogged pores and remove dead skin from the inside. Only use once a week on clean, bare skin after your nighttime cleanse session to brighten skin in less than a month.
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Resurfacing Micro-Exfoliant: This exfoliator is made with natural micro-particles, but can still be a little tough on skin (to get that maximum fresh-skin glow!). Try using a washcloth to help the product act more gently on the skin. Also, start out at once a week sessions before bumping up to two or even three times, depending on the rate of your skin turnover.
