I receive lots of compliments on my skin. Despite the fact that I think its too blotchy and red, too pale, and too sensitive, other people seem to think it’s pretty nice. It’s also really unpredictable – I’ll go through months without any real issues, and then months when there’s a new zit popping up basically every day.
For example, I have this distinct memory of getting ready for a party in college in the middle of a breakout on my chin and spending far too long because I was so stressed about covering it up. I’m great with makeup but I’m no wizard, and I felt like the bumps were still painfully obvious (emphasis on the painful…some of those under-the-skin motherf’ers HURT, man!) And yet, at least two people that night mentioned how I always have perfect skin and asked what foundation I was using. That memory reminds me that 1) we always think our imperfections are such a big deal but other people rarely notice like we do, and 2) the skin where I wasn’t breaking out must have looked pretty damn good!
Looking back over the years, I’ve switch foundations and concealers so often that I can’t find any commonality in product when people compliment my skin. But, I can pinpoint a time when people starting complimenting me on it (and when people continued to compliment it, even during a breakout), and that was after I introduced this key step to my skincare routine:
Exfoliation.
Say it with me now kids, nice and slow. Ex-fol-i-ation.
Why is this step so critical? There are a number of reasons. Exfoliating basically means to remove the top (dead) layers of skin cells, revealing fresh skin underneath. This helps speed up the fading of pigmentation and/or scarring, unclog pores, refine the texture of skin so it’s nice and soft, and for me, it particularly helps with healing time of my breakouts. When I get in a rut with my skincare by going weeks without exfoliating, I notice really thick skin, bigger pores, and a bumpy texture. As someone with dry skin, it keeps my face from looking (and feeling) flaky, and as a makeup artist who constantly wears heavy makeup on her face, it keeps my pores clear and prevents my face from look cakey.
There are two types of exfoliation, physical and chemical. The first is the type that most people try first; think facial scrubs and face brushes like the Clarisonic. The second is a bit more intimidating to lots of people because it involves chemicals eating away the top layers of your skin, but it doesn’t need to be scary! I strongly, strongly recommend incorporating both into your routine for optimal results, particularly if you’re currently using a scrub and still feel like you aren’t seeing full benefits.
There is a wide range of variety within chemical exfoliants. There are peels, masks, and even overnight lotions and treatments. Personally, I think peels are the hardest to work with and easiest to overdo and cause redness or skin irritation, so IÂ recommend putting those off until you have a better idea of how your skin reacts to chemicals.
Depending on your skin type, texture, and sensitivity, you can exfoliate daily, but you need to exfoliate at LEAST twice a week to see real results. They don’t have to be pricey either, although I do recommend splurging on a great chemical exfoliant. Below are a few of my favorite exfoliators at a range of prices – clickable links to purchase are below each image.
CHEMICAL PEELS
CHEMICAL MASKS
*This Dr. Sebagh mask is my all-time favorite exfoliator. Leaves my skin soft like a baby’s butt every.single.time.
CHEMICAL LOTIONS OR TREATMENTS
*Also obsessed with this night cream. It’s hella expensive, but I only use a pea size amount and its so convenient to exfoliate as you sleep.
**I sell this product. It’s truly incredible, and if you want to support me, here’s your chance!
PHYSICALÂ SCRUBS
PHYSICALÂ TOOLS
*There are lots of different Clarisonic models. Pick the one that you think will work best for you.
So yeah, there is my round up! I think if you have a good physical and chemical exfoliator you will be fine, although building a collection of one from each category is ideal just to rotate and change things up. I hope y’all found this post helpful, please let me know if you have any questions in the comments down below!
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