Words: Charlie
Grooming routines can be confusing and, let’s face it, you’ve probably got better things to do than stand in front of the mirror for hours every morning. If you want to improve your skin’s health though, it’s worth investing in a select few products, most important of which is an exfoliator.
Essentially a face wash, exfoliators remove dead skin cells, reducing and preventing the chance of blocked pores, blemishes and redness. In short, you need one. But which one you go for depends on how oily, dry or sensitive your skin is. Each exfoliator works slightly differently to the next, and some are more potent than others – go for the wrong one it could do more harm than good. Confused? To help you on your way, we’ve found the best exfoliators for every skin type, so you don’t have to.
The best exfoliators for dry skin
Heath face wash
UK-based band Heath prides itself on its products using only natural, vegan ingredients and its face wash is no different. Perfect for everyday use, it’s made up of activated charcoal, which cleanses and clears pores; black lava, which exfoliates the skin, and papaya extract, which conditions and moisturises.
Malin + Goetz Resurfacing face serum
Part of Malin + Goetz ‘regimen’, made of four products designed to clear and improve skin, the Resurfacing face serum is a powerful tool that aims to make your face look and feel healthier. It’s made with 6% glycolic acid and 2% lactic acid, both of which will help smooth the skin, reducing the size of pores and helping its elasticity and recovery time.
The best exfoliators for oily skin
Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator face wash
Designed specifically for oily skin, Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator face wash helps to eliminate dirt and impurities. With its key ingredient of crushed apricot seeds, it’ll leave skin looking smooth without drying it out completely.
Aesop Tea Tree Leaf facial exfoliant
Most exfoliators can be used daily, but Aesop recommends using its Tea Tree Leaf facial exfoliant twice weekly, given that it’s a little stronger. It comes as a powdered blend of aloe vera, walnut shell and tea tree leaf – simply mix it with a cream based facial cleanser and you’re good to go.
The best exfoliators for combination skin
Neal’s Yard Revitalising face scrub
Neal’s Yard has designed this face scrub to be used 2-3 times a week or as part of your shaving routine, as it handily prepares skin ready to be tackled with a razor or trimmer. Its kaolin and green clays help remove dead skin cells while its ground rice and rosehip seed work to prevent ingrown hairs.
Haeckels seaweed and salicylic powder exfoliant
Another powder mix, this Haeckels exfoliant consists of ground seaweed, tea tree leaves and willow bark. It’s supposed to be mixed with the brand’s Marine facial cleanser, creating a potent combination that’ll completely revitalise skin, providing it the necessary moisture it needs throughout the day.
The best for sensitive skin
Typology exfoliating cleansing gel
A gentle cleanser for everyday use, this gel lathers up into a fine foam, which works easily into the skin. It’s made with soft, plant-based ingredients including PHA, aloe vera and inulin, which combine to remove blackheads, unclog pores and smooth complexions.
Cowshed Brighten Cica Gel face wash
This Cowshed face wash is the one used in every one of the brand’s spas, so you can guarantee it’s going to be good. Made with cica to calm redness and soothing aloe vera to help cleanse and balance the skin, it’s ideal for everyday use for those with sensitive skin.
Looking for more top grooming tools? These gentleman’s trimmers will banish bad hair days for good…
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