Why I’ll Never Stop Using This Physical Exfoliant
Alisha Bhojwani is a Sydney-based digital strategist and content specialist. When she's not reminding her friends to wear SPF, you can find her drenching her face in Vitamin C and consuming copious amounts of peanut butter. You can find her on Instagram here @alishabhojwani_.
Let’s talk exfoliants. Particularly physical exfoliants, because ever since the dreaded apricot scrub, they kinda have a bad rap.
Honestly, I don’t blame the skincare world for giving them a time out, BUT just because St Ives ruined our skin barrier, doesn’t mean all physical exfoliants will.
Before I introduce you to the love of my life (spoiler alert: it’s Dermalogica’s Milkfoliant), let’s do a bit of a refresher on how physical and chemical exfoliants differ.
Chemical vs Physical Exfoliants.
Physical exfoliants are exactly what the name suggests.
They are face scrub formulas that contain a variety of ingredients to help buff away the topmost layer of dead skin to reveal fresh skin cells underneath.
Chemical exfoliants on the other hand, are more likely to be liquid based products that involve a topical acid, to help dissolve dead skin.
Unlike their physical counterpart, chemical exfoliants work by weakening the bonds that hold the skin cells together, which allows the dead skin to slough away.
They work on a deeper dermal layer, meaning that they’re great for people who have oilier skin types or acne concerns.
Physical Exfoliants You Should Try.
Let me tell you about the one product I have packed, stolen from my best friend and repurchased when she took it back whilst travelling throughout Europe and Asia:
Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant.
If you've been looking for the best physical exfoliator for sensitive skin, start here.
Combining the holy grail combination of AHA’s and BHA’s this little blue bottle is magic for sensitive skin.
Unlike other physical scrubs, this one isn’t pre-made, meaning, it comes in a powder form that requires you to add water and customise it into a texture you desire (which I adore, because it makes it a personalised experience).
But the real win for me is the way it makes my skin feel, which is delicious and smooth just like the brand promises.
Because what I’ve noticed my skin go through, especially as I’ve entered into my thirties, is an inability to handle actives like I used to.
So, finding this scrub, that is both gentle, leaves my skin feeling hydrated and helps buff away dead texture has been a game changer.
Not to mention, the nostalgic scent it has of porridge, makes it the perfect companion for travel (there's a travel sized one too).
Because after longgggg days of travel and being in the sun, sometimes all my skin wants is a good scrub, without compromising my skin barrier.
Not to mention, because it is a physical powder, I often find this doubling as a body scrub, which is a win-win and makes the $93 price tag that much more worth it.
If you’re sold on the concept of physical exfoliants but not the price of Dermalogica, why not give these alternatives a try:
Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask.
For something a little more mid-range the Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask has you covered.
Designed with sensitive skin types in mind, this physical exfoliant/mask works to effortlessly lift dead skin cells and impurities to reveal a smoother complexion.
Similar to Milkfoliant, the application isn’t as straightforward, one pump provides a gel like texture, that when rubbed onto the skin leaves with you clumps of dead skin which is equally satisfying and horrifying.
At $69 for 50 grams, this is a fantastic product, that helps to decongest, lighten pigmentation and provide smoother, softer skin after just one use.
AB cuctomer Anastasiya says:
"Absolutely love this exfoliator!! It just literally buffs away all the dead skin cells, let it sit on the skin for 2-3 min and start massaging in circle motions. It’s just amazing! My face is just fresh after! Keep buying this for the last 2 years!"
Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub.
@beautystylelist YO GLOW Enzyme Scrub #welcome2021 #rareaesthetic #glowup #skincare #learnontiktok #tiktokpartner ♬ Afterglow - Ed Sheeran
At $32 for 40 grams, the Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub has a blend of fruit enzymes in a scrub formula.
Which means it’s the perfect exfoliant to be used 1-2 x a week on combination skin.
With a sherberty-milk like texture, a small amount goes a long way and promises to leave the skin polished, refined and baby soft.
It’s also got the added benefits of helping to lessen pigmentation thanks to the addition of lactic and salicylic acid in the ingredients.
However, unlike Dermalogica’s Milkfoliant, because it’s a pre-made scrub, my advice is to urge caution and scrub lightly, to avoid microtears which may cause irritation and an inflamed skin barrier.
Final Thoughts...
If you’ve noticed your skin become more sensitive over the last few years, I highly recommend, giving physical exfoliants, (especially Dermalogica’s Milkfoliant) a go.
It’s single-handedly been the only product to help refine my skin texture, whilst leaving my face absolutely glowing and ready to take whatever life throws my way.
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