A good scrub on your face feels like it’s working major magic, but over scrubbing can cause the exact opposite of what you’d want exfoliating to do — dehydration, redness, and premature aging. It may not have been something you’ve been taught from the start, but it’s time to dump the facial scrubs. Instead, turn to exfoliating acids with ingredients such as glycolic acid, AHAs, and BHA, and enzymes such as pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple.
Don’t let the term chemical exfoliant scare you though — it’s just as simple as slathering product on your skin. Here are our favourites:
Be prepared to go through a Mia Thermopolis–style before-and-after transformation with this AHA/BHA night serum. Not only does it absorb into the skin quickly without any tackiness and it improves hyperpigmentation and your skin’s texture too. Bonus points: we love the super sanitary packaging that never compromises the integrity of the product by not exposing it to sunlight.
If you struggle with blackheads or hormonal breakouts, this exfoliating mask will be your saviour. A hardworking trio of white willow bark, wintergreen extract and meadowsweet take on breakouts while AHAs get rid of dead skin to brighten up the complexion.
Vitamin C is generally a great antioxidant to repair damaged skin from the sun and the environment. This formula contains 15% L-ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C with the most clinical research behind it, and has been shown to have brightening and anti-aging properties. Watch the size of your pores diminish and your skin glow with a few uses, and consistency will have you bidding farewell to hyperpigmentation. Just make sure you’re strict about sunscreen when you use this.
Looking for something fuss-free? These glycolic acid, essential oil and amino acids-soaked pads reveal brighter, more radiant skin after just a few swipes.
If you’re looking for something a little kinder to your purse, this toner contains 5% Glycolic acid to help you achieve clearer skin and improve its texture.