Exfoliator

[Goodwitch9]

I want to start using a facial exfoliator once or twice a week. Which ones should I try?

[ChequerBoard]

I really like the Neal's Yard Honey and Orange face scrub. I have quite sensitive skin and this does a a great job of exfoliating my face within making it react at all.

https://www.nealsyardremedies.com/skincare/organic-facial-skincare/microbead-free-scrubs-and-polishes/0052.html

[Everley]

I like Alpha H Micro Cleanse.

[Goodwitch9]

Thank you ladies! Does anyone else have a recommendation?

[vaz119]

I'm not sure if you're meaning a physical exfoliator (a scrub with bits in it)?

But I prefer a chemical exfoliator... Have a look at bravura London... They do some amazing chemical peels (not as scary as it sounds!) that have transformed my dull and pigmented skin

[GinGinHooray]

I also prefer a chemical peel to a scrub. I use The Ordinary Peeling Solution (the bright red one) a couple of times a week.

[JaneJeffer]

Indeed Labs Exfoliator II. It's a powder you add water to. On offer in Boots at the moment.

[Goodwitch9]

I was probably thinking of an old-fshioned scrub but it's good to try new things!

[WowOoo]

I like Dead Sea Spa Magic. I only have to use a small amount and my skin is always so much smoother. Got it from John Lewis. Also like St Ives - £4 ish or sometimes on offer in supermarkets.

[mrslebon]

If possible, try to avoid the grainy scrubs (eg St Ives) which can damage the surface of the skin. Instead opt for a liquid exfoliant eg those with glycolic acid (eg Nip+Fab pads) or something like Strivectin glow toner which contains hyaluronic and lactic acids and is a lovely product. For something a bit stronger, Exfolikate by Kate Somerville is fab, but pricey. I use it once a week. Use 40PLUS20 to get 20% off at Look Fantastic.

[Mountains91]

Nip & fab glycolic scrub! It’s fab, manual and chemical exfoliator in one

[WrinklesShminkles]

I like the Superfacialist Rose face scrub, it feels pleasingly scrubby but is gentle while still effective IME.

[Elouera]

I like a scrub with bits it, that actually scrubs. I only use them every few weeks though and like the nip & fab glycolic scrub also.

I did buy a charcoal scrub from asda, but it was basically a cream cleanser, with the odd bit of scrub in it, so not recommended from me!

[ExpletiveDelighted]

I like Angels on Bare Skin from Lush, it's oatmeal so its scrubby but not harsh. I've tried one or two acid ones but they did nothing for my skin.

[ExpletiveDelighted]

Oops, read the ingredients while using it this morning, not oatmeal but ground almonds. Lovely and gentle.

[TheCanterburyWhales]

Acid toners have eliminated the need for gritty scrubs as they do the same thing.
For those who like the scrubby bits I used to love Angels on Bare Skin.
Now I just acid tone.

[TheCanterburyWhales]

Oh, and I'm always going on about it, but you don't need to go spendy for an acid tone. I've got Pixi, Paula's Choice etc but the best I've used is Olay anti wrinkle toner. Costs about a fiver, lasts a year.

[LightenUpSummer]

If you like the feel of gritty scrubs I recommend the cucumber cheap as chips one from Boots, its bits are just the right size. Though I have very insensitive skin so it might be a bit much for some.

[ExpletiveDelighted]

Canterbury - it's been a few years since I tried acid toners, I'm willing to give them another try at budget prices but I have very sensitive, middle aged, eczema prone skin, is any particular type of acid gentler than others?

[mrslebon]

In that case, you’d be better off sticking with lactic or hyaluronic acids. Glycolic can be quite harsh.

[ExpletiveDelighted]

Thank you, I'll have a look for those.

[Popc0rn]

Physical exfoliation: No7 Total Renewal Microdermabrasion Face Exfoliator. Bit pricey but usually on 3 for 2, and you only need a tiny bit so lasts for ages. I usually use it once a week.

Chemical exfoliation: Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel. It's £6.99 but is usually on offer. I usually use it twice a week but let myself go recently . I used it last night as my face felt a bit rough, woke up lovely and smooth! Make sure you put a high SPF after using it though as chemical exfoliation can make your face more sensitive to the sun. They also do a 5% glycolic acid toner that I usually use in the evenings.

[Goodwitch9]

Thank you ladies, time to go shopping!

[ExpletiveDelighted]

Well, I picked up the M&S beauty bag on Monday, checked the toner this morning and it is lactic acid so I will give it a go.

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

Nip and fab bogof at Superdrug at the moment, I love their vitamin c scrub and both the glycolic and salycic scrubs and toners too

[TheStateofDetroit]

I use olive oil and sugar, mixed till the sugar is wet. The oil really pulls out the gunk.