A good foundation is essential for a good glow – and I’m talking about your skin, not make-up. Preparing your skin for party season not only adds radiance, it can also get you into good habits that will keep your skin in great condition post party.
Regular exfoliation ensures a smooth, prepared skin that leaves the coast clear for all the product that you are applying afterwards. There are two types of exfoliation: physical and liquid.
Physical exfoliants
Physical exfoliants are often very mild or ground powders, such as rice bran. They are abrasive enough to work, yet gentle enough to cause no harm. Cleanse, apply your exfoliator of choice, work through the skin as instructed, and remove with a warm flannel and lots of fresh, warm water. Your skin should feel smooth and soft afterwards, not dry and tight.
Liquid exfoliants
Liquid exfoliants are acid-based and vary depending on the type of acid you are looking for. Polyhydroxy acids not only exfoliate, but work as a humectant, attracting moisture into the skin as they work. Glycolic is great for an older skin, gently resurfacing and helping signs of scarring, pigmentation and skin firmness. While lactic is your mildest choice and a nice first acid for most skins, salicylic is for you if breakouts are your main worry.