Must-Have. Exfoliator.
I've worked in the beauty industry for just under 20 years now, and if I've learnt one thing about skincare it's that you can't really achieve much without exfoliating and prepping your skin first. It's essential. Over the years, I've advised my clients to think skin first, and with skin first it's removing dead skin gently before using a treatment product like a serum in order to get the best results. Think of it like a canvas. Before you go to paint, you need to ensure the canvas is blank, clean and dust free, without any lumps and bumps. In this instance, your skin is the canvas. If you're not exfoliating pre skin treatment (i.e. serum) products won't be able to do what they need to, instead, they'll be sitting on top of the surface, not really doing what they're meant to. Your make-up will also look rough and textured. So please, please exfoliate.
Here's my general rule on exfoliation.
1. Touch and Feel Your Skin Daily
In the morning, after cleansing/washing your face and towel drying it, have a good feel around with your fingers. Feel across your forehead, down your t-zone and across your cheeks. If your skin feels soft and smooth, you know you're good for a serum. If your skin feels a tad bit rough or textured, it's time for an exfoliation step before your serum.
2. Exfoliate Gently
It's time to choose the type of exfoliator. I say keep it simple and invest in a liquid exfoliant, like an AHA exfoliant and a gel exfoliant. If your skin feels slightly rough or textured, you can simply use the liquid exfoliant to help clear any texture and help smooth and brighten your skin before your serum. I opt for Glycolic Acid by The Ordinary. If your skin feels a bit more textured and rough, it means it's time for a good exfoliation session with a gel or cream exfoliant. Im pretty obsessed with Huda's Yo Glow Enzyme Exfoliator. It's a gel based product which is used on dry skin. I also love the Daily Microfoliant by Dermalogica, it's a bit more pricy but a nice to have for those in-between days, you can also use these on your neck, chest, arms and other parts of your body for a nice refresh.
Give it a try and let me know what you think.