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 umps and bumps. Your skins 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, clogging up your skin. Your makeup 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 and washing my face and towel dry it, I like to have a good feel around with my finger. Across my forehead, down my t-zone and across my cheeks. If my skin feels soft and smooth, I know I'm good for my serum. If my skin feels a tad bit rough or textured, it's time for an exfoliation step before my 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'm 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. 

Give it a try and let me know what you think.