PH

OTO

GR

AP

HY:

IS

TOC

KP

HO

TO

076 bambinidirectory.com

BEAUTY

In an industry where fillers, inserts and chemical overhauls proliferate, sometimes a simple, old-fashioned skincare technique is all we want. If you’re feeling in need of a quick, easy, at-home pep-up for your complexion we have the answer.

Not as sexy as serums or as luscious as moisturisers, the humble exfoliator often gets overlooked, but according to industry insiders it’s the secret to soft, healthy-looking skin. For those who cringe at the thought of scouring their faces with crushed apricot-seed concoctions, don’t despair, exfoliators have come a long way and do much more to save your face.

There are generally two types of take-home products to consider. The first is the simple mechanical exfoliator that utilises grains or granules to exfoliate and stimulate the skin via a cream, gel or lotion (DermaQuest, Antipodes, Origins). The other is the active enzyme exfoliator that features extra benefits like fruit enzymes or extracts that lift away dead skin cells to promote a healthy glow. (Ultraceuticals, Dermalogica, Kiehl’s).

Etminan Bahar, beauty industry expert and founder of rescu.com.au, says, “Exfoliation is the only effective method to remove the top layers of your skin cells. Without this, your other products won’t work.”

A scrub benefits younger skin by keeping it clean, refreshed and regenerated. For more mature skin the stimulation of cells and lymph nodes bring nutrient-rich blood to the skin’s surface resulting in more radiant, healthier, younger-looking skin.

“A good exfoliator should contain active ingredients that do more than just scrub the skin,” Etminan adds. “Some key ingredients to look out for include AHAs or BHAs that help brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines (Ultraceuticals).

Rice extract helps to regulate melanin production and rice bran helps loosen cell cohesion, promoting cell exfoliation and controlling hyperpigmentation (Dermalogica). Salicylic acid is a great anti-aging ingredient that reduces the appearance of pores, while fruit acids such as those in pineapple and papaya, dissolve dead skin cells leaving live skin cells intact – especially good for those who struggle with rosacea and should avoid rubbing (Kiehl’s).

It’s human nature to think if a little is good then a lot must be better. When it comes to exfoliation this is not usually the case, especially if you are using chemical-rich treatments in your skincare routine. Over-exfoliation compromises your skin’s natural barrier resulting in irritated, dry skin that can become over-sensitised or prone to

Often the forgotten link in a regular skincare regime,

exfoliators are quiet achievers when it comes to achieving a radiant, youthful appearance.

By Dijanna Mulhearn.

Scrub up!

!"#$%&'()*!+,&-..///0 11234211///11560/78

bambinidirectory.com 077

breakouts. If you genuinely love the feel of exfoliated skin then be mindful to choose a scrub specifically created for daily use.

Etminan suggests being wary of buffing pads as it is easy to get heavy-handed and “you can accidentally Scotch-bright your face off – not very pretty”. They can be excellent for normal or coarse skin, however those with sensitive skin should avoid this technique altogether.

The best way to use a scrub is after cleansing. Apply in an upward circular motion avoiding the eye area. Gently guide the granules over your face resisting the urge to rub hard or you will only squeeze the granules out from under your fingertips and scratch your skin in the process. With scrubs containing beneficial fruit extracts leave the product on your skin for a couple of minutes to allow the ingredients to act.

Remove the scrub gently with lukewarm water. Always follow up a scrub with moisturiser and, if your skin is sensitive, it will appreciate a soothing serum or treatment. Finally always apply sunscreen. You will be pleasantly surprised at how nicely your make-up sits and feels.

Our mothers’ generation suggests a vigorous rub with a face washer is just as good. However, those in the skincare industry know that any unnecessary dragging or pulling of the skin should be avoided at all costs.

Scrubs are not to be ignored in the pursuit of gorgeous skin. With a range of good products around, the easiest way to select one is to make sure it suits your current skincare regime, has a texture that you enjoy and produces the results you’re after. Here are a few we tested and really like:

Do• Ask for a sample to trial before

committing to a brand.• Spend a bit more on a quality

product.• Avoid products with uneven or

coarse granules.• Start slowly and build up from

exfoliating once a week to two or three times a week.

Don’t • Be heavy-handed and over-scrub.• Use a product that has coarse

granules that can scratch the skin.• Contradict manufacturers

instructions, use only as directed.• Use scrubs on irritated, sunburnt

or acne-prone skin, or on broken capillaries.

DermaQuest Skin Therapy Algae Facial Scrub RRP$46 is a gel-based facial scrub with jojoba beads that gently and effectively remove dead skin cells. Algae extracts moisturise and soften the skin leaving a healthy glow. The beads are plentiful yet gentle, the smell of the gel is delicious and the scrub is an excellent primer for treatment serums.

Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator RRP$42 is a gentle exfoliator that uses avocado and jojoba beads to lift away lifeless skin, while a mixture of essential oils revitalises and balances the skin’s appearance. This light cream-based product filled with essential oils smooths tiny jojoba beads across the skin. Though gentle, these little granules make their presence felt, so there is no need to be heavy-handed.

Origins Modern Friction RRP$75 has a cream base containing rice starch to remove sluggish cells and lemon oil to illuminate the skin, while aloe calms the skin. Another great smelling product, the result is polished, smooth and luminous.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant RRP$83.50 is a rice-based powder that activates on contact with water, releasing rice actives, salicylic acid and papain (an enzyme present in papaya) to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal resulting in smoother, brighter skin. Mild enough for daily use, this exfoliant is an industry favourite.

Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Exfoliating Gel $44 contains active exfoliating beads in an AHA, BHA formula that reduces bacteria while exfoliating. It gently sloughs away congested or dead skin cells to leave you glowing. Particularly effective for oily or acne-prone skin, this hydrating scrub is heady with a sweet eucalyptus smell.

Kiehl’s Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub $52 has fruit extracts that break down dead skin cells, while crushed corn cob meal sloughs away dead skin cells. The odourless ointment contains finely ground grains in a blend of vitamins that glides easily over the skin leaving it clean and primed for your next topical treatment.

DDF Revolve 400X Micro-polishing System RRP$134.95 is a lightweight, hand-held, battery-operated resurfacer that gives you a result similar to that of a micro-dermabrasion treatment. Using sodium bicarbonate crystals, it dissolves dead skin cells and gently resurfaces the skin, polishing away imperfections. It’s safe to use in the shower and is available exclusively at Kit Cosmetic counters Australia-wide. This one is for those who love that squeaky clean post-facial feel and can control the urge to overdo it!

!"#$%&'()*!+,&-..///9 11234211///11560/78