Exfoliating can be a bit of a controversial topic in the beauty world but it also happens to be one of my personal favourite parts of my routine and something that I can attest to keeping my skin in the shape that is over the years, it has become a lot more popular in recent years and you can find products that contain exfoliating properties in anything from cleansers and toners to serums and moisturisers.

There are two primary forms of exfoliation, one being Chemical Exfoliation which uses exfoliating acids to dissolve dead skin cells and normally comes in the form of liquid toner, cleanser, serum, moisturiser and so on. The second main form of exfoliation is Physical Exfoliation where a product contains some sort of grain or bead in it that physically sloughs away dead skin cells.

I personally incorporate both methods into my routine and enjoy having the option of both on a daily basis but there is just something about a physical exfoliant that I love and it's honestly something that I will always incorporate into my routine, I know that physical exfoliants or scrubs can get a bit of a bad rap because they might be too harsh or too scratchy on the skin and I think the most important thing to do is find one that works for your skin type. After trying countless tubes and jars of exfoliating products I can attest to the fact that they have come a long way since I started using them in my teens, the ones that I use whilst still packing a punch don't ever leave my skin feeling to irritated to sensitized afterwards.

I will use an exfoliant 3-4 times a week after I cleanse either in the mornings or at night and especially after shaving, keep in mind that I have been using exfoliants for the past eighteen years now so it is safe to say that my skin is tolerant to them but if you have a more sensitive skin type or are just starting out it's always best to start off slow and work your way up as tolerated.

GOOPGLOW Exfoliating Jelly Cream Cleanser: I have never actually tried anything from GOOP before but when I saw this product launch at Mecca, I immediately added it to my cart. You all know how much I love incorporating a new exfoliating product into my routine and I am so glad I did with this one, to me, it's more of an exfoliant than a cleanser per say so whilst it would be gentle enough for me to use it on a daily basis I stick to around 3-4 times a week or when my skin needs it.

It contains a blend of Tropical Fruit Enzymes made up of Papaya and Pineapple which work as chemical exfoliants to dissolve away dead skin cells alongside exfoliants from Bitter Orange Peel which works to physically slough away dead skin cells which in turn helps to brighten and smooth the texture of your skin.

I like using this product either before my main cleanse in the morning or after I have taken my makeup off at night, it does wonders at smoothing the texture of my skin and instantly leaves my skin looking brighter. When I apply my makeup it goes on a lot smoother, I am already halfway through this tube and I already plan on repurchasing.

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*Mukti Organics 2in1 Resurfacing Exfoliant: I reach for this exfoliant when my skin needs a real boost, if I have been busy or stressed or not drank enough water it can really show on my skin and this product really helps to get my skin back in shape.

I like applying it to my skin either dry or with a tiny amount of water, it uses Melting Jojoba Esters and Finely Ground Bamboo Particles that physically slough away dead skin cells. It also contains Fruit Acids which work to dissolve away dead skin cells and any impurities built up in the skin which is why after I have massaged it into my skin for a minute or two I like to leave it on before rinsing.

This gives my skin a glow and really helps the products I use afterwards absorb better, it doesn't irritate my skin at all and every time I use it my skin responds really well to it, I have actually been using a few products from this range and I am pleased to say that I have been loving everything I have tried.


*The Peel by Scott + Sullivan: As a beauty blogger I try a lot of products and sometimes it can be hard to see results instantly but with this product I did, it combines both physical and chemical exfoliants, the physical coming from Jojoba Beads that dissolve once you massage them into your skin and a blend of 10% AHA's that work to chemically dissolve away dead skin cells.

Activated Charcoal also does wonders at absorbing excess oil and impurities that have built up in the skin, this peel does a great job of keeping my skin smooth and bright and the glow it gives to my skin is my favourite thing about it.

I like using this product once or twice a week and especially before going out or to an event, no matter how many times or how long I have used it for it always gives my skin amazing results. I like to massage the product into my skin for a minute or two and then leave on for ten to fifteen minutes and rinse off, my skin instantly feels smoother and looks brighter, when I go to apply my makeup after it also feels like it goes on a lot smoother.


Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial: When I notice my skin is looking a bit dull and needs a boost, I instantly reach for this product. It's again a mixture of chemical and physical exfoliants which you use by massaging into damp skin for a couple of minutes and leave on for up to ten minutes before rinsing off.

It contains Gold Stabilized Vitamin C which works to brighten the skin and provide antioxidant protection and a blend of Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic Acids that work to chemically dissolve away dead skin cells which in turn helps to smooth skin texture, fight breakouts and brighten the skin.

My skin is noticeably brighter after using this product and the results last on my skin for days after using it, I would probably use it 1-3 times a week and especially when my skin needs a brightening boost.


*Emma Lewisham Illuminating Exfoliant: My skin can be easily prone to congestion and texture irregularities and when I notice this in my skin this is one of my favourite products to use to help combat those concerns, I like that whilst it contains physical exfoliants that almost melt once you massage the product into your skin it still remains gentle on my skin whilst giving me the exfoliation that I need.

Whilst containing a physical exfoliant it also contains a blend of chemical exfoliants so after I have massaged this product in I like to leave it on my skin for a few minutes before rinsing to reap all the exfoliating benefits. It contains a mix of AHA's and BHA's that work together to dissolve away dead skin cells which in turn makes way for a brighter and smoother complexion.

Whilst it is exfoliating it also does wonders at keeping my skin moisturised and it never leaves my skin feeling stripped or too sensitive, for me, it's gentle enough to use on a daily basis. Exfoliating forms a huge part of my own routine and I personally think it has kept my skin balanced and kept my breakouts at bay.


*Koéna Daily Exfoliator: I like keeping this exfoliator in my shower and it's one that I don't need to think too much about and can easily reach for, it gives my skin a nice hit of exfoliation but still remains gentle enough to use on a regular basis. It does a good job of keeping my skin texture even and helps to slough away dead skin cells and impurities that have built up in my skin.

I wear makeup on a daily basis and as my skin is easily prone to congestion so I like using this product a few times a week to keep my skin clear and balanced. Whilst it exfoliates it manages to keep my skin moisturised and rinses off easily allowing me to easily follow up with my other skincare products.



Simon x


*The products mentioned in this post that have been marked with an *asterisk have been sent to me via the brand/pr, as always all thoughts and opinions are my own and all products mentioned on this site have been personally tested by myself unless stated otherwise. All photos are shot and edited by me and all writing is my own unless otherwise stated.