If you're like me and have combination/oily skin, then you are probably aware of how important it is to slough away dead skin than can potentially clog pores. There are actually two different methods of exfoliating away this dead skin, mechanical and chemical.
Not all mechanical exfoliating techniques are safe for the skin, they can become too abrasive and sometimes do more harm than good. For example, some exfoliators use ground apricot seeds or shells to slough away dead skin. The grounds have potential to cut the surface of the skin. There are many safe mechanical exfoliators, such as micro-beads or sugar that provide a gentle yet safe exfoliation. Mechanical exfoliation is effective in smoothing out skin texture. Microdermabrasion is a popular mechanical exfoliation treatment. Also, shaving your face (believe it or not) is an effective way to remove dead skin, however it is extremely important to use a top quality razor and to be very careful with this method.
Chemical exfoliation usually contains acids or enzymes that get rid of dead skin. Common enzymes and acids include: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, fruit enzymes such as papaya, alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA). Chemical exfoliation is very effective for the treatment and prevention of acne. Finding the right chemical exfoliator for your skin can take some time because certain skin types respond better to salyclilc acid than glycolic, and vice versa. It is also important to remember that when using a chemical exfoliator, especially at home, that the product is not left on too long as to cause excessive redness and/or peeling.
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My favorite exfoliator of the moment is a mechanical/chemical hybrid - Say Yes to Tomatoes Daily Pore Scrub. The chemical exfoliator in this is salicylic acid. The mechanical exfoliate is bamboo, which is very gentle, non-irritating and bead like. Also paraben-free and 97% natural, it is great for morning use to keep you skin feeling fresh throughout the day. I am also a fan of Philosophy's Purifying One Minute Peel that contains lactic acid; it's a super effective fast acting chemical exfoliate.
Yay for me! I am a toxic-free mascara convert as of today. I hesitantly yet refreshingly threw out my last tube of mainstream chemical ridden mascara this afternoon and am now left with 3 non-toxic options in my makeup drawer. I figured I'd save my favorite for last, so in reverse order, here are my 3 current non-toxic mascara options.
#3. Jane Iredale Longest Lash Thickening Mascara. This was the priciest one, I believe it is $33. Looking back, I am laughing at myself for paying $33 for mascara. I totally fell for the sea minerals conditioning aspect. It does lengthen, but thicken it does not. It also comes in a soft tube, which I am not crazy about for mascaras. Out of the three, it is the most natural looking... by natural meaning I can go without mascara and barely tell the diff. Sorry :( I love Jane Iredale products, but not this one. Jane does have a few less expensive mascara options that I will give a go next purchase.
#2. Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara. This is another lash boosting mascara hybrid. (Love the fact that I am conditioning my lashes while looking pretty :). Overall, the effect of this mascara is the most dramatic out of the three. I would label this one as the Dior Show of non-toxic mascaras. The only thing is the formula is on the dry side, so it probably won't last long. It's the most inexpensive and convenient option ($9.99 at drugstores). They also have other organic formulas to choose from. Overall, I would definitely repurchase this brand, and love the thick voluminous brush and ergonomic design.
#1. Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Mascara. I love that I got this as a free sample and it turned out to be my favorite mascara. My all time favorite mascara before becoming a natural beauty convert was Chanel Intimitable... I can now sleep at night knowing that I have found a comparable non-toxic option: clean wand, high pigment, thickening, lengthening, build-able. LOVE IT!
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