There are a lot of ways to stuff up exfoliating.

You can use exfoliating products too often, which compromises the skin and can leave it sensitised, shiny and thin. Or you can use them too infrequently, leaving the skin dull, congested and sad. Or you can use them as hats, which is absurd.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. You should. You really REALLY should.

Exfoliation is an essential part of every skin care routine because it breaks down the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells together. Which forces old, dull, cloggy skin cells to bugger off, and allows fresh, new skin cells to come through all luscious and glowy.

So, let’s just it right and get on with life already.

What you need to know:

There are two kinds of exfoliation.

Physical exfoliation: which uses rough, jagged particles to physically scrub your face and clear it of old, gross build up.

Chemical exfoliation: which uses naturally occurring acids (usually AHAs or BHAs) to clear the skin of rank, old skin cells. Plus, chemical exfoliants typically give a far more even and thorough result, which is why we much prefer them.

But whichever you choose, you should be using your exfoliating products 2-3 times a week.

No more! Your skin doesn’t need it. And over-exfoliating is an altogether terrible idea. Your skin has only finite layers. And if you overdo it with exfoliation it’ll end up raw and sensitised and thin. Ick. Don’t.

They should be used straight after cleansing. And then followed by serums, face oils and face creams. AND if you’re using AHAs do this at night, and ALWAYS wear SPF in the daytime. (When using AHA products, wearing daily SPF becomes even more crucial.) (Yes, Gina, even in Winter.)

Do that, and you'll be rewarded with:

A face cleared of dead skin cells! (Which can cause dullness and congestion.)

Appearance of your fine lines minimised!

Refined skin texture!

Reduced pigmentation and more even skin tone!

An excellent base for the rest of your routine! (Which allows all of your other products to penetrate more deeply and work harder.)

BUCKETLOADS OF GLOW!