If exfoliation hasn’t made its way into your skincare routine, then you might not be giving your skin the care it needs to effectively absorb the products you put in. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, and though this process makes it easier for any essences or serums to fully absorb into the skin, it also helps rid the skin of excess oil that might otherwise lead to blemishes or acne.
Take a look at the bathrooms of Singaporean women and you’re guaranteed to find one (or two or three) facial scrubs. This is because as a result of growing up in the humid weather of Singapore, most women (and men) crave that feeling of squeaky clean and smooth skin. And since hot and humid weather usually equal to sweaty skin, clogged pores and frequent break outs, many of us rely on face scrubs to give our skin the fastest and most fuss-free DIY facials.
While most face scrubs contain exfoliating beads to basically slough away dead skin cells that have accumulated on our skin, some physical exfoliators contain exfoliating granules that are made of crushed kernels, which can cause micro tears on skin’s surface and further irritate sensitive skin or aggravate blemishes. Here, some of the best and gentlest skin exfoliators to use for breakout-prone skin:
Using a triple layer technology, these face exfoliating pads use 100 per cent pure cotton mesh gauze, 100 per cent pure cotton mesh cushion pad, and a triple embossing pad to gently remove dead skin cells as close to the skin as possible without any dermal irritation. Its star ingredient, red wine, contains naturally occurring AHAs that will effectively pull out grime from pores. Enhanced with resveratrol, it helps prevent wrinkles and free radicals. These pads leave the skin soft and clean while keeping it moisturised.
Energise the skin with this 100 per cent vegan exfoliating face scrub that smells just like a fresh cup of coffee. This facial scrub helps to strengthen to skin’s natural regenerative ability and smoothen the skin, while the green coffee oil and coconut oil keep the skin clean and smooth. Refine the texture of your skin with this gentle and luxurious scrub that instantly softens and adds a glow to the skin.
This superfine rice-based powder formula is activated once it comes into contact with water, creating a satisfying foam that contains papain (papaya-derived enzyme), salicylic acid and rice enzymes that unveils skin that is smoother, softer and brighter. At the same time, it contains the brand’s Skin Brightening Complex to combat uneven skin tone and pigmentation, and a soothing blend of colloidal oatmeal, green tea and ginkgo calms and strengthens the skin. And while it’s suitable for all skin types, those with congestion-prone skin will notice visible results fastest.
Unlike most physical exfoliants, this non-abrasive peel applies like a gel (on clean, dry skin) and after leaving it on for a few minutes, massage in circular motions as it gets rid of surface dead skin cells. Since there are no harsh exfoliating beads, it remains gentle on sensitive skin and angry blemishes. Moreover, it’s also packed with skin-protecting antioxidants to improve skin suppleness and texture.
Not only are its tiny granules gentle to the skin, but they are also gentle to the earth as they are made of plant-based cellulose and are totally biodegradable. Simply massage its whipped, tofu-like texture onto the skin once or twice a week for a smoother, clearer complexion. It is also dermatologist-tested to be suitable for all skin types (including normal, oily, combination, dry and even sensitive) and non-comedogenic so you’re only giving your skin just what it needs, nothing less and nothing unnecessary.
This is a cream-based face scrub that helps cleanse the skin and slough away tired cells to leave it softened. Enhanced with fine quartz and lactic acid, the Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste polishes the skin and helps clear it u of any blemishes. It’s suited to most skin types, especially dry skin.
Aside from the usual benefits of a clay mask, the innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X also helps exfoliate and deep clean the skin to brighten the skin tone. Made from minerals released by volcanic explosions in Jeju, the formula helps remove sebum and other impurities within the skin. The super volcanic capsules creates an exfoliating mask that removes dead skin cells, and the AHA helps to chemically exfoliate and smoothen out the skin. Just apply this mask all over the face (avoiding the eyes and lips) and rinse it off after 10 minutes.
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Text: Joyce Cheo, Additional reporting: Arissa Ha & Farisia Thang
This post was first published on July 17, 2018, and updated on July 29, 2020.
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