Avoid physical scrubs that have small grains that could irritate and further dry out your skin. Opt instead for a gentler approach with chemical exfoliation. Try the Pixi Peel & Polish ($45 for 80ml, Sephora), that combines fruit enzymes and lactic acid to gently tackle dead skin and brighten your complexion.

Stripping your skin of its natural oils will only cause it to produce more oil, so resist the urge to exfoliate every day in a bid to reduce shine. Instead opt for an exfoliator that will reduce build up and unclog pores. The Alpha-H Micro Cleanse Super Scrub ($50 for 100ml, Sephora) combines glycolic acid, jojoba beads, caffeine peppermint oil and cucumber to remove dead skin and minimise the appearance of pores.

Even relatively trouble-free skin will benefit from regular exfoliation. Exfoliate at least once a week with a mild exfoliator like the Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off ($16.50 for 100g, Skinfood) for brighter and smoother skin without the dreaded stretched feeling.

Physical and chemical scrubs can irritate sensitive skin, so it’s best to go with one that will do the job while also being extremely gentle. Try the Skin Inc Pure Revival Peel ($76 for 60ml, Skin Inc) that removes dead skin, evens skin tone and hydrates without so much as a red blotch.

When it comes to combination skin, you need an exfoliator that will work for both the greasy areas and the dry patches. Try the Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask ($69 for 70ml, Sephora) that contains natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids to slough off dead skin, deep cleanse pores and smooth skin texture while balancing oily parts and hydrating the dry areas.

Text: Smita DeSouza/CLEO