Top 5 Exfoliating Masks
No matter the season, taking care of your skin and giving it a good scrub down is always effective and beneficial. Of all the steps in my nighttime routine, exfoliating is the one part that really feels the most cleansing. Maybe it’s the smell or maybe it’s the action of rubbing a texturized cleanser smoothly over my face… whatever the case may be, I know that twice a week, when I exfoliate, I look up at the mirror once I’ve washed it off and I feel clean.
Exfoliating has a lot of super healthy benefits. Aside from being restorative, a good exfoliation cleanser unclogs your pores, which means, it prevents build up and acne. In so doing, it also evens out your skin tone and increases cell turnover. For those who don’t know how amazing that is, let me just explain briefly. By turning over your cells, you are rejuvenating your skin and stimulating collagen production. Yes, that means exactly what it says it means: exfoliating is a natural way to stay looking young! I have a great rotation of exfoliating masks. Here are my top 5:
GOOP
Exfoliating Facial
Everyone knows the brand Goop. I mean, Gwyneth Paltrow is the business maven we all strive to be… am I right? Her products are legit – they are clean, they safe, and most of all, they work. The Goop Exfoliating Facial sees instant results. By massaging in the cleanser, you’ll brighten and soften yours skin, leaving you glowing with a naturally smooth complexion. Made up of certified organic ingredients, I’d hitch my wagon to just about anything Goop puts out there. Tip: I leave this exfoliator on for about 3 minutes and enjoy the tingle before I rinse it off.
IDC
Pure Mask
The IDC Pure Mask also cleans away all of the environmental pollutants and impurities that build up throughout the day. What I love about this exfoliator is that it oxygenates the skin; I actually feel like my skin can breathe better after I’ve used the IDC Pure Mask. So the purifying factor is definitely a draw for me. I also love how soft the formula is, because sometimes my skin gets sensitive, like in the winter. It’s called a mask more than an exfoliator because it peels off that dead and dirty layer and leaves you purified and illuminated.
Philosophy
Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor
Nothing like a good skin care routine to leave you feeling like a pampered queen. The Philosophy Pore Extractor Face Mask is creamy and rich. It scrubs away impurities, shrinks pores, and leaves a glowing appearance. I go back and forth a lot between some of my products and this one I use less as a full face exfoliator and more as a spot treatment. The Philosophy formula has white kaolin clay which is a natural exfoliant and has deep cleansing effects, so it really works to remove blackheads and clear your skin if you’re having a breakout.
Kora Organics
Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Whenever I hear the word turmeric, my ears perk up. I would have never thought that turmeric would be in my exfoliating mask, but leave it to Kora Organics to infuse their exfoliating formula with turmeric for extra glowing effects. Certified organic and vegan, the Turmeric Brightening and Exfoliating Mask helps decongest your pores, reduces sebum buildup and evens out lackluster skin. Promoting cell renewal, this mask is best left on for 15-20 minutes. Unlike some of the quicker action exfoliators, I use this one when I want to relax in the tub before bed and close my eyes… I let the mask help deepen my relaxation. Yes, please!
Dermalogica
Charcoal Rescue Masque
Detoxifying, brightening, and invigorating, this charcoal activated mask is made up of, what for it, volcanic ashes! For real. The sulfur, sea silt and bamboo extracts are not just buzzwords Dermalogica throws around lightly, they all have their purpose and help your skin clean up from the inside out. It’s an all-in-one fast action formula and the Charcoal Rescue Masque does exactly what the name says: it rescues your skin… one pore at a time!
Aside from the fact that I’m a big proponent of a healthy skincare ritual, I love the double benefits of taking care of my skin. First, you see real results in how exfoliators brighten your skin and smooth out uneven pigmentation (caused by sun damage, environmental pollutants, and all that), but also it helps your skin in the simple fact that taking time to relax and take care of yourself is a subliminal message to your body that you are worth the investment.
Photography by Patricia Brochu