Dry Flaky Skin and Breakouts Part 2: Scrubbing Those Flakes Off

This is a continuation from Dry Flaky Skin and Breakouts Part 1.

So you've gone ahead and treated your breakouts but your skin is still dry and flaky?

This is when an exfoliation is essential.  It helps to keep those pores clean and removes all those piled up skin cells.

Most scrubs should only be used a few times a week, there are exfoliating face washes that are gentle for everyday use but that depends on how much your skin will be able to handle.  Also remember that with scrubbing, more is not always better.  Whether you use a brush, cloth or another physical exfoliator, the key is to not overdo it.

The same goes for chemical exfoliators.  They are usually composed of acid and can cause burning and irritation.  These you should spot test before using on your face because they might be too harsh.

Some of my favorites that I have on hand during the Winter:

Sugar mixed with Instant Oatmeal - Yeah, it sounds delicious but it also works really well.  I grind the oatmeal in my Magic Bullet and add that to a paste I make with water and sugar.  Pick whatever sugar you want depending on how much you can handle.  I normally use granulated or superfine.  All natural and works surprisingly well.  Just make sure you don't clog your sink with oatmeal.

Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser - This I keep in my shower.  The granules are scrubby but not harsh and it all washes away cleanly.  This is a great cleanser to help get rid of the daily dirt from your face.

St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub - This is nothing like the original scrub.  The particles are fine yet scrub very well without irritating my skin.  The scrub also has green tea to calm and salicylic acid to help fight blemishes and clean out pores.  The concentration of salicylic acid is only 1% so it isn't as harsh as most products out there containing 1.5% or 2%.

Tatcha Rice Enzyme Powder - Expensive but it really works like a charm.  The formula is incredibly gentle and it rinses away clean.  In fact you're skin will feel really clean after using this.

A notable mention would be Bulgari Radiance Facial Exfoliator - This doesn't make the list because it's no longer available in the U.S.  But when it was I picked up a tube of this and have been loving it when I can muster up the courage to use it.  It is a soft gel-like cream that you apply in a fairly thick layer to your face.  After that you basically wait.  Give it a few minutes and that thick custard-like cream clears up into a thick serum consistency.  That is when you start scrubbing around.  The beads are gentle and effective.  After you are done scrubbing, one rinse and the residue emulsifies and washes away cleanly leaving soft skin reminiscent of rose petals.

Stay tuned for the next part.  This will focus on moisturizing oils.

See you soon!