Results tagged “Facial Scrub” from Style Flavors

Your skin is the largest living organ you have so taking good care of it isn't so much about vanity but more of ensuring you have a better quality of life. You take care of your heart, your joints, your lungs so why shouldn't you take care of your skin?

Adopting a basic skin care regimen should be a prerequisite for every modern man. The old soap and water habit just doesn't cut it anymore so if you're stuck and wonder how to go about keeping your skin in prime condition, look no further. Here is Style Flavors' guide to putting your best face forward. 


Cleansing:

The first step to great skin is to ensure you start with a clean, fresh slate twice a day. Using a facial cleanser suited to your particular skin type is essential to removing daily grime, oil and cellular debris.

Individuals with pimple-prone, oily skin will benefit from skin clearing ingredients like Salicylic Acid. Salicylic Acid is essential a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) which works as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and pore-clogging debris. It reaches into the follicle to shed dead skin cells; keeping pores clear and hence, reducing breakouts.

I like Patricia Wexler's Dual Forming Cleanser (US$16, 5.1oz/150ml). Its dual effect keeps pores clear, reducing the frequency of breakouts while fighting the signs over aging. This foaming cleanser goes a long way and I like how it visibly reduces the size of my pores and keep zits at bay while helping to reverse signs of prolong sun exposure. 

For skin prone to breakouts, I like SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser US$29 from Beauty.com. With Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid, this cleanser works to remove dead skin cells gently daily while promoting clearer pores and an even complexion. I like how this quickly clears up my skin. I remember once having a zit on my chin and after 3 washes, the zit was reduced in size. Gives me a clean feeling without all the uncomfortable tightness.

For a clean, fresh feeling without any hints of tightness, I like Lab Series Multi-Action Face Wash (US$16). Cleans and soothes all in one wash. I like how it gives me a clean slate while maintaining softness. 


Exfoliation:

Exfoliation is key to even-toned, softer and clearer skin. There are a multide of products on the market today cater to every exfoliation needs. Ingredients such as rice grains, polyethene beads and acids - Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) and Glycolic Acids, work to slog off dead skin cells, speed up cellular renewal and pave the way for a smoother shave. You have a bunch of options when it comes to exfoliators. There are daily exfoliators and weekly exfoliators that can be easily incorporated into your routine.

Daily exfoliators come in various forms. There are cleanser/exfoliator options (so you only have to use on product) and exfoliator pads that work to both tone and exfoliate (so again, you only have to use one product). 

I like St. Ives Apricot Scrub, Renew & Firm (US$3.99). It is cheap, effective and gentle enough to be used everyday. With AHA & BHA, this scrub works daily to remove signs of fine lines and sun damage. I use this in between my weekly exfoliators and like how it helps fine lines and uneven skin tone.

Another favorite product of mine is the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, Power-Clear Scrub (US$7.99). This creamy scrub not only smells good, it clears breakouts from the source while providing daily exfoliation minus the irritation and dryness. The fresh cucumber scent relaxes me while my skin looks cleaner and healthier after every use. 

I like Olay Total Effects Age Defying Cleansing Cloths. They work great after a shower to tone and exfoliate or for in-between face washes and quick face pick-ups on the go (after the gym, meeting, etc) all while improving skin texture, radiance and signs of aging.

Weekly exfoliators provide optimal results when used twice or thrice weekly. Exfoliating before a shave also helps soften facial hair and make way for a closer, smoother shave.

I like Origins Modern Friction Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion 125ml/4oz (US$36.50). Using skin refining rice starch, this creamy exfoliator gently removes dead skin cells, brightens skin tone and refines pores without irritation or dryness. The light citrus scent is fresh while the warming effect of the rice grains feels good on your skin. Use this 2-3 times a week for best results.

I like Lab Series Skincare for Men Treat - Skin Refinisher (US$30). The thermal action heats up your skin to gently but effectively remove grime, oil, dirt and dead skin cells, paving the way for clearer, smoother skin. I like the warming action and how clean my skin feels after each use.

I also like Shiseido Men Deep Cleansing Scrub 125ml/4.2oz US$30 from Strawberrynet.com. This creamy scrub works hard to remove dead skin cells, blackheads and grime. My skin is left feeling squeaky clean without any tightness and the refreshing hit of freshness from the Menthol makes this a good pick-me-up in the mornings. 

Do avoid the delicate eye area when you're exfoliating and be gentle because rubbing too hard and being too aggressive will only damage your skin and cause redness.


Toning:

Toning is the often skipped step in the everyday skincare regimen. So much so that skincare companies forgo toners when creating product lines targeted at men. However, I recommend incorporating a toner into your routine. Toning after cleansing helps to remove traces of cleanser, oil and dirt that occasionally stay on the skin. It also helps to remove dead skin cells, soothe and calm skin after shaving.

I like Kiehl's Alcohol Free Herbal Toner (US$19). Chock full of skin healing herbs that work to soothe and calm irritated, inflamed skin, this toner cools and refreshes your skin. I like how this calms my skin after every shave and the fresh menthol gives a cool feeling that works as a good pick-me-up.

I also like Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner, Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Formula (US$7.99). I know people who swear by this. This AHA & BHA toner sweeps off dead skin cells to refine skin tone, clear pores and speed up cell renewal.

I like Clinique Skin Supplies For Men: Scruffing Lotion 2-1/2 200ml/6.7oz US$20 from Strawberrynet.com. This toner works hard to unclog pores while promoting skin renewal. I like how it gives my skin a clean slate while removing traces of cleanser and dead skin cells.

I also like Biotherm Biopur SOS Normalizer Normalizing Exfoliating Lotion 200ml/6.76oz US$30 at Strawberrynet.com. This toner works to gently exfoliate while purifying your skin to prevent future breakouts and help clear existing ones. I like how it clarifies my skin leaving it clean and shine-free while reducing the appearance of my pores.  

I am guilty of occasionally putting my skin to the test. Especially when it comes to treating the zits that so often pop up at the most inconvenient of times. My exceptionally oily skin also gets dehydrated and flaky with the once/twice monthly traveling I do and the stress that comes with everyday life.

For those trying skin moments, it is still important to follow a regular exfoliation routine. Exfoliation helps with slogging off dead skin cells while paving the way for fresher cells, refined pores and an overall even complexion.

I turn to this gentle exfoliating scrub for the periods when my skin needs a softer slogging action after all the rough handling. I like this cream scrub because it sloughs off dead skin cells effectively and yet very gently. Its microspheres speeds up cell renewal while removing impurities.

My skin feels fresher, smoother and softer after every use while looking cleaner and less dull. There is no tight feeling or dryness. Just comfort and a sense of well-being that comes with having healthy skin. Or healthy anything for that matter.

Get the Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Refiner 50ml/1.7oz for US$30 at Strawberry.net.

I discovered this weekly scrub when I was in high school; dealing with teenage acne. I am over that stage; thankfully, but I still use this when I am breaking out in zits from stress or environmental pollution during my travels.

The refreshing scent of tea tree oil not only smells good but also helps combat and kills bacteria that cause zits. Excess oil is also swept away but unlike traditional acids that deal with pimples, tea tree oil doesn't over-dry the skin so it is less harsh than a lot of the regular ingredients found in acne products.

Extracts of beeswax lock in moisture and act as a skin conditioner while fine mineral beads and ground tea leaves exfoliate to remove oil, impurities and dead skin cells.

My skin felt smoother and softer after every scrub; with lighter pimple marks. The tea tree oil scent is a great pick-me-up in the mornings.

I use twice weekly for best results. Get this for US$13 (3.7OZ/100ml) at The Body Shop.

Weekly exfoliation is critical for healthy, glowing skin. I, exfoliate twice a week and it's usually with products that contain tiny apricot husks, microbeads, skin-buffing crystals etc. Imagine my surprise and curiosity when I discovered this buffing paste from Origins.

Yes, I said buffing paste because this is not a scrub. This unique buffer contains rice starch cushioned in cream which works gently but effectively in removing complexion dulling dead skin cells, uneven skin patches, discoloration and skin damage. So unlike the traditional buffers, it is recommended that you use this on a clean, dry face to fully maximize the wonderful benefits.

The texture is milky with tiny specks of rich starch bits; it smells light and it feels almost like a cream cleanser during the application. It did cross my mind the first few times I used this if this was actually working and doing what it's supposed to. I guess I have gotten very used to feeling my micro-dermabrasion scrubs against my skin. I know, how passé of me!

With extracts of Aloe to help calm and soothe and lemon oil to brighten skin; you can be sure that there will be no redness or uncomfortable flaking.

With regular use (2-3 times a week), my pores looked smaller and my skin tone more refined. This is perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin as this delivers the benefits of dermabrasion without the irritation or the harshness.  

Massage this 2-3 times weekly on dry, clean skin, then add a dash of water and work into a lather. Continue massaging for about 1 minute and rinse off well. It took a little mental reminder to get out of the usual routine of slapping on my facial scrub after my cleanser in the shower but it was worth it!

Get this for US$36 (4oz/125ml) at Origins.

For the smoothest shave, exfoliate before shaving. This scrub from Kiehl's sloughs away dead skin cells and impurities. It also softens skin and breaks down tough facial hair for a closer shave. With a selected blend of Caffeine, Menthol, Vitamin E and extracts from Lemon and Orange peels, this exfoliator refreshes and evens out your complexion. For maximum effect, use this twice a week but never on consecutive days. Get it at Kiehl's boutiques or online for US$16.50