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Liquid exfoliators have a great rep, and for good reason. They're a product that ALWAYS delivers, seriously, they never let our skin down. That being said, you might be wondering why you'd trade in your old faithful physical scrub for one of these bad boys.
Liquid, or chemical exfoliators as they're known, are actually much better for your skin than the scrub that's been sat in your bathroom cabinet for yonks. This is because they can penetrate much deeper, and more easily remove the build up of dead skin.
They're amazing at brightening, unclogging pores, evening out skin tone, and just generally getting your face gleaming. The main 2 types of chemical exfoliants are AHAs (alphahydroxy acids), and BHAs (betahydroxy acids). Both work in relatively similar ways, though BHAs are better for spot prone skin.
You should be looking out for ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. Keep in mind that if you're using an exfoliating acid, you'll need to wear an SPF during the day, as they increase your risk of sunburn. If you're not already an avid acid user, start off with a smaller percentage, say 5%, and then work your way up to a higher concentration.
Don't go overboard, either, two, to three times a week should be enough. If you're struggling with acne or scarring and you've been using one for a while, you can increase it - but be mindful or you'll be left red faced.
A best seller from Gwyneth's highly anticipated skincare brand, this 3-minute facial will catapult your complexion into the light faster than you can say goop. Natural hydroxy acids team up with exfoliating cellulose beads for maximum resurfacing action to get you radiant AF.
Peel pads are a lazy gals dream - we should know. Turn to these when you cba to do any other skincare steps, just one sweep will help decongest, brighten and even out your base. Plus, there's hyaluronic in there too, so you wont have to deal with a dry face post pad.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
Kate's products always do what they say on the tin: case in point, this cult treatment. Guaranteed to turn your skin around in mere minutes, it's packed full of fruit enzymes and lactic acid that whisk away dead skin like it's nothing. Massage in for 30 seconds, then leave on for up to two mins, depending on sensitivity. Soothing aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E help bring everything back down post scrub.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Because this only contains 2% BHA, it's a great start for newbies, or those with more sensitive skins. It's perfect for those who are blemish prone or particularly oil as there's salicylic acid in there, too.
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner
Acids needn't cost the earth. Priding themselves in potent formulas, Inkey's glycolic acid toner is gentle yet effective at minimising pores, acne scars, uneven skin and brightening your complexion tenfold. 5% witch hazel has been thrown in, too, to help mop up excess sebum and stop spots in their tracks.
You'd be hard pressed to find a formula as well received as this. People have praised the solution for its ability to leave their skin soft, smooth and mark free, as well as being gentle enough to use daily. It's also vegan, hypoallergenic and paraben free.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Professional Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel
This is the closest you can get to an in-salon treatment at home. A two-step treatment, it contains pharmaceutical grade concentrations of Alpha Beta acids and antioxidants to whip your base into its brightest yet. Step 1 sloughs off dead skin cells and boosts skin renewal, step 2 stops the peel and corrects your complexion. The result is incredible skin without having to leave the house.
Gaby is the Senior Beauty Writer here at Cosmopolitan.com/UK. Her favourite hobbies include sleeping, eating cake till she can't move and uncontrollably hoarding beauty products.
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