Although not officially summer, Memorial Day is coming and with it, marks the beginning of the vacation season. For that reason, it’s not too early to start thinking about getting your skin ready for t-shirts and shorts, and one of the best ways to prep is by exfoliating from head to toe.
Thankfully, we’ve moved past using rough loofahs and barely-crushed apricot kernels. And as the US makes headway, state-by-state, in the banning of microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products with Canada initiating its own efforts to phase out these environmentally harmful pollutants, consumers are turning to more natural and biodegradable alternatives.
We’ve chosen a few of our favorite microbead-free options that will keep the skin looking fresh and shiny all year round:
For the face: Eliminating the risk of rubbing too hard and causing irritation, chemical exoliants like glycolic acid breaks down the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together, allowing them to be removed from the surface of the skin. Apothekari AHA-Mazing Gel Cleanser contains a triple combination of alpha hydroxy acids and sugar cane extract to help smooth fine lines and gently exfoliate clogged pores, allowing subsequent skin care treatments to absorb more effectively. If your preference is for a topical treatment that works overnight, NeoStrata carries both creams and lotions with glycolic acid for the face to banish dull complexions and maximize radiant skin. New to the AHA game? Start with the 5% formula and move up to the 10% version as your skin adapts.
For the body: Reversa’s Skin Smoothing Body Lotion also uses glycolic acid to gently remove dead skin cells on the arms and legs. After hiding in sweaters and long pants all winter, this daily-use lotion will whip the skin into warm weather condition within a few short days. If pampering is more your style, watch for our newest offering from Apothekari: a bamboo and lemongrass body polish. This non-greasy scrub has so many things going for it. The crushed walnut shell and bamboo powder exfoliate naturally with a unique foaming action that cleanses gently. The clincher? This dreamy body polish rinses clean away with no oily residue on the skin or the tub! Love it!
For the feet: Eucerin Smoothing Foot Cream uses 10% urea to make the jump from boots to sandals effortless. If your feet need a bit more help, we also carry Flexitol Heel Magic to deal with extra dry skin and rough heels in an easy to use stick applicator. Beeswax, shea butter and olive oil all work to hydrate the skin and make the feet look and feel great.
Exfoliating may be one of the most underrated yet simple things you can do for your skin. Low effort, high pay-off. If only everything could be this easy.
