There are always new ways to give Mother Nature a helping hand when it comes to our skin and exfoliating is just one of the things you can do to to improve its appearance. Jennifer Lawrence learned this trick at an early age and tends to use affordable lines. The Hunger Games actress opened up to Harper’s Bazaar about her preferred products: “I exfoliate every night, and it really doesn’t matter what I use. You can kind of use anything grainy, so I change it up.”
In honor of Jennifer’s open-minded approach, we’ve put together this list of 9 fabulous exfoliators for under $20.
But first, remember that regardless of your skin type everyone should exfoliate, but the sensitivity and condition of your skin should determine how frequently you do so. Oily and acne-prone skin can easily benefit from an exfoliation two or three times a week, while dry and more sensitive skins should try once a week or even biweekly. Always read the instructions on the label to see the particular recommendations for each product and to prevent damage to your skin.
Now, you’re all set! It’s time to take a page out of Jennifer’s book and discover some new faves!
© AmazonVegan
Sneaking in under $20 is the Facial Scrub by Beauty For Earth, ($19.99). It’s a cosmetic exfoliant and cleanser with anti-aging properties and it is made with natural, organic vegan ingredients .
It’s gentle enough to be used regularly, with 2-3 times a week the recommended amount. It has a neutral aroma making it suitable for anyone.
© DermaAnti-aging
One of the benefits of exfoliating is preventing the signs of early aging. And in the case of Ageless Derma Organic Sugar Face Scrub from Dr. Mostamand ($12.95) it will leave your skin soft and radiant while also upping it’s elasticity and hydration. It’s made from organic ingredients.
© Vivo Per LeiDead Sea minerals
Facial Peeling Dead Seas Minerals, Vivo Per Lei ($11.38), is a gel exfoliant that can be used on all skin types. It doesn’t contain aggressive chemicals and can be used twice a week.
© AmazonA modern classic
During exfoliation, impurities and toxins are released from our skin while at the same time the skin repairs and strengthens itself against external attacks, such as from pollution. Olay has the perfect weapon in this constant battle: their Total Effects Facial Cleanser and Scrub ($9.49). It’s a brightening cleanser that gently exfoliates with a creamy formula that hydrates and leaves the face primed to perfection. It works well on all skin types: normal, dry, combination and oily.
© L'Oréal ParisSugar scrub
© AmazonSkin Brightener
Make sure you always use a specific face exfoliator, NEVER use a body scrub. Your face’s delicate skin requires special treatment and body exfoliators tend to be too aggressive for facial use.
A great face exfoliator to try, expecially if you are looking for a brightening effect, is Acure Brightening Facial Scrub ($8). Its marine seaweed and French green clay will help to gently eliminate impurities and surface oils with nutrition-packed exfoliation.
© AmazonGlycolic Acid
Our body regenerates its skin every 28 days or so. However factors such as stress, age, nutrition and poor habits can mean the body needs a little extra help.
A product containing glycolic acid might be just what you need. It’s an effective chemical exfoliator with a composition which allows the product to get deep into the lower layers of the dermis. However, these products should be used with extreme care as they can lead to skin irritation.
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser by Botanic Tree ($17.90), is a cleaner containing 10% glycolic acid and is suitable for acne-prone and more mature skins.
© AmazonAHA
Another practical alternative is Nakeup Face Renewal New AHA Scaling Cream ($18.90), a chemical exfoliant in the form of a night cream.
It helps to eliminate dead skin cells and excess of oil that can block pores and comes in two AHA concentrations, 5% and 10%, so you can choose which would work best for your skin. This product is especially suited for the acne-prone.
© iStockimagesDo it yourself!
There are several homemade exfoliants that are easy to make, natural and effective. For example, mix up ground coffee with your favorite moisturizer, or combine sugar with almond oil.
Whatever your mix, don’t use the grains on their own - always add some kind of oil or cream to prevent irritation. If you’re going to use an exfoliator every night like Jennifer, then make sure it’s a gentle one. And never leave the house without sun protection - your skin will thank you for it!
