Exfoliants come in all types and textures, from scrubs and scrubs to enzyme scrubs and in-spa treatments. One of our absolute favorites: the powder peeling. These ultra-fine powders have been used for centuries to lighten, smooth, and moisturize skin. They gently remove impurities and exfoliate the skin for a glowing complexion. The trick: just add water. Here's why you should add a powder scrub to your skin regimen, as well as our tips and tricks for using it correctly.
Benefits of Using a Powder Scrub
1. Gentle
Powder scrubs are incredibly gentle. When mixed with water, these finely ground powders turn into a luxurious paste or foam that removes impurities and smooths the skin – without scratching the surface. In addition to physical peels such as oat and rice flour, many also contain naturally-derived AHAs and BHAs. These acids provide an additional exfoliation by dissolving dead skin cells and leaving a silky smooth complexion.
2. Customizable
When it comes to powder scrubs, the power is literally in your hands. The amount of water you add to the mixture will tell you the strength of the peel. So you can make adjustments depending on the day, season or skin type. Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, MD tells Byrdie: "Use less water to feel more texture, and use more water for more general soft detergents."
Tip: If you're after a deeper peel, don't scrub harder. Instead, adjust your water to powder ratio. Eminence Organic Skin Care Product Support Representative and Licensed Beautician Alicia Hawthorne says: "No additional pressure is required for physical peeling. The granules do the job!”
3. Liquid free
Another benefit of powder scrubs is that they are liquid-free. Bacteria and mold can grow much harder in dry environments, which means powder peels often contain fewer preservatives and last longer than their liquid counterparts. Another bonus: They are TSA approved. These travel-friendly cleaning agents can easily be put in your hand luggage by airport security.
How to use one
Now that you know the benefits of using a powder scrub, here are some ways you can properly apply:
- Put a small amount of dry powder in the palm of your hand
- Add a small amount of water
- Rub your hands together for a creamy paste or foam
- Apply to your face in a circular motion, avoiding the sensitive eye area
- Rinse thoroughly with water and pat the skin dry
Pro tip: For an extra exfoliating boost, add a dash of your favorite cleanser to Step 1! Alicia's favorite mixology combines Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant with the Acne Advanced Cleansing Foam.
Product selection
Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant
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Product selection
Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant
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Dermafoliant vs. Fizzofoliant: which one is right for me?
Ready to add a powder scrub to your skin regimen? We love that Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant and the Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant for different reasons. The Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant is a chemical peel made with strawberries and rhubarb that adds antioxidants to the skin (yes, it smells delicious like a strawberry field!). It contains a rice powder that soaks up oil, while lactic acid and salicylic acid remove dead skin cells.
The Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant uses microgreens, stone crop and rice flour with adzuki powder to exfoliate and polish the skin structure. With its light fizzy effect, you'll enjoy massaging this into your skin.
Pro tip: Be careful when combining peeling treatments. Although some work together, there are some combinations that should be avoided!
What about exfoliating masks like the turmeric energy treatment?
If you love exfoliating masks to wake up your complexion, give these a try Turmeric Energizing Treatment, a warming powder, peeling and mask. Zeolite and turmeric remove dead skin cells and impurities and improve the appearance of the skin by smoothing and tightening. This gold-colored peeling differs from the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant and Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant in its frequency of use. It is ideally used once a week, while Dermafoliant and Fizzofoliant can be used frequently, even daily if you are interested!
What other peels go well with powder peels?
Are you thinking of using other scrubs besides powder scrubs? You will be pleased to know that the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant or the Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant can be easily added to any of our cleansers for extra peeling. The merging of scrubs provides a deeper exfoliation and improves skin radiance.
When putting together peelings, keep in mind that our chemical peelings (like the Dermafoliant) contain naturally occurring mild acids and enzymes to exfoliate the skin, while a product like the Fizzoliant is a purely physical peel with peeling granules.
You can try the following combinations depending on which products you love.
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You can use one VitaSkin Exfoliating Peel ™ based on the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant or Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant.
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You can combine the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant or the Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant with our award-winning Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser. This cleanser, with its lactic acid component, adds a chemical peel that removes debris and improves skin hydration.
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To decongest the pores, you can couple them Charcoal Peeling Gel Cleanser with the Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant.
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Combine the almond mineral treatment with the Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant. This combination is extremely soft on the skin and perfect for decongesting skin buildup. Easy to use Almond mineral treatment and let rest for a few minutes. As soon as the heat from the almond and mineral treatment subsides, add water to the Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant. Apply this mixture to the almond mineral treatment.
Pairings with the turmeric energy treatment
Interested in exfoliating with a warming face mask? Try these combinations:
- Apply a VitaSkin Peeling Peeling before applying the Turmeric Energizing Treatment.
- For a more intense treatment, apply the Calcium Stimulating Mask over the turmeric energy treatment to accelerate its effectiveness, brighten and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
- For extreme lightening, place the Citrus and Kale Potent C + E Masque on top. Simply wet your fingers and massage in gently for 2 minutes and let the heat rise and dissipate before removing it!
This post was originally published in September 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.