When we think of the cold winter season, the last thing that probably comes to mind is exfoliation. Hydrating the skin is important, of course, but maintaining a regular exfoliation routine during a season that guarantees harsh winds, low temps, and always-on heaters is vital. So, why do you need to exfoliate in winter?
“Colder weather tends to dehydrate the skin and dehydration leads to more build-up of dead skin cells,” says Jacob Tomás del Rosario, Youth To The People’s Director of Field Sales + Education. This build-up may result in the appearance of dry skin, rough texture, and enlarged pores (hence the need to exfoliate them away come winter, too). Additionally, exfoliation helps stimulate cell turnover, which in turn leads to a smoother, more polished surface—results that are sought-after year-round— including in winter.
Youth To The People’s Exfoliant LineupYerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial
Why you’ll love it: This microdermabrasion not only breaks down dead skin cells, but it also energizes the skin due to its formulation that includes caffeine-containg yerba mate and guayusa extracts.
How to use: Apply an even layer to clean, wet skin. Leave on for up to two minutes allowing enzymes to activate. Add water and gently massage in circular motions to complete resurfacing treatment. Rinse off.
“What I love about the Energy Facial is that the granules are so, so fine; it’s made with bamboo and diatomaceous earth,” says del Rosario.
Kombucha + 10% AHA Power ExfoliantWhy you’ll love it: It boasts a potent blend of 7% lactic acid and 3% glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acids that are combined in this formula to even skin tone over time.
How to use: At night, saturate a reusable cotton round and sweep over a clean, dry face. Do not rinse off. Take a page from del Rosario’s beauty book and follow it up with the mega-moisturizing overnight Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask. “I like to call them my power couple because they partner really well to reveal brighter, smoother, and plumper skin,” says del Rosario.
Mandelic Acid + Superfood Unity Exfoliant
Why you’ll love it: This liquid exfoliant is a favorite for those with congestion-prone skin due to a formula that includes beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). The Unity Exfoliant works to gently draw out impurities, toxins, and build-up.
How to use it: After cleansing, saturate a (reusable) cotton round or pour into hands and sweep over clean, dry face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
“You can use the Unity Exfoliant once per day,” says del Rosario. “I love using it in the a.m. because it immediately smooths the skin, so when you’re applying foundation, it slides onto the skin like glass.”
It’s important to note that none of the above should be used on as part of the same skincare routine—if you’re looking to incorporate more than one, consider skin cycling. For more on that, read here
Studying up on exfoliating acids? Remember this simple way to differentiate the two chemical exfoliants: The “A” in AHA (the standout ingredient in the Kombucha offering) reminds of the word “above,” meaning it helps to soften the surface of the skin. The “b” in BHA (found in Unity Exfoliant) on the other hand, reminds of “below,” meaning the ingredient works to pull impurities from the within pores to help combat congested skin.
Written by Grace Gavilanes for Youth To The People
