Today I bring you a special post all about combating dry skin.  For those unaware, I have combo/dry skin that I’ve been treating & abusing for years. Too much harshness & it gets worse. Not enough whip & then I’m so dry that I can barely wear foundation. I have done the dirty work so now you can reap the benefits! Here is a list of some of my very favorite exfoliators from level 1 (sensitive/light exfoliation) to level 3 (more harsh exfoliation). There’s something for everyone!

Let’s break down my “levels” to make this post easier & so I’m not repeating myself over & over!
-Level 1 Exfoliation: Safe for daily use & sensitive skin.
-Level 2 Exfoliation: Might be used daily depending on need & skin type.
-Level 3 Exfoliation: A harsher exfoliation or not necessary for daily use. 

Tools-
Konjac Sponge for Face & Body–  So these are two sponges I’ve been testing that are both sold separately- one for face & one for body. These are 100% natural sponges that gently exfoliate both face & body, are very soft, & still manages to get skin clean. Unless you wash your face vigorously (which you shouldn’t be, just saying!) these will leave even the most sensitive skin happy & healthy. I actually have less skin redness after use with these than with a washcloth! Level 1 Exfoliation.

Clarisonic Mia 2– Although I have the original Clarisonic Mia 2 (& it didn’t come in a set) I’m linking to this Clarisonic set from Sephora in the Detox option available currently. This is a total bargain! Anyway I have done at least 3 posts on my Clarisonic love including my 2 month check-in which you can read about here if you like! I’ll keep it short- mutiple brush heads to choose from sensitive to exfoliating, I can use this daily, definitely helps keep my skin clean & clear, & it provides the daily light exfoliation my skin needs when dry. Level 1-3 depending on the brush head & frequency of use.

Cleanlogic Foam Sea Sponge & Back Scrubber- This is a product I’ve repurchased over & over again! I love this little sponge! I reviewed this sponge along with the Cleanlogic Back Scrubber over a year ago & the sponge has been my standby ever since! If you like to use a shower poof but want something more natural, easily to grip & scrub with, & that washes clean then this product is for you! The back scrubber is awesome for dry skin since i often get eczema down my spine. Check out my full review here. Level 1 Exfoliation.

Cleansing-
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant– This is one of those products that surprised me & I ended up quite liking it! You basically get a shaker of ultra fine powder, weird huh? This is a rice based powder & when you add water it releases lots of ingredients, even salicylic acid when is often drying to skin. Perfect if you get mini breakouts or want to target specific areas (like if you have an oily t-zone for example) because you have a lot of control. Use about half a teaspoon (less for smaller areas) & tap into very wet hands. You work it into a paste then gently rub on your face & wash clean. Level 1 exfoliation- not recommended for very dry skin daily.

Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish-This Japanese product has both walnut shells & rice bran inside a fine scrub that promises to be useable on both face & body. Personally, I used this on my body. The formula is a gel with fine scrub mixed in that lathers with contact to water. I really enjoyed the exfoliation before self tanning & through colder months but the smell is quite bland & smells like regular soap. If you’re looking for something more natural & not highly scented than this sulfate 7 paraben free formula might be your perfect match! Would be excellent to share with a dude too. Level 1 Exfoliation on the body, Level 2 when used on the face.

Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash– Gentle enough for daily use this one pairs awesome with the Clarisonic or sponge in the morning to leave skin smooth & with a touch of moisture for dry skin. I don’t think that this is particularly great for oily skin but if you have sensitive/dry skin this is a nice option. I do recommend rotating with a moisturizing face cleanser if you have very sensitive skin to not overdo it. Level 1 Exfoliation- Recommended for sensitive/dry skin or dry skin for maintenance.

Scrub-
Mario Badescu Kiwi Face Scrub– I’ve been using a tub of this for ages, it just goes on & on! Recommended to me by a Mario Badescu specialist, this scrub has been such a joy! The kiwi seeds provide natural exfoliation & naturally occuring AHAs break down the top layer of dead skin cells. Somehow, this isn’t drying at all! This feels like a rich cream upon application & smells divine! Level 2 Exfoliation- Recommended to use about every other day & doesn’t leave skin dry.

Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream- This will be too gentle if you have oily skin but for sensitive, dry skin this is awesome. I love how this is totally gentle (probably the most gentle scrub I’ve used that actually still worked) but it doesn’t require a lot of work either. Your skin will be left glowy & not red or irritated! Level 1 Exfoliation- great for sensitive skin!

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment– This one comes with a hefty price tag but the cult following will tell you that it really works! Not for sensitive skin at all though! This will leave your skin red & irritated but it also sloughs off the dead skin & bacteria leaving glowing results later on. If you get breakouts this one is excellent at getting rid of hidden acne causing bacteria & really helps soften rougher areas. Be wary if you want to leave the house right afterwards though! Level 3 Exfoliation- Not for sensitive or wary skin!

Treatment/Mask-
Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator–  This is one of my absolute favorite treatments! Jurlique works great with my skin, has AHAs which are also effective in my routine, & fruit enzymes are pretty fabulous for most skin types too! This will buff away the dry top layer leaving beautiful glowy skin. Housed in a nice glass bottle with a pump, you only need a thin layer so for me it is definitely worth the price! On top of all that the Jurlique line is based on natural ingredients that do your skin good. Level 3 Exfoliation- use only when needed as alpha hydroxy acids make skin sensitive to sunlight.

Philosophy Microdelivery Purifying Peel One-Minute Purifying Enzyme Peel– Need a quick but effective pick-me-up? This peel takes only one minute of your time & although pricey it has some great ingredients behind it. If you need a starter peel (aka you’re a peel newbie you cutie pie you!) then start with one minute but the directions say you can leave on up to one minute as desired. This isn’t a harsh peel at all for me or many others with sensitive skin so don’t expect the terrifying red peel face of doom. Instead you’re left with very clean & fresh looking skin while putting in little to no effort. Win. if scrubs leave your skin feeling raw or dry give this a shot. Level 3 Exfoliation- Use maybe once or twice a week, less if you need to adjust to using peels.

Freeman Beautiful Charcoal & Black Sugar Polishing Mask– This is a really unique mask because charcoal is normally used to pull out impurities & these treatments often leave skin even more dry. This is a harsher mask/scrub combo that after leaving on you just move your fingers in circular motions to remove the dead skin cells leaving more vibrant & clean skin. You actually remove much of the dryness with the scrub so it is a great combo! This is a bit more coarse so I don’t recommend use on sensitive skin. Level 3 Exfoliation- coarse scrub/mask.

So there you have it, a comprehensive list of some of my very favorite products for exfoliating! What are some of yours? If you find this post helpful or try something new I’d love to hear about it in the comments!