When building a skincare routine, every step plays an important role. Cleansing and toning are important of course, but the exfoliation phase is one that is absolutely necessary to remove dead skin cells and achieve brighter skin.
Choosing an exfoliating agent can be tricky and there are many factors to include like skin sensitivity, skin type, frequency, and price. But when comparing prices, is it worth it to save and buy a less expensive product or splurge on something a little pricier?
Let’s compare two products that both claim to exfoliate and brighten the skin: SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser ($40) and an apricot scrub such as St. Ives ($5). We did the research for you, and this is what we found:
SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Derived from natural ingredients, SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser combines Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) to create a profound exfoliation that removes dead skin cells efficiently, as well as assists in bringing new fresh and young cells to the surface of the skin.
Key benefits of SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser are that it will improve your skin texture, tone and smoothness. It will also exfoliate the dead cells from the skin’s surface, enhance skin radiance, luminosity, and it is gentle enough to be used in your daily skincare routine – a true rarity for the exfoliation world!
An important note is the Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) in the cleanser increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunburn. Because of this, it is imperative to apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
St. Ives Apricot Scrub
St. Ives Apricot Scrub claims to be a deep cleaning apricot scrub with 100% natural walnut shell powder. It works to give you soft, smooth, “positively glowing skin.” Other benefits? It is made with 100% natural exfoliants and extracts, hypoallergenic, paraben-free and non-comedogenic.
According to Ashley Pettrie, Esthetician at Revive Salon in San Diego, “These rough particles can possibly create micro-tears in the skin. If you’re on the more sensitive side or have allergies, it’s best to stay clear of the St. Ives Scrub. These micro tears can lead to inflammation, redness and possible infection if you have active acne. By over exfoliating you can also weaken the skins’ protective barrier.”
Others compare it to “using sandpaper on your face,” potentially leading to irritation, swelling and even premature aging. The recommended use is 3-4 times a week, however, with an aggressive scrub such as this, once or twice a week is more than enough.
Save or splurge?
Definitely splurge. You may save money using St. Ives’ Apricot Scrub, but considering the product review from Licensed Esthetician Ashley, it is a risk you may not want to take. The science and time it took to develop SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser make it superior to St. Ives Apricot Scrub in every way.
To place your order for SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, click here. Your cleaner, brighter, healthier skin will thank you!
