Oct 12, 2014

Current Deep Cleansing & Exfoliation Routine

To be honest with you, my skincare routine is borderline lazy. My skin is not all that sensitive and usually quite tolerant of this laziness merely consisting of the very basics - moisturize, protect, and cleanse, but it does show especially when I neglect the "cleanse" part.
As I am aging and the air is getting cooler, my skin does not seem to produce oil as much as before. So maybe I have been lazier to exfoliate and deep-cleanse my skin, which is quite a mistake. I still use a waterproof sunscreen that easily causes clogged pores. Evidently, I broke out in a few spots. This was hormonal but clearly encouraged by negligence as well since I had not broken out for a while.
The situation was quickly resolved as I resumed my deep cleansing & exfoliation routine, maybe this time a little more diligently.


Deep Cleansing & Exfoliations




I did not buy anything new for this routine. What I did was to plan and space the products that I already had in the right spots of the routine.

My weekly regimen goes on with these five different products.

Sunday - AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask
This Dead Sea mud mask is quite effective yet gentle. I like this mask and plan to repurchase once I run out. It is a mud mask, so it will suck up the impurities just like any affordable mud based mask would do. However, I don't feel the moisture being stripped from my face with this one (it actually feels moisturized if that's possible). Plus it comes in a tube. (I can't be bothered with those tubs, no.) I usually mask before a shower for easy removal.

Monday - Clarisonic Mia 2
This device has never impressed me as a daily cleanser, but I love it as a weekly exfoliation tool. Adding a physical exfoliation in conjunction with a chemical one is extremely effective. The idea is that you loosen up the dead skin cell layer with chemicals then gently buff it away. The annoying timer thing that comes with Mia 2 actually reminds me that I should never over-exfoliate. One simple cycle a week would do for me. I also use cream or oil cleanser with it if my skin feels drier than usual.

Tuesday - Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
It is the gentlest exfoliator/conditioner in my arsenal. This rice enzyme based powder also contains Salicylic Acid and Papain to help keep breakouts at bay. I can actually use this everyday. Using this three times in between seems to calm and polish my skin.

Wednesday - Radical Skincare Anti-Aging Exfoliating Pads (reviewed)
This is my "chemical" weapon, so to speak. Compared to other acid based pads I've experienced, Radical Pads are mild and even moisturizing, but Glycolic Acid still is a powerful thing. I limit myself to only a few pads a week since I use other exfoliators as well.

Thursday - Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Friday - Boots No7 Total Renewal
This is another physical exfoliator containing micro-dermabrasion particles. The rich cream base helps minimize the unnecessary irritation, but I must tell you this one is a bit of hardcore. Maybe using it a few times a week would be more than enough if you're just getting into exfoliations. This is the most effective facial scrub that I've ever experienced. 60 seconds of very gentle circular motions is all you need. I am on my second tube of this one.

Saturday - Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant



I personally find my routine very effective and non-irritating. My moisturizer performs much better since I've started this routine.
However, to some it might look like "too much scrubbing". Please note that I've gotten used to the active ingredients like AHA, enzymes, and more aggressive exfoliants like Alumina over the years. This all-week-long exfoliation routine is definitely not for dry sensitive skin types. I myself am still carefully monitoring to see if my skin feels sensitized by them.
Also, exfoliation is a moo point (no, actually it makes things worse) if you're not protecting your skin properly from the sun.



How do you incorporate exfoliation and deep cleansing in your daily skincare routine?
What are some of your favorites?




Join the conversation!

  1. I try not to exfoliate too much because I have sensitive skin. The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is still on my list to try! I'm trying to go through my current exfoliant first though. I used to use a chemical exfoliant pad thing, but I stopped using them because I got kind of lazy and I ran out! But I think I want to go back to using them again slowly... Because I think my skin could use the extra love. We'll see!

    And oooh! Yes! I really like that AHAVA mud mask! :) Tubes are definitely more convenient than tubs.

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    1. I've tried more than few enzyme based conditioners like Dermalogica, but they all end up irritating my skin with a long term use. Daily Microfoliant has never done that. I've been using it for years, and I highly recommend it if you're looking for something gentle and effective. It is not dramatic but you'd miss it if you run out. ;)

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  2. I used to be able to do this! But not now. My skin gets irritated really easily from too much scrubbing and any kind of chemical peel too. Like you, I only used my Clarisonic once a week too, otherwise it was to much even back then! Hopefully I can start getting back on track soon!

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    1. Scrubbing is definitely something you should avoid if your skin feels irritated. I've been doing this for about 2 weeks now and so far it is okay, but I'm prepared to ease down on the routine if I see any adverse effect.
      I totally agree that Clarisonic is too much for daily use and I don't even have sensitive skin! And the brush is too big in my opinion, and I hate getting the brush all dirty from daily makeup removal. ;-/

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  3. What a great roundup of skincare must-haves! I've been debating about getting the Clarisonic but the price tag has always kept me away from it! I'm quite lazy as well when it comes to skincare, but seeing how manageable this actually is, I'm looking forward to scheduling my makeup/skincare routines now!

    Stephanie | theFantasia.com

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    1. I agree the Clarisonic is quite expensive. I love it for what it does for me, but I wouldn't have paid that much if I had known I'd use it only once a week.
      This was a good exercise for me and I will try some other regimen - maybe sheet masks calendar or something. I was surprised to see what a little bit of diligence could do for my skin. ;)

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  4. My all time favourite is another exfoliant by Dermalogica, but this is a chemical one: Gentle Cream exfoliant. Lisa Eldridge recommended it in one of her skincare videos and I agree with her. It is awesone!

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    1. Ah, I remember enjoying this when I had a tube. Very mild, too. Thanks for reminding me! ;)

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  5. The only exfoliant I use is Lush's Angels on Bare Skin. Since my skin leans dry, I don't use it more than a few times a week, usually before I get in the shower in the morning--it's so messy! I also try not to rub it too harshly into my face.

    Do you think the Clarisonic makes a huge difference if you don't have problematic skin? My skin isn't perfect, but it's pretty good overall, and I'm afraid of making a big change and possibly throwing everything into chaos.

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    1. LOL. Exactly! I use all my scrubs in the shower. I hate it when the tiny bits end up in my hairline. ;p

      I think your skin is luminous and beautiful. To be very honest, I don't think the Clarisonic is a game changer if you are already cleansing your face properly. If the troubled skin is caused by inadequate cleansing, yes, it would definitely help (then so would others). I'm glad I've found a nice way to use my Clarisonic, but I don't see it as a must-have especially when I consider the steep price. ;)

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  6. I too don't exfoliate enough, good reminder! I like Clinique 7 day scrub

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    1. It is always quite puzzling to figure out how much is enough when it comes to exfoliations. ;)
      I find the Clinique 7 day scrub a bit coarse but it is effective and its creamy base is moisturizing (if I remember it correctly) :)

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  7. Ah, I remember loving the Daily Microfoliant! I used to use it on alternate days in my early 20s. Since I've invested in a Clarisonic Plus, I haven't really used much of other exfoliators though :-)

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    1. Over the years I think I've used at least 3 full sized bottles of Daily Microfoliant. ;)
      I reckon you're happy with your Clarisonic. Good for you! :)

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  8. I use my Clarisonic once a week, too, with my usual cleanser (just a non-irritating one from Neutrogena right now). Then I use my Tatcha rice enzyme powder once or twice a week, and I try to use my charcoal mask from Origins (tubes all the way! I agree) maybe every Sunday, if I remember. I do that before a shower, too, because otherwise there's just gray sludge everywhere. It's a hard balance! If we scrub too much, bad stuff happens. If we don't scrub enough, bad stuff happens. Hahahaha.

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    1. I think your routine is quite similar to mine. I personally couldn't stand the Clarisonic gel cleanser and got rid of the sample tube after a few times. ;-/
      I'd love to try the Tatcha powder but judging by the ingredients, it would be somewhat similar to the Dermalogica.
      Having a schedule like this really seems to help me since random scrubbings could be dangerous(?). I often ended up using two physical exfoliators in a row or something, which is not good at all!

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  9. I tend to be lazy about makeup but am fairly vigilant when it comes to skincare. I was just sent the Dermalogica Microfoliant to review and I really like it so far. I'm wary of exfoliating because my skin is on the dry and sensitive side so I limit it to just 2 times a week and I only use my Clarisonic Mia a few times a week as well.

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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    1. Micro Exfoliant really is gentle and effective, isn't it? ;) It may not be as dramatic as others but at this point it is a must-have for me in my routine. ;)
      I should pay more attention to my skincare regimen. Great skin is thousand times better than a great foundation. ;)

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  10. Haiii Lovely! That Dermalogica exfoliant seems quite nice! I find I don't really need deep clean per say on a regular basis, could be because I use a retinoid at night and sometimes alternate with AHA. In other words I think my skin does best when I don't overdo it. :)

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    1. Hi Hélène! ;D Glad to see you're back.
      If you're using redinoid and AHA, maybe it is smart to avoid manual scrubbings. And "not overdoing" is something we should all remember when it comes to skincare! ;)

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  11. I have tried the Dermalogica exfoliant and it is one of the best ones out there. Gentle enough to use multiple times a week and still get the results.

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    1. You totally summed it up, Brenda. ;)
      It lathes ever so lightly with the soft Manhattan water, so sometimes I use it in the morning instead of the usual foaming cleanser, too.

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  12. I have skin that requires frequent exfoliation, but it's behaving decently even without the Clarisonic now. I try to stick to a gentle cleanser + muslin cloth for thorough makeup removal and some gentle manual exfoliation. Chemical peels with Philosophy products have also been doing a great job of keeping my skin clear and smooth. I just finished a package of weekly exfoliating pads and now I'm weeping because a box of those suckers costs $88. D:

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    1. Muslin cloth is something I have to try in the future. I've been hearing about it for ages but my laziness..! ;-/
      Honestly, I don't know why those exfoliating pads are so expensive in general. I do love my Radical pads but wish they were more affordable or comes with bigger pads or something. They also contain other good stuff like anti-oxidants, but the key ingredients (acids) are mostly dirt cheap. Just saying. -_-

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  13. You're lucky you don't have sensitive skin! It's such a pain in the ass when your skin can react to basically everything under the sun!

    The AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask sounds very interesting considering that it cleanses and feels moisturising. I'm going to have a look into this one!

    I recently bought the Foreo after umm-ing and ahh-ing over the Clarisonic for years. Every brush from them feels too harsh for me! The Foreo is working really well for me! Some of the oil deposits underneath my skin have gone after 3 days! Whattttt - crazy, right?

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    1. I think mine is somewhat sensitive. It react to stubbly beard and such. LOL. But over the years, my skin has gotten used to lots of active ingredients in skincare. I just need to make sure I don't overdo. ;)

      The AHAVA mask would be a good option if you still need deep cleansing. I wonder how it would compare to the volcano mask you have. :)
      And I've never heard of Foreo, but it sounds so great!! The new Clinique brush looks nice as well. I think Clarisonic got some competitions!

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  14. I've been neglecting my Mia 2. Actually I need to get a new brush head, I'm thinking of trying those new cashmere ones, even though they get mixed reviews.

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    1. Ooh, hope you will like the new cashmere brush. I think the irritation issue got resolved ever since I started using it with oil cleanser (I still use the normal brush), but I try not to use it too often. :)

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