Now that you’ve picked out your products and your into your basic regimen of cleansing, toning and moisturizing day and night you will probably want to add specialty products. I’m sure your asking why? Well, basic cleaning will assure you good skin but specialty products will take you closer to great skin. The two specialty products I’m talking about are scrubs and masks.

Exfoliate for a bright, glowing complexion

Scrubs are used to exfoliate, a critical step in maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Exfoliation is the process of removing the outer, dead layer of skin cells in order to bring forth the newer, underlying layer. All skin types can benefit from exfoliation from dry to oily to acne-prone and scarred. The key is finding the right scrub for your skin type.

There are two ways of exfoliating: chemical and physical. Physical exfoliation is performed with a scrub that contains micro breads or nut shells that actually do the scrubbing on your skin. Chemical exfoliation is achieved with products that contain AHA’s (alpha-hydroxy acids) or glycolic acid. AHA’s are derived from fruit acids and glycolic acid from sugar.

These chemicals breakdown the bonds that hold dead skin cells together so that they can be washed off. These natural chemicals can be found in cleansers, toners and moisturizers packing extra punch into your three-step routine. You can find products containing AHA’s in products in drugstores and department stores. Glycolic acid products are not so readily available. Usually you would have to visit a spa, salon or dermatologist for a treatment but there are some online vendors that sell effective doctor-strength products over the Internet.

My advice is to use either a physical or chemical method for exfoliating never both. There is such a thing as over exfoliation. Plus it could lead to irritated skin. Also remember when using chemical exfoliatants to limit your sun exposure or use a good sunscreen to avoid damaging your new skin cells.

Deeply cleanse and tone with a mask

The second specialty product necessary for great skin is a mask. Masks go beyond the skin’s surface and deep clean your pores of debris and oil, which is the key to clear skin. Masks can benefit all skin types. Like I said before just make sure the one you get is for your skin type. Masks come in many forms: peel off, clay, cream and tissue off. So find one you like and try it. You will find that after incorporating these products into your routine that your skin will become smoother with better tone and your foundation will glide on and you will use a lot less.

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