Exfoliation is a necessary (and healthy) part of a well-balanced skin-care routine. However, it can get a bad rap because some people overdo it, causing more harm than good. The secret lies in a gentle, yet effective formula, like Dermalogica’s iconic Daily Microfoliant ($69), which is the number-one powder exfoliant in the U.S. and has been beloved by dermatologists and skin-care aficionados for more than two decades. I’m not surprised it’s backed by more than 6,000 five-star reviews, and the brand can add mine to list as well. These are my thoughts.
The Benefits of This Exfoliating Powder
Gentle enough to use every day, this rice-based powder is the skin-care step you never knew you needed, and can’t live without once you start. If you think your skin looks dull or blotchy (uneven texture and/or tone), this formula will whip it into shape, and fast. It’s rich with exfoliating salicylic acid, papaya enzymes and rice bran, but it’s balanced by soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and allantoin. Plus, you get several brighteners like licorice and white tea extracts, which is evident when you see the lit-from-within glow you get after using the powder just a few times.
I love this product for keeping my pores clean—I notice less blackheads for sure—and giving me that fresh, “clean skin” look. It definitely makes my other skin-care products and makeup go on smoother as well. And yes, you can use it every day, but I’ve realized that three to four times a week works well for my skin and my routine. I have two toddlers, so time isn’t always on my side for adding an extra step.
In clinical testing, 100 percent of users noticed smoother skin after one use, as well as a reduced appearance of blackheads. After one to four weeks of daily use, Daily Microfoliant is clinically proven to brighten skin and minimize dark spots. Though it’s suited for all skin types, if you prefer something gentler or more advanced, the brand has expanded its Microfoliant collection over the years to include two other versions. Daily Milkfoliant is a great pick for anyone wanting additional calming properties, and Daily Superfoliant gives you even more resurfacing power for those with visible signs of aging.
How To Use It:
First, make sure your hands are very wet. Then dispense the powder into your hand (the brand recommends half a teaspoon but I just eyeball it) and rub your hands together really well until you’ve created a creamy, foamy paste. (Add more water if it feels gritty.) Apply it all over your face, avoiding your eyes and massaging it in well—I give myself a good rub (at least 45 to 60 seconds). Let this magic formula go to work! Then rinse it all off well.
If you want to play aesthetician, you can do as they do and mix the powder and water together in a bowl with a fan brush. If you mix it well enough, you get a fluffy, cold-foam consistency that feels really nice on the skin. I’ve also seen aestheticians mix Daily Microfoliant with a gel cleanser (and a little water) for a boosted cleanse. Either way, you’ll get happy, baby-soft skin.
