The benefits of facial exfoliators

Every dermatologist and beautician you consult is likely to tell you that keeping your skin really clean is the basis of any beauty routine. When you are young, using a cream or foaming cleanser daily may be sufficient to keep a great complexion. However, from about thirty onwards, the outermost layer of your skin (known as the stratum corneum), gets thicker making the skin look dull and coarse. Cleansing alone will not get rid of these old cells so exfoliating at least once a week, is essential to slough off these old cells which are dying off on the surface and give skin a renewed thin layer.

There are many facial exfoliating washes and cleansers that are effective and gentle on the skin, taking off the dead cells without scratching the healthy surface. I recommend using natural or organic exfoliators formulated without chemical abrasives and those specifically for the face as body exfoliants may irritate facial skin.

If your budget is very limited, a good natural exfoliant is ordinary household fine salt, applied in small amounts and avoiding the eye area. If you want a more convenient option and the benefits of professionally formulated facial exfoliants, here are some of my favourites:

John Masters Jojoba & Ginseng Exfoliating Face Cleanser (£26), an ultra-mild exfoliating cleanser that reoxygenates and nourish skin as it gently cleanses and purifies. Great for daily use.

If you have sensitive skin, look for facial exfoliators made with natural fruit enzymes. They work by dissolving dead skin cells without causing friction or irritation to sensitive skin. Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive (£37) refines, brighten and clarifies with a complex of certified organic apple, lemon and grape juices. Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator (£33) is a rinse off revitalising treatment with natural enzymes and indigenous Australian extracts of Desert Lime, Quandong and Wattle that revitalise and even skin tone while soothing and protecting sensitive skin.

If you have oily skin, choose an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or lactic acid based exfoliator. These are effective facial exfoliators and are available in different strengths. Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser (£29) is an award-winning organic AHA rejuvenator with a divine lemongrass scent that enhances clarity, unclogs pores, reduces dullness, smoothes dryness & wrinkles and reveals fresh, new skin.

For dry skin, Oskia Micro Exfoliating Balm (£46) leaves skin feeling replenished, nourished and comfortable. Its micro granules of both silica and MSM eliminate tired skin cells while skin boosting nutrients restore balance and enhance softness.

Always use sun protection after using a facial exfoliator. Freshly exfoliated skin is very prone to sun burns and sun damage. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Luzern La Defense Collagen Protection SPF30 (£36) is one of our best sellers. It offers the Next Generation in Sun Protection: 100% mineral SPF30 with advanced collagen protection.

Natural exfoliators are available at naturisimo.com

Oil is the new face cream

This is the year of Cleopatra - says The Wall Street Journal this week. She is the subject of an acclaimed new biography and Angelina Jolie is soon to step into her gladiator sandals and scanty tunic. We've all heard that the legendary beauty bathed in milk to keep her skin soft (the benefits of lactic acid), however her other skin secret—massaging her face in olive oil—has proven equally effective.

So is 'oil is the new face cream'? Should you really toss your moisturiser in favour of deeply hydrating nectars? According to Francesca Fusco, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, "People shy away from using oils on the face, assuming they are greasy and pore-clogging, but this is not the case with essential oils, which are a worthy aromatic alternative to standard moisturizing creams." I completely agree: natural face oils are not the culprit behind skincare problems; it's a combination of dirt, dead skin cells, build up, bacteria and hormones.

When using face oils, massage works to help in cell rejuvenation and strengthen that illusive, fast-disappearing key to youth and firmness: collagen. Oil saturates the skin, replenishing lost moisture and creating a barrier that locks hydration in and the cold winter wind out. Face oils are great for dry skin, don’t clog pores and can even help rebalance sebum production on oil and combination skin.

If you don't want to use plain olive oil and rely upon scientifically formulated toxin-free products, look no further than these six high-performing oils.

Rodin Olio Lusso (£90): A refined luxury and effective blend of 11 oils, including evening primrose to increase circulation and rose hip for its potent dose of vitamin C.

Nude Replenishing Oil (£44): Rich in omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9, it's 100% natural and 100% active and works thanks to the antioxidant power of raspberries and cranberries.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil (£28): Truly exceptional abd clinically shown to minimise the appearance of wrinkles (up to 23%), increase skin smoothness (up to 21%) and improve skin moisture (up to 44%).

Pinks Boutique Antiageing Serum (£33): A recent addition to our collection, this oil scientifically proven to reduce the signs of aging and sun damage with super-charged rosehip.

Antipodes Joyous Night Replenish Serum (£36.99): Restores natural collagen and delivers natural radiance. With Himalayan goji delivers up to 19 amino acids to replenish protein at a cellular level.

Ananne Nectar Cutis Sensitive Skin (£128): Our favourite for sensitive skin. Its advanced formula firms, calms and provides extra protection to sensitive skin and supports deep skin regeneration.

These natural / organic face oils are available at naturisimo.

Rodin Olio Lusso

Rodin Olio Lusso, just in: The exclusive Rodin Olio Lusso has finally reached our shores. Rodin Olio Lusso collection was created by Linda Rodin, stylist and former fashion editor for Harper's Bazaar, to satisfy what she felt was missing in the anti-aging skin care market. During the 40 years Linda Rodin worked as a stylist and editor in the fashion and beauty world, she was privy to the best products available. Linda Rodin was not satisfied though, so she created a powerful luxurious elixir, which she tested on the make-up artists, models and celebrities she worked with who loved it. The Rodin Olio Lusso Cult was born.

I used the Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil for a week now, both morning, under my foundation, and night after my night cream and the results are highly noticeable. I let Olio Lusso sink in for approximately 5 minutes before applying any other product. My skin has a smooth, silky consistency and in the morning, and noticed a visible radiance that few products have ever achieved. The scent of Jasmine is strong and luxurious, though, may not suit those that want scent-free or vaguely scent skincare.

Made with an exclusive, completely natural blend of 11 powerful essential oils to soothe and soften the skin, the Rodin Olio Lusso elixirs have a strong following among fashion and beauty insiders as a miracle treatment for women of all ages who seek beautiful, dewy skin with an extraordinary sense of well-being. From Madonna and actress Halle Berry to supermodels Giselle Bundchen, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Karolina Kurkova and Kate Moss among others, the list of devotees just keeps growing.

Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil (£90) and Rodin Olio Lusso range are available at Naturisimo.