If you don’t have a glycolic toner in your skincare regime, now is the time to get one! The number one way to be sure you do not look radiant with baby smooth skin is to have dead skin building up on your face and in your pores. Ew. That’s right, EW. All skin types can benefit from sloughing off that dead skin through exfoliation. Eliminating our built-up skin cells helps clear clogged pores, reduce breakouts, reduce and smooth wrinkles, and keep dry skin at bay.

There are many ways to exfoliate your skin, with two common methods – physical and chemical. Physical involves actually scrubbing the skin, either with a cloth or something gritty. Rough things like nut shells, sugar and salt have jagged sharp edges and can damage you skin vs just exfoliate. They also only attack the top most layer of skin, and most problematic skin build up and issues are below that. If you must exfoliate physically, use a wash cloth when you cleanse.

I keep my exfoliation gentle, and chemical exfoliation is my usual go-to. This involves a liquid toner formulation, and I saturate a clean cotton pad My oily acne prone skin functions better when the pores are clear. My humungous arsenal of skincare goodies work best on a smooth clean canvas. Getting rid of nasty dry dead skin allows moisture to penetrate and let skincare ingredients get at your skin. I like glycolic acids, and if my skin is feeling sensitive, lactic acid is slightly milder. They are both alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) with glycolic acid coming from sugar cane, and lactic acid coming from sour milk. Cleopatra knew what she was doing in those milk baths.

There are three exfoliants that I am loving right now. I rotate them depending on time of day and how my skin feels.

I’ve been hearing raves about the infamous Pixi Glow Tonic and it’s magical glycolic formula for years, and finally got my hot little hands on a bottle of this miracle liquid. I noticed a difference within a week of using it, and my skin is clearer, smoother, less oily yet also less dry. I love using it in the morning after a gentle cleansing, then I let my skin dry completely before applying my serums, lotions and potions. I cannot imagine ever being without this beauty. It has fully lived up to it’s stellar reputation. At around $30 USD for 250ml, it’s a truly excellent value. This product has always been sold online, never sold in-store at Target. Pixi always has amazing shipping deals, and the UK ships to Canada. Their newest Skin Treats are available to Canadians before it hits the US so get on it!

Another favourite is from the luxe organice skincare brand Éminence. Their Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel  which is aimed at aging skin directly. It is full of antioxidants as well as glycolic and the more gentle lactic acid. It not only smooths, but the antioxidants help firm aging skin, even out skin tone, and regular use leaves you with glowing, younger-looking skin. This is one I use at bedtime, after cleansing and before applying my products. It’s gentle yet effective, as well as being full of organic skincare goodness. Remember that Éminence is a luxury organic line – this is not your health food store crunchy granola organic. This is pure luxury, and even better, it works. At around $75 for 50ml it isn’t cheap, but quality organic ingredients aren’t either. The packaging is astounding and airtight as well, so the formula remains stable. You can Éminence Organics at spas and online.

I have also become a big fan of Bliss Skincare lately, and that’s incredi-‘peel’ glycolic resurfacing pads are one of the reasons why. Wowza do I love these. They are super convenient, with each treatment individually packaged in handy dandy foil envelopes, so they are perfect for travel. Seriously, what better way to wake up after a day of traveling with a glowing complexion? It’s like a secret weapon. They are designed for use at night, as they have a time released formula that gradually releases glycolic all night for a gentle exfoliation. There is also soothing witch hazel and glycerin to keep skin calm. I love that’s incredi-‘peel’ and will always have some in my bag! Perfect for an overnight facial, no matter where you are! At around $59 for 30 pads, it’s not cheap or exorbitant. I get my Bliss on at Sephora.