If you’re striving for the healthiest, freshest and most vibrant skin possible, exfoliation is a crucial step in your skin care routine. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can lead to clogged pores, dull skin, and excess oil. When done regularly, new skin cells are uncovered, allowing cleansers and moisturising creams to penetrate the skin more effectively. At Sanctum we believe it’s best to use 100% naturally derived and certified organic skincare, however, even when using all natural products, it is important to recognize that not all skin types are the same and different skin, requires different skin routines, products and exfoliation techniques. How often you exfoliate and how you do it, depends on the type of skin you’re in. Working with our biochemists and Australian product development team, we’ve prepared some guidelines on the best way to exfoliate based on your skin type.

Dry Skin

Over exfoliation can do serious damage to dry skin and intensify your problems. There’s a fine line between light grazing (to remove dead cells) and intensive rubbing (exposing soft layers). Stay away from grainy, chemical exfoliators and opt instead for light exfoliate serums with natural fruit extracts. We recommend our Gentle Face Exfoliant that polishes away dull and lifeless skin with a combination of Loofah, crushed Walnut Shell and Rice Bran. Use once a week and rinse well to stimulate circulation and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.

Sensitive Skin

Most exfoliants in market can be too harsh for sensitive skin types, especially acid and enzyme based products. It’s important to stay away from overly abrasive textures that can strip away skin layers. Where possible choose Certified Organic products only, or a cleansing brush to exfoliate lightly without irritating the skin. We recommend mixing our Soothing Cream Cleanser with the Gentle Face Exfoliant to create a creamier scrub that spreads granules across the skin softly. Limit exfoliation to once weekly, and follow with Sanctum’s Tone & Refresh Mist. A re-energising mist with anti-inflammatory qualities. that rebalances sensitive skin with cucumber, Witch Hazel and Rose Flower.

Normal Skin

To exfoliate normal skin, look for a product versatile enough to scrub non-problematic areas, but gentle enough not to irritate more sensitive parts of the face. Exfoliate daily, or twice to three times a week, to remove dead skin cells and keep skin feeling soft and fresh. The best time to exfoliate is in the morning. Our skin repairs itself at night, so morning is the perfect time for scrubbing.

Oily Skin

A common mistake people can make when they have oily skin is over-exfoliating. You may think it is better to rub the oil away, but it can actually make oily skin worse. Stick to products that again are not too abrasive. We recommend using our Gentle Face Exfoliant once or twice a week, followed by our Oil Free Moisturiser, to guard against moisture loss while balancing out the oil flow. Leave the exfoliant on for 10 minutes before scrubbing off, so the clay can help absorb the excess oils and give a deeper cleanse.