Coming Clean- Saint Ives Apricot Scrub
When I posted the image above on my Instagram page it was simply because it gave me a good late night laugh. I was surprised to receive quite a response about the simple post. Most people laughed (which is what I was hoping for), but some people asked me why they shouldn't be using the scrub and are there any alternatives. Those who asked inspired me to write a quick and dirty post about the cult classic scrub.
St. Ives Apricot Scrub claims to dig deep into one's pores to remove congestion, so I dug deep to extract a little dirt on them. Read below for the good, the bad, and the ugly scoop on Saint Ives.
3. Fan(s) of the scrub? Reddit and Weep
What I've Learned About Facial Exfoliation
I've learned a lot about facial exfoliation over the last few years. My resources are from hands on experience, trusted esthetician friends, and colleagues in the beauty industry. The 2 main things about exfoliation that I've learned and want to share with you are...
1. Start Slow
Think about why you are exfoliating in the first place. I tell most of my clients that exfoliating is to remove the dry flaky skin that is preventing your moisturizer from working properly. My friend Becky, owner of the Take Care Shop always says, "You can't moisturize dry skin."
From my experience, you don't have to exfoliate as much as you think. Once a week is a good starting point and then you can assess from there. Keep in mind that if your skin is inflamed, it's not a good idea to exfoliate. Wait until your skin heals and then start slow.
2. Be Gentle
Light handed exfoliation AND using an exfoliator with gentle ingredients is the key to exfoliating success. A gentle reminder, if the brand of exfoliator feels really rough to the touch then it's probably too rough on your face.
Better Alternatives & Better Ingredients
I know the price point for St. Ives is pretty hard to beat and beauty bloggers are still recommending it as a shower staple, but there are much better and healthier alternatives. Below is a low, medium, high situation.
This Konjac Facial Cleansing sponge in French Pink clay has been a getle exfoliating dream. Within one day it removed the dry flakey skin around my nose and chin. At a whopping Price range of $13.50-$16.00, this should be your new shower staple. Thank you To the girls at, Take care Shop for recommending this ProducT.
I use this product as a quick shower mask and exfoliator. non-abrasive jojoba beads help slough off dry skin, while organic coconut oil and aloe soothe and hydrate. ORder from me here.
I'm really into JOsh Rosebrook skincare products right now. This Active enzyme Exfoliator is on my list of to-try's. Josh's products always speak to me because they are based around permanent skin Hydration. Order Here.
There you have it-- a little St. Ives Apricot Scrub dirt and exfoliating 101. You can always ask me personal skincare/makeup questions in the contact section of my website or on the comments section of my blog. You can also sign up for my email list to be the first to know about upcoming makeup and skincare classes.