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Lisa's True Grit

For me, exfoliating scrubs are a key part of my skincare regime. I find that with regular use they make my skin smoother, clearer, and less likely to break out. I tend to prefer a "gentle to medium" strength scrub, which seems to work best for my normal to oily, often irritable complexion. Here's the nitty gritty on some recent skin-smoothing scrubs.

Burt's Bees Lemon Poppy Seed Facial Cleanser ($6.29 at drugstore.com)
This is a different type of scrub than most, with a texture that can most easily be compared to a "gel-cold cream." It smells heavenly, and even contains real poppyseeds, just like its namesake muffin! However, while the seeds are whimsical, they really don't exfoliate much - the Lemon Oil and Yucca extracts do most of the work. Despite the package description to the contrary, I didn't find it appropriate for makeup removal, but it is an excellent morning wash. I found I had the best results by removing the cleanser with a washcloth. My skin felt amazingly smooth and moisturized, with nary a breakout in sight. The lemon scent also works wonders to clear a cloudy mind in the morning. Not to mention it has a killer price point, to boot!

St. Ives Apricot Scrub, Gentle For Sensitive Skin ($3.19 at drugstore.com)
This is an "old faithful" choice for me. I have been using St. Ives since I was a teenager, and I am really impressed with how well they keep up with their (far) more expensive competitors. While the original formula is far too harsh for my skin, the gentle formula is surprisingly fine-milled. The base is creamy, but rinses easily with a few splashes of water. In addition to jojoba oil, this scrub contains Prunus Apricot Kernel Oil, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Matricaria Extract, and Sunflower Extract. If you are a diva on a budget, or if you simply love to raid the drugstore for frugal treasures, don't pass this one up! It also does double duty as the perfect skin-slougher for the bikini line. If you shave or wax, this obliterates those annoying ingrown hairs.

La Mer The Refining Facial ($75)
At the other side of the spectrum is the incomparable luxury of La Mer. While I usually resist the hype around most "ultra-lux" brands because they NEVER live up to their lofty claims, La Mer is the one brand on which I will readily indulge. I have watched Creme de La Mer melt away little scars, reduce redness, and make my skin look rested and hydrated, and this scrub is equally fantastic. This multi-action formula contains fermented acidic sea muds, minerals, pure diamond powder and polished sea quartz. I use it, and am amazed at how it seems to increase circulation for hours afterwards. My skin looks so polished and bright, it looks like I've practically had a complete facial. While the price tag is steep, you only need a less than dime-sized dab, so it will last for a long time.

Stila Petal Infusions Retexturizing Scrub ($22)
This deliciously scented scrub contains sweet orange oil, lemon oil, and mint essence, but the really cool thing about it is the finely milled marble, which acts as the "exfoliatior." It is very, very gentle, and certainly suitable for daily use. I found that my skin really loved it, and rewarded me with less oil for at least 12 hours after I use it. The only ingredients that could be cause for caution would be the citrus extracts. My skin doesn't seem to mind them, but everyone's skin is different.

If your pores are giving you problems, or your skin looks simply looks tired, a good scrub is an easy way to give it a glow! All you need is a little true grit!

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Posted September 22, 2005

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