Dull, lifeless skin haunts the best of us from time to time. Whether you’re experiencing lackluster skin that lacks a glow, a buildup of dead skin, or a rough texture, we’ve all been there. For this reason it’s so important to incorporate resurfacing products into your skincare ritual. You deserve to have luminous, vibrant & radiant skin. Utilizing ingredients & products that gently resurface your skin is a key factor in achieving that year round glow.

WHAT CAUSES DULL SKIN?

Dull skin is the result of a variety of factors from your hydration level to environmental pollution and, of course, not exfoliating your skin. Lackluster, dry skin is often the result of an internal imbalance, such as dehydration, a less than ideal diet, or a hormonal imbalance. Stress levels can even be the cause because when under stress, our cortisol levels spike which signals the brain into fight or flight mode, sending our precious nutritious blood directly to our vital organs instead of our skin, where it’s needed to give us our nourished, hydrated glow. To help elevate your skin from an internal standpoint, make sure that you’re eating enough hydrating & nutrient-dense foods that are high in water content & minerals (think leafy greens, fresh cucumbers, watermelon, etc) and avoiding excess salt, alcohol, and processed food.

But what happens when you have the perfect, most nourishing & clean diet and still experience a buildup of dead skin cells and less than flawless skin? Well, while it’s so important to focus on your wellness, eat vibrant foods & be mindful of keeping stress levels down, we also need the added support of products to help regenerate our skin.

WHAT EXACTLY IS RESURFACING THE SKIN & WHY DO YOU NEED TO DO IT?

Regular resurfacing of the skin is key to the prevention of dead, dry, dull, clogged, and lifeless skin. Resurfacing the skin is the process of removing dead skin cells through two types of exfoliation, either physical or chemical. An example of physical exfoliation is through a gommage or scrub that uses small particles to gently remove skin cells with ingredients like pumice, sugars, and salts. Chemical exfoliation is the process of polishing & refining the skin through ingredients such as AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) & BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), retinols & retinol alternatives, and natural ingredients such as willow bark, a natural form of salicylic acid. When we chemically exfoliate the skin, we essentially break down the "glue" that holds the dead skin cells together, making way for the fresh, glowing skin underneath.

Utilizing these modalities in gentle ways helps to even the skin’s tone & texture, smooth out fine lines, and even generate new collagen production, leading to ageless, supple & radiant skin. The process of resurfacing the skin essentially unveils that gorgeous, fresh layer of skin that will more effectively drink up nutrients, hydrating serums & moisturizers, leading to more plump, supple, smoother & vibrant skin. Having a consistent ritual of exfoliating & resurfacing the skin over time helps to increase cellular turnover and stimulate the production of collagen and elasticity of the skin will drastically improve.

HOW TO REVIVE, REJUVENATE & RESURFACE THE SKIN

If you’re new to using resurfacing products, you’re going to want to start off by slowly incorporating them into your routine about twice per week. Although we want to remove the dead skin cells, we wat to do so gently as to not disrupt the delicate skin barrier. Once your skin begins to adjust and become more tolerant to the process, you can begin to increase the frequency up to daily use over time.

Throughout the skin care industry, one of the most common and sought after ways to resurface the skin is with retinol. However, many conventional retinols contain several known preservatives and chemicals that are toxic & harmful to our skin, our bodies & our health. We have an entire blog that you can find here explaining exactly what conventional retinol is, how it’s harmful & what we love to use instead. Thankfully, there are beautiful natural alternatives that are even more effective at resurfacing the skin. One of most innovative products that recently launched is the new Indie Lee Retinol Alternative Cream.

The star ingredient in this high performance, hydrating cream is Rambutan, a super fruit part of the lychee family, derived from the leaves of the plant. It has been proven to increase collagen synthesis & elastic fiber networks. (1) Rambutan also has high levels of vitamin C which help it act as a powerful antioxidant as well. This cream already has rave reviews, touting its ability to firm the skin, boost hydration through moisture retention, and reduce signs of fine lines. Rambutan works hand in hand with ultra-hydrating Squalane to quench the skin while it gently resurfaces, as to avoid any kind of irritation which is a common side effect of conventional retinol.

INDIE LEE

RETINOL ALTERNATIVE CREAM

Another one of our absolute, OG products in skin resurfacing is the iconic Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask. This mask is a fan favorite, best-selling mask that’s really amazing at gently retexturizing the skin, unclogging pores, and giving baby soft results. This mask utilizes white willow bark, a natural form of Salicylic Acid, as its primary exfoliating agent. This is that perfect at-home facial product that completely transforms the skin, leaving a fresh new layer of soft, purified and decongested skin with a serious glow.

TATA HARPER

RESURFACING MASK

Tata also just launched a brand new body serum that does an INCREDIBLE job at completely resurfacing your skin, from head to toe. The Resurfacing Body Serum is a must have if you experience any kind of texture on your body. Formulated with face-grade ingredients, including the willow bark, this product is a luxurious treat to keep your entire body soft, supple & summer ready.

TATA HARPER

RESURFACING BODY SERUM

A favorite resurfacing serum that renews & rejuvenates the skin overnight is the Kypris Moonlight Catalyst. This herbal & botanical retinol alternative uses fermented pumpkin enzymes, a powerhouse AHA, to encourage cellular renewal. The enzymes are loaded with vitamin A for even more collagen stimulation, vitamin C for brightening, and Zinc to harmonize oils to combat blemishes. This is our recommendation for those with acne prone skin that really want that super nourishing & healing alternative to retinol.

KYPRIS

MOONLIGHT CATALYST

Another face mask that we can’t say enough good things about is Agent Nateur’s holi(bright) Resurface Glass Face Mask. This product gives you that WOW factor, instantly tightening & firming the skin all while refining the pores for a really glowy, contoured feel. This is great to use as an at-home facial mask before a night out, a big event, or a photoshoot. Formulated with super potent ingredients that smooth, hydrate, and resurface such as pitaya for gentle exfoliation and french silk peptides, aloe, hyaluronic acid & cucumber for rejuvenating moisture.

AGENT NATEUR

HOLI(BRIGHT)

INDULGE IN MORE RESURFACING FAVORITES:

TATA HARPER

RESURFACING SERUM

FITGLOW

BAKUCHIOL BODY CREAM

RANAVAT

ETERNAL REIGN

AGENT NATEUR

HOLI(OIL)

FITGLOW

VITA YOUTH OIL

TATA HARPER

RETINOIC NUTRIENT FACE OIL

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