Once or twice a week. That’s the simple answer. Now, if you want to learn more about the benefits of exfoliation and the best type of exfoliator for you, then please keep on reading…

Newsflash – the uppermost layers of your skin are dead! But that’s normal – this nonreactive tissue helps to create the perfect barrier against attackers such as pollutants and bacteria. But dead skin cells that have hung around for too long can create a rough texture and uneven tone. Younger skin cells beneath the top layer are smoother and more radiant.

Exfoliation helps speed up the turnover rate of skin cells and reveals newer, fresher, younger-looking skin. However, if you're over-exfoliating, you're removing too many layers of natural protection and revealing very young skin cells too early. This can lead to sensitive, inflamed or dehydrated skin and a symptom known as ‘reduced barrier function’.

Okay, so exfoliation is good, but too much of it becomes bad. Moving on…

There are two common types of exfoliator, then there is the third LeRêve type (spoiler alert, it’s the best type).

Physical or manual exfoliators – often referred to as scrubs – work by mechanically removing dead skin cells thanks to friction. They only treat visible layers of the skin, though they certainly smooth the skin instantly. If you use these too frequently or you scrub too vigorously, you risk over-exfoliating and compromising your skin barrier.

Then there are chemical exfoliators made from alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids, which are applied to the skin and left on. They gradually smooth the skin but can also strip some of the skin’s moisture, especially when used excessively.

A gentler, highly effective way to remove dead skin cells and smooth the face is an enzyme exfoliator. LeRêve’s Skin Perfecting Enzyme Exfoliator is formulated as a water based, leave-on product which is suitable for all skin types. It’s light, gentle and non-sensitising. Mild fruit acids gently eliminate dead skin cells and remove excessive oiliness from deeper layers of the skin. It adds hydration and provides anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Furthermore, it enables your Face Serums to be more effective because they can penetrate the skin more easily when dead skin cells have been removed.

Active ingredients in LeRêve’s Enzyme Exfoliator include Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Pectin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Serine, Arginine, Proline, Caprylyl Glycol Natural Preservative Blend, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract and a LeRêve Aroma Joy Blend.

To best use our Skin Perfecting Enzyme Exfoliator, apply one pump to the face and neck with clean hands after cleansing and leave-on. Wait for up to 60 seconds while the Exfoliator settles before applying your Serum or Hydrator.

Exfoliation is often overlooked in its value as a skincare step, but once you've realised the positive benefits, it can be tempting to overdo it. Even using our superior Enzyme Exfoliator too often is counterproductive. Exfoliation once or twice a week is all your skin needs to retain a smooth and even complexion. For best results, follow our 5-step personalised beauty ritual.