My skin has been a constant rollercoaster. Along with acne, blackheads, and enlarged pores, I’ve been battling seborrheic dermatitis on my face for most of my life, which technically doesn’t have a cure, but rather medications to suppress symptoms like extreme dryness, itchiness, and redness of the skin. Let’s just say that I’m very selective when it comes to the products I put on my face, but there’s one product that I’ve tried and haven’t regretted: Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant, a powder exfoliant that helps scrub dirt and other debris from the skin.
The brand launched their exfoliant in the early 2000s and I’ve been using it 2-3 times a week for the past 4 years.
Skip ahead What is Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant? | How to use Dermalogica Daily Microfoliants | My Experience with Dermalogica Daily Microfoliants | Who is Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Best For?
What is Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant?
According to the brand, this powder exfoliant is made from ingredients like rice bran, colloidal oatmeal, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), salicylic acid, and magnesium oxide, which it claims will brighten and smooth the skin, reduce dark spots, even out skin tone, and smooth the skin’s surface. What sets Daily Microfoliant apart from chemical exfoliants and physical exfoliants like face scrubs and masks is that it comes in a powder form that activates when it comes into contact with water. Depending on how much water you add, you can adjust how rough or smooth the scrub is.
How to use Dermalogica Daily Microfoliants
I first learned about Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant over three years ago, back when I wasn’t paying as much attention to skincare. I went to a local spa for a facial, and the facial therapist recommended I try Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. Even though it has “daily” in the name, she said that because I have sensitive skin, I should consider using it about every other day to avoid irritation. Since then, I’ve been buying this exfoliant on and off for almost four years, and every time I come back to it, I’m reminded of why I loved it so much the first time I used it.
I use an exfoliant continually, every other day or every few days, depending on the condition of my skin, my seborrheic dermatitis which gets worse with the weather, how consistent I am with other parts of my skin care, how my skin reacts to new products I try, etc. I usually use it in the shower because it’s the most convenient. I rarely use it every day, but this is what works best for my skin, and also when my dermatitis is particularly bad.
To use, mix the powder with a little water (about 2 teaspoons) or apply to face with wet hands. Work the scrub into a lather using circular movements around your face, paying particular attention to the forehead, temples, and around the nose, which are areas prone to acne and have more oil glands. I try not to use a scrub on my lower eyelids. Close to the cheek My nose is where the dermatitis is worst, so I make sure to wash it there (and I always use a cleanser before using the powder mixture.) It creates a nice, soapy lather, but you need to work it up really well for at least 10 to 30 seconds.
After rinsing off the exfoliant, splash cool water over your face to relax your pores before patting it off with a towel. Then follow up with your daily skincare routine.
Why I love Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Adjustable Textures
I like that exfoliants come in powder form instead of a scrub, because it allows me to control the coarseness. If I haven’t used it in a while and want a coarser texture, I’ll use less water and/or dry my hands a bit. If I want a smoother texture (to avoid irritation), I’ll use more water than usual.
Abrasive but not irritating
I have used it a lot I’ve tried many different chemical exfoliants in the past, but most of them never seemed to remove enough, especially when it came to blackheads and sebaceous fibers. I’ve always struggled with the skin on my nose, mainly due to the size of my pores, blackheads, and whiteheads. The Daily Microfoliant works like a vacuum to suck up dirt and dead skin cells, but instead of suctioning, it uses a more abrasive method to remove the dead skin cells.
To avoid irritation, I never use it on completely dry skin and I always make sure not to use too much pressure. I have both combination skin and seborrheic dermatitis, and certain parts of my face, like my nose and temples, can tolerate a bit more friction compared to my cheeks, so I sometimes adjust the texture of the exfoliant when using it on my nose.
Who is Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Best For?
When I use the Daily Microfoliant, I don’t experience any irritation or redness around my nose, forehead, or cheeks. It took a little getting used to at first, but now that I’m used to using it, I rarely experience any irritation (none at all). That said, keep in mind that this is an abrasive that scrubs away dead skin cells, so if you press too hard or rub too quickly, it can cause small tears or cuts in your skin.
According to the brand, it technically suits all skin types, but in my experience, it works best for those with oily or combination skin. Because it’s in powder form rather than liquid or gel, you don’t have to worry about it leaking, making it a good choice for people who travel a lot.
If you’re looking for a powder exfoliant formulated for specific skin types, Tatcha’s Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder ($68) is another solid choice. It comes in four varieties, each aimed at treating a different concern, like oiliness or dryness, and is more expensive than your average drugstore product (though it is slightly more expensive than Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant). If you’re looking for something effective and affordable, consider Sephora’s Super Glow Cleansing Powder ($12) or Good Molecules’ Pineapple Exfoliating Powder ($16).
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a business editor at NBC Select, reporting on topics such as health, bedding, sleep, cooking, and cleaning. I’ve been using Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant on and off for over three years, and for this article I’ve documented over a month of using the product.
{{data.menu.name}}
- {{#data.menu.menuItems}}
- {{text}}
{{/data.menu.menuItems}}
Check out more coverage from NBC Select Personal Loans, Technology and Tools, Wellness And follow us Facebook, Instagram, twitter and Tick tock Get the latest updates.