Gentle Alternatives to Chemical Exfoliation

For many of us, chemical exfoliation represents an essential part of our skincare routine. Of course, it all depends on your preferred acid. But using a chemical exfoliant has numerous benefits for the skin – it can treat acne and blemish prone skin, increase cell turnover, improve skin texture, hydrate, fade hyperpigmentation, minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (among other things). But what if your skin is sensitive, and you don’t react well to acids? Yet you would still like to exfoliate your skin without using harsh scrubs? Ishtar’s range of products includes a few alternatives to what we would consider “regular” chemical exfoliants. If you are unsure which products would be best suited for your skin, please get in touch, we are happy to help.

Clay to Milk Cleansing Powder

What is it?

A cleansing powder with low foam cleansing agents which are combined with kaolin, honey, and coconut for skin purification. Marshmallow and White Willow extract soften, soothe, and clarify the skin. Pineapple extract, rich in AHAs and enzymes, gently exfoliates. Honey nourishes and calms the skin.

Who is it for?

Normal, combination, and oily skin types. Also, sensitive oily skin prone to breakouts. Drier skin types can use Clay to Milk Cleansing Powder as a weekly exfoliating treatment.
Clay to Milk Cleansing Powder is suitable for vegetarians. It is free from SLS, mineral oil, silicones, and parabens.

Trizyme Pore Refining Treatment

What is it?

An oil-free treatment with three different types of enzymes. Enzymes scavenge dead skin cells and improve skin texture. By doing this, they clear the pores and ease congestion.
Pumpkin enzymes have cell renewal properties (like Glycolic acid) but do not irritate the skin. Pomegranate enzymes gently exfoliate the skin, while Papaya enzymes soothe the skin and increase cell renewal. Trizyme Pore Refining Treatment contains Aspen Bark extract (1% BHA) that works within the pores to remove oily deposits and calm inflammation.

Who is it for?

All skin types. Trizyme Pore Refining Treatment is vegan, free from silicones and uses Ecocert preservatives. It can be used alongside our Mandelic acid and Retinol treatments (if that is the case, we recommend using on alternate days). It is also suitable for sensitive skin types prone to breakouts and rosacea-prone skin. Trizyme Pore Refining Treatment is free from silicones, suitable for vegans and uses Ecocert preservatives.

EFA Sebupore Exfoliant oil with Lipohydroxy Acid

What is it?

Lipohydroxy Acid (LHA) is an ester of Salicylic acid. It is a gentle acid that clears the congestion in the pores and exfoliates the skin. Over time it also helps fade hyperpigmentation, improves skin texture and minimises fine lines. Sebupore Exfoliating oil also contains Green Cold Pressed Coffee oil. It is rich in antioxidants and skin-friendly bioactives. Squalane has skin-identical lipid structure and is suitable for all skin types. Saw Palmetto extract helps normalise sebum production.

Who is it for?

Congested oily skin. EFA Sebupore Exfoliant oil with Lipohydroxy Acid is free from silicones and fragrances and suitable for vegans.

Roberta Striga