This Eco-Friendly Exfoliator Helped Smooth My Acne-Prone Skin

By: Molly O’Toole

Acne is something I’ve struggled with for most of my life, and every solution I’ve tried has failed to curb my pesky breakouts. After countless dermatologist visits and even going as far as going on Accutane, taking care of my skin and curing my acne is a lengthy mission I’ve set myself on. Because most topical creams and medications fail to suppress my blemishes, I’ve focused on purchasing skincare to stop breakouts at the source. 

For the past three years, I’ve focused on only using products with powerful ingredients that will improve my skin’s health in the long run. One product, in particular, that has changed my skin has been Nuria’s Defend Gentle Exfoliator.

Nuria is a vegan, plant-based, and cruelty-free skincare brand whose exfoliator “purifies, exfoliates, and smooths texture without harming your skin barrier.” Nuria is a clean beauty brand, meaning its products don’t contain parabens, sulfates, or fragrances. It is suitable for all skin types and is great for soothing skin that is exposed to external stressors like air pollution and the sun.

What makes this product work so beautifully is the inclusion of Ginkgo in the ingredients. Ginkgo is from a tree native to China that has been used in herbal medicines for over 5,000 years. It has antioxidant properties that help premature signs of aging while also lifting away impurities, removing dead skin cells, and stimulating skin renewal.

What I love the most about Nuria’s exfoliator is that it doesn’t contain any microbeads, which are extremely damaging to the environment and marine ecosystems. These tiny pieces of plastic don’t dissolve in water and once they enter marine ecosystems, they end up in the food chain. Over 250 species of marine wildlife have mistaken the microbeads as food, which are toxic and can cause death. Taking even just one shower can release about 100,000 microbeads into the ocean. These toxins are then transferred to us via our food sources. By purchasing products without microbeads, you can make a huge impact in protecting the environment 

Using this product has made my skin glow and feel smoother than it’s ever felt. I’ve also noticed that the severity of my breakouts has been minimized. If you’re looking for a new product to try, Nuria’s exfoliator won’t break the bank (it’s a steal at $18) and you can be on your way to a smoother complexion while also protecting the environment.