For those of us who like the feel of a good scrubbie-dub on the face, let me bring some light to the matter on why I’m doing an Origins Modern Friction review, particularly if you have skin issues and/or sensitive skin like me. I’ll admit, I am a skin care snob because my skin is extremely reactive and sensitive. This doesn’t mean I only purchase expensive skin care. I’m very big on simple drugstore face products like CeraVe and Cetaphil. But when something doesn’t work for me – whether it’s $3 or $300 – it’s gotta go.
Let me preface this review by saying I used St. Ives Apricot Scrub pretty consistently since middle school. I had read and heard advice from several dermatologists to be extremely gentle with my skin; leave the abrasive exfoliation to the professionals by way of peels or microdermabrasion. If I absolutely needed a bit of buffing action at home, use an infant wash cloth (I still like this method).
For the longest time, I read that the particles which give that St. Ives exfoliation are too harsh and are actually creating little tears in your skin. Skin feels soft and smooth mainly due to the other ingredients in the product, combined with the fact that the skin is overly exfoliated and slightly inflamed (which can lead to breakouts in itself). I didn’t want to believe this. I remained using this product for ages and continued to see close-up pictures of my skin seeming less than luminous and my pores seeming even larger than I preferred. I exfoliated even more (bad idea), but like Dr. Phil is quoted saying, “Is it working for you?” No, this wasn’t working for me. Enter: a gommage exfoliant (Origins Modern Friction).
“A gentler kind of exfoliator, gommage is a cream or paste that is applied to the face and/or body. After drying for a few minutes, it is massaged away. Typically formulated with some type of enzyme, the rubbing action of the massage gently helps slough off dead skin cells, and is less aggressive than certain exfoliators like alpha hydroxy acids and body polishes.” -PopSugar
I had a sample of Origins Modern Friction a few months ago and was painfully surprised how the paste applied on my dry skin was able to recreate the smooth feeling of St. Ives, but with way less irritation and redness. Origins website claims:
Skin-refining Rice Starch, cushioned in cream, shows real affinity for rapidly removing sluggish cells, uneven patches and signs of skin damage and discolorations. Lemon Oil kick starts the process of illumination. Another age-sweeping action: skin-menacing molecules are mopped up. All while Aloe keeps skin calm and comfy. There’s no ouch, extra steps or other complications. No redness or flaking follows. The before-and-afters are amazing. Signs of fine lines and size of pores appear to shrink in size. Skin looks perfectly polished, smooth and luminous.
I completely agree with all of its claims. It takes a couple of uses to adjust to the process – applying a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin (I just pat my face dry in the shower before using), gently rubbing as the fine pieces of what I assume is rice do their job – but once you feel the results (immediately after rinsing) and see the results (give it a good 2 weeks of using one-three times/week), you’ll probably never go back.
I’m not going to hate on St. Ives Apricot Scrub. I still like to use it on my body (chest/back, pre-self tanner, etc.). I’ve just found something better for me. Surprisingly, this is one of the very few Origins products that works for me, as well.
Have you tried other brands of gommage or also found St. Ives not work for you? Let me know if you end up trying Modern Friction with positive results!
-Steffanie
