I have a confession to make: I’m probably the laziest skin-care lover you’ll ever meet. Don’t get me wrong—I love trying new products, but I have a bad habit of forgetting to use what some would call vital steps in my routine (read: exfoliators). Derms, please don’t hate me.
It’s not that I don’t want a clean complexion. It’s just that in addition to not having the patience for a multiple-step routine, my sensitive skin seems to flare up no matter what I put on it—which means using both a cleanser and an exfoliator is pretty much out of the question (despite what my derm might recommend).
So when I recently resolved to step up my skin-care routine, I wanted to find a one-two punch product—because if I’m going to make a switch, it better do double duty for my glow.
“I’m also super sensitive to most cleansers because they tend to leave my skin feeling tight and dry, and I knew if I was having trouble, others were too.”
To start spreading my wings on this whole exfoliating front, I went with Josie Maran’s Pineapple Enzyme Pore Clearing Cleanser. According to Josie Maran herself, this exfoliating cleanser is a two-in-one that uses pineapple enzymes to clear away toxins while also nourishing to create brighter-looking skin that looks and feels healthy. That’s my kind of cleanser.
“I knew that I wanted to leverage the natural power of fruit enzymes to provide exfoliation, and pineapple is one of the strongest–yet-gentle fruit enzymes, which makes it great for a daily cleanser,” she says. “I’m also super sensitive to most cleansers because they tend to leave my skin feeling tight and dry, and I knew if I was having trouble, others were too.” (Guilty as charged.)
I’m a sucker for anything that resembles summer, so I now have a (very aesthetically pleasing) bright yellow bottle of cleanser in my medicine cabinet, so I can’t forget this step even if I tried. I’ve now been washing my face with it for about a week (@derms, you’d be so proud), but you’ll have to keep reading to find out how it’s been working.
Keep reading to learn why this exfoliating cleanser became my summertime glow essential.
Who else sees pineapple and immediately thinks of bright, summery days? But aside from being a delicious poolside snack, pineapple is actually also a powerful exfoliator.
Pineapple enzymes break down dead skin cells that gather in and around pores, which is an important step in getting the most bang for your buck while cleansing. “Once the dead cells are dissolved, the cleansing agents can work even better at removing more dirt and debris from the pores,” Maran says.
And I have to say, as someone who rarely exfoliates—mainly out of fear I’ll irritate my skin—I felt the cleanser really get into my pores to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil my normal face wash wasn’t catching, leaving my skin hydrated and squeaky clean. Now, I just wish this whole exfoliate-while-you-cleanse thing was something I was aware of sooner.
The pattern of nostalgic summertime foods continues (s’mores, y’all) with the second ingredient working to give me my summer-inspired glow. But first of all, what the heck is a marshmallow root and can I eat it?
“Marshmallow root secretes a sticky mucilage, which acts like a plant-based hyaluronic acid that helps to soften and restore skin’s balance and to prevent stripping during cleansing,” Maran says. So, that’s a no for eating it and a yes please for adding it to my skin care.
Since hyaluronic acid is a natural hydrator, it makes sense why my skin felt smooth and refreshed as opposed to irritated and red after scrubbing this exfoliating cleanser all over my face. Post-cleansing dryness is no longer a thing for me, which I count as a major win.
The final piece of the skin-care puzzle this cleanser addressed? The glow factor. Even sans moisturizer, my skin was already silky and the right amount of dewy—all thanks to Josie Maran’s 100% Pure Argan Oil.
“While cleansing, it absorbs easily into skin and is full of essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants that provide nourishing and healing benefits for hydrated, glowing skin,” Maran says. “I like to think of it as organic liquid gold because it improves skin smoothness and hydration.” I second her re-naming motion.
It’s been a long road from my forgetful days, but I owe it all to these three skin-boosting ingredients that have turned me into a real skin-care smartie. And if you don’t believe me, take a scroll through my recent selfies, where you’ll find me showing off my pre-summer summer glow.
shop my new cleanser
Josie Maran Pineapple Enzyme Pore Clearing Cleanser $28
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil $49
Sponsored by Josie Maran
Top photo: Josie Maran and Well+Good Creative
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