Los Angeles-based facialist Melanie Grant had a very-VIP client write the preface to her book The Modern Guide to Skin Health—longtime client Victoria Beckham. “Melanie has established herself as one of the world’s leading skincare experts,” Beckham shares in the preface, crediting her two decades of working with skin as part of her expertise.
Here are some of her top tips, distilled from her book or from the “Skin School” section on her website.
Choose an exfoliant that suit your skin type
“Regular exfoliation (two to three times a week) is essential to maintain a healthy, functional skin barrier,” Grant says. Chemical exfoliants, particularly alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid, are best for combination skin. For oily, congested skin, physical exfoliants should be avoided. Instead? A gentle chemical exfoliant such as beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs) to penetrate deep into the dermis and remove all impurities. For those with sensitive skin, try a PHA like gluconolactone and lactobionic acid, which also have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties and are less irritating. For dry skin, finally, the ideal is to turn to the gentlest formulas of chemical exfoliants once or twice a week, which don’t strip the skin. “I recommend a lactic acid-based product, as it is antimicrobial and one of the gentlest forms of AHA.”
