Definitely different from other exfoliators i've tried, skin feels just wonderful! (Origins Modern Friction)

Member Name: k4ssie

Product:	Origins Modern Friction
Date:	18/05/09 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Creamy lather once you add water leaves skin comforted and soft

Disadvantages: As ever with Origins, it's not cheap

This review is based on a small sample tube of the product that i got free when buying some other Origins stuff. It was enough for 4-5 uses though, and i enjoyed it so much that i'll definitely be buying some more, so i think it's fair for me to review it here!

I've been using exfoliating products of various kinds, about once a month, for years. I find that they generally improve the radiance of my skin, help moisturisers etc absorb better, and the better ones reduce the number of spots i get. Generally, the cheaper kind have large exfoliating particles which scratch rather than polish, leaving you with distressed skin which is vulnerable to infections and spots..best avoided.

~ The product ~

Is white and quite thick, somewhere between a cream and a paste. Contents include rice starch (the exfoliating particles), Aloe, Lemon oil and vitamin C.

The instructions for this suggest massaging the product into *dry* or damp skin. This is unusual in my experience, as all the others i've used go onto wet skin, and initially i tried using Modern Friction that way. Mistake. It kind of "dilutes" the effect so that the exfoliating action is minimal, and i wasn't very impressed with the results.
I recommend smoothing this over totally dry skin - gently, as you can feel the exfoliating particles at work. Then, just wet your hands and use them to add a tiny bit of warm water to your face, and massage again. At this point, the product turns into a lovely, smooth, moisturising feeling cream, which is lovely when massaged over your skin and can then be easily rinsed away. That bit's the magic in my opinion ;)

In common with most of the Origins range, this contains aromatherapy ingredients - peppermint and bergamot in this case. I actually find i can barely smell them at all, the paste seems basically odourless to me, but maybe they're doing some good anyway!

~ The results ~

I have to say, i absolutely love this stuff. On my combination skin, it's the only exfoliating product i've ever used which leaves my face *more* moisturised and supple afterwards than before - most do the polishing bit okay, but when my face dries it feels tight and uncomfortable. Because of the moisturising effect, my skin really does look more radiant, and moisturisers and makeup go on really nicely.

My skin can be sensitive / reactive, but used gently i've never had any problems with redness when using this. I don't think it would be suitable for those with very sensitive skin, but then i'm not sure that any particle-based exfoliant would be.

I can't comment on the costs as i've not yet purchased the full size tub...i'll be looking for a bargain on ebay or similar cos the retail rate of about £28 isn't too appealing. Having said that, I'll probably buy it even if i can't get a discount, because i know i'm really happy with the results.

Summary: i'm a convert to this one, and won't be buying any other exfoliator.