The postpartum period is a rollercoaster for the body. After one year of breastfeeding my daughter, I closed up shop and waited for that sparkly moment I would wake up feeling like I had my body back. My skin, however, had other plans.
I began entering an era of dermatological issues that I had not experienced since high school.
Cystic acne was plaguing my jawline and chin areas, and pesky keratosis pilaris raged on the back of my arms, only worsening with the cold weather.
Now, as a chronic user of a homemade sugar and coconut body oil scrub (I used way too much to be spending $20 on a tub a week), I was at a loss, as even this old faithful was falling short.
When the new Vixin Smooth Operator Face and Body Polish range arrived at the office just in time for the coldest months of the year, I was more than inclined to give them a go.
So, after four months of switching up my skin routine, a lot of trial and error, and a few (daily) meltdowns, I went back to a product I hadn’t used in years: a pre-packaged exfoliator.
Vixin’s – Smooth Operator Face Polish review verdict:
- Our rating: 8/10
Pros
- A little goes a long way.
- Fine-grain texture, perfect for a light facial exfoliant.
- Smell is fresh and subtle.
Cons
- Packaging. I prefer a flip-top lid.
Vixin’s Smooth Operator Body Polish review verdict:
- Our rating: 6/10
Pros
- Packaging isn’t a tub. Meaning, no excess water in the container while applying.
- Soft grain, not too abrasive on the skin.
- Nice smell.
Cons
- Not enough volume for consistent multi-weekly use.
- Body feels almost squeaky clean, leaving a film-like feeling.
- Packaging. I prefer a flip-top lid.
What’s so special about Vixin’s smooth operator scrubs?
An exfoliator should feel like it’s stripping your skin of its moisture and protective layer. The VIXIN Smooth Operator Face and Body Polish both act as a light exfoliant to promote skincare absorption while also working to trap natural and added moisture.
- The Face Polish
- Suitable for all skin types and safe to use on lips.
- Addresses its ability to help Keratosis Pilaris by lifting built-up keratin and softening texture.
- Made using Australian clay to help draw out additional impurities.
VIXIN Smooth Operator Face and Body Polish materials and ingredients
These two products are formulated with both exfoliation and hydration in mind.
- Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder
- Kaolin (White and Pink Australian Clay)
- Glycerin
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba)
- Seed Cera
- Salicylic Acid
- Citrus oils delivering a fresh smell
What do others have to say about it?
“Since using my face polish, my skin is much smoother. With my cleanser and morning routine, I can say my skin is much smoother and more moisturised than ever. Especially with my ageing skin. My lines seem to be fading and less noticeable,” says Lynette H. of her Face Polish on Vixin’s website.
“Can’t begin to say how incredible this body polish is. I’ve suffered with dry, rough skin on my arms for most of my adult life to the point it’s caused me to be self-conscious and wanting to hide my skin and definitely not wanting anyone to touch me. After just two washes, my skin is so beautiful and smooth, and the skin tone is starting to even out,” says Mary S. of her Body Polish on Vixin’s website as well.
How to use them:
Both the VIXIN Smooth Operator Face and Body Polish are recommended to be used on damp skin.
When using the Body Polish, take a generous amount all over your body with a focus on particularly dry and problematic areas, two to three times per week.
The Face Polish can be used more sparingly, with a small amount massaged all over the face for thirty to forty seconds, with a focus on the T-zone.
Rinse both thoroughly and pat dry. Follow with a moisturiser or oil.
Results from our test:
I really look forward to the showers where I know I’ll be using the Vixin exfoliator duo. It adds a layer of difference to my routine, leaving my skin feeling extra clean and looked after. I feel completely reset.
My cystic acne, while still a small issue, is much better. I find my scarring and pain are better as I am less likely to pick at my skin while problem areas are healing. My other products, like moisturiser, serums and makeup, are also sitting better on my skin.
My keratosis pilaris has improved. I do find that when I exfoliate my body, I am more likely to moisturise as a way of calming my skin after using an abrasive product. But I think the combination of consistent exfoliation with this particular product and moisturising has played a huge part in the change.
I am seeing an overall improvement in skin texture.
Overall, are the VIXIN Smooth Operator Face and Body Polish worth it?
If you’re looking for a gentle face exfoliator to reset and refresh your skin, this is perfect. It’s a quick and simple addition to your routine, and as a former facial exfoliator avoidant (I won’t call out the cult product that haunts most millennials), it has reframed my distrust in this type of product.
The body exfoliator, while it’s one I loved and would readily use again, I still run into the issue of cost per use. If it’s something I am adding to my routine for my whole body, I’m looking at a hefty cost per month just on body exfoliator alone. During this trial, I went through almost two tubes while barely making a dent in the facial exfoliator.
Can someone at Vixin design a body wash-style pump packaging for this product? Because then I would pack up the homemade sugar scrub for good!
Where to buy the VIXIN Smooth Operator Face and Body Polish
The writer was gifted a set of VIXIN Smooth Operator Face and Body Polish for review. Vixin Skincare is a sponsor of The Australian Women’s Weekly Love Stories podcast; find out more here.
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