How to Find the Right Exfoliant for You!
Exfoliating your skin is a great way to boost your skin's natural glow. Exfoliating involves the removal of dead skin cells allows room for new cells to regenerate. The benefits of this simple step in your skincare regime are endless. Exfoliants assist in unclogging pores, evening your skin tone and treating breakouts. As an important part of your skincare routine, the act of exfoliating also helps other products penetrate deeper within your skin to work their magic!
When looking for an exfoliant, there are two types; physical and chemical exfoliation. With both of these options, it is possible to over-exfoliate your skin! So, be sure to follow any instructions on your product of choice. The way in which both these products work to exfoliate your skin may mean one is more suitable for your skin than the other.
What is a Chemical Exfoliant?
The idea of a chemical exfoliant may sound harsh, but they are in fact very safe to use on your skin. Many of the ingredients found in chemical exfoliants coming from natural sources. These acids or enzymes loosen the bonds between your skin cells. Ultimately, allowing them to be cleared and make way for new ones to generate. As well as this, certain chemical exfoliants target excess sebum and dirt to leave a previously congested complexion looking fresh and glowy.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are the two main chemical groups found in chemical exfoliators. AHAs such as Glycolic acid are water-soluble, meaning they act closer to the skin’s surface. Working to break the bonds between the dead skin cells, AHAs such as Lactic acid found in Aspect's Exfol L 15 Serum will leave you with beautifully smooth skin.
On the other hand, BHAs such as Salicylic acid are oil-soluble molecules, allowing them to dive deeper within the skin. As well as this, BHAs anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make them perfect for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Choosing a product like Dermalogica's Daily Resurfacer ensures you can enjoy the best of both worlds, as each pouch delivers a precise dose of both AHAs and BHAs to your skin to ensure a brighter, more radiant complexion.
What is a Physical Exfoliant?
A physical exfoliant is a product containing small particles that work to scrub away dead skin cells. Even products with a textured surface like a washcloth act as a physical exfoliant, clearing away dead cells and debris. Common physical exfoliating ingredients include jojoba beads and pumice crystals, as well as brown sugar in body scrubs.
If a physical exfoliant is used too vigorously or too frequently, it can be too harsh. Moreover, it can even cause damage to the skin, leaving it vulnerable to sun damage, irritation and increased sensitivity. This is why it is important to ensure that a physical exfoliant does not contain large or irregular shaped particles. This is because these can create micro-tears in the skin, possibly weakening the skin's barrier over time. The emerginC Micro Scrub works by utilising its micro-scrub texture along with soothing plant extracts to remove a build-up of dead skin cells and soothe your overall complexion.
While most physical exfoliants should only be used 1 – 3 times a week, Demalogica has developed their Daily Microfoliant which is gentle enough for everyday use. This rice-based powder when combined with water releases salicylic acid, rice enzymes and papain. Ultimately, removing surface debris to even skin tone and stimulate cell renewal. This is all while being gentle enough for daily use! Similarly, asap have developed their Daily Exfoliating Facial Scrub with smooth, round exfoliating beads that are 100% biodegradable, making them perfect for gentle manual exfoliation.
Is One Better Than The Other?
When it comes to deciding between a physical or chemical exfoliant, there are many factors to consider. The risk of over-exfoliating and damaging the surface of your skin will always be present when using an exfoliator. The act of physically exfoliating may feel good at the time, but if done too harshly it can create lasting damage! However, there are many brands that have combined small exfoliating particles whilst still being gentle to your skin.
Physical exfoliators are best suited to those who have tougher skin. Products that provide a more intense exfoliation should be used less than three times a week. One of the main benefits of using a physical exfoliator is the ability to see immediate results. A physical exfoliant that works gently to smooth your skin is the Thalgo Eveil A La Mer Refreshing Exfoliator. The mild nature of diatom marine powder combined with almond shell work to instantly refresh your complexion.
Due to the way chemical formulations work, it may take some days or weeks for you to notice the visible changes in your skin condition. A product such as Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Enzyme Exfoliant however does combine the power of manual and chemical exfoliation to give you both immediate and long-lasting results. Perfect for those impatient skincare lovers!
What about Sensitive Skin?
If you have delicate skin prone to irritation, an AHA chemical exfoliant may be more suitable than their physical counterpart. Just as with a physical exfoliator, most chemical exfoliants can be used around three times a week! Products containing BHA exfoliants such as the Priori TTC fx360 Natural Enzyme Peel & Masque are perfectly suited to oily, combination and acne-prone skin. These chemicals will work deep within the skin to calm your complexion and eliminate congestion. Yet, won’t cause any further irritation to the skin's surface.
Chemical exfoliation allows you to remove the build-up of dead skin cells. While choosing different combinations of AHAs and BHAs allows you to personalise your skincare to address your personal skin goals. Due to this, a chemical exfoliator on its own or a product that provides a gentle combination of the two is able to provide most people with everything they could want and more. The pay-off of all your hard work may take a little longer to show on your complexion. However, if you are willing to be patient, the results of chemical exfoliation are worth the weight!
Regardless of whether you prefer a physical or chemical exfoliant, there is no denying that the act of exfoliating is vitally important to any skincare routine. Taking care to not overdo this step in your routine will ensure your skin is always left feeling smooth, fresh and renewed.
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