Skin Exfoliation - How to Choose the Right One for You?
If you're tired of your skin feeling dry, dull, and flaky, it might be time to give exfoliation a try! This is a process that helps all skin types clean clogged pores, remove dead skin cells, and clear away any dirt or residues that may be lingering on the surface of your skin. This can improve the overall appearance of your complexion, "ease" acne breakouts and leave your skin smoother, softer, and more radiant.
If you're tired of your skin feeling dry, dull, and flaky, it might be time to give exfoliation a try! This is a process that removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, revealing healthy and radiant skin underneath.
We know that there are so many different exfoliants on the market that it can be difficult to know where to start! So, if you're wondering what a chemical peel is and what the difference is between that and a mechanical scrub, or if you simply want to know why you should be exfoliating, this blog is for you.
What is exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This can be done mechanically with a physical scrub or chemically using acids like glycolic and citric acid.
Exfoliation helps all skin types to clear clogged pores, remove dead skin cells, and eliminate any dirt or residue that may be lingering on the skin's surface. This can improve the overall appearance of your complexion, "ease" acne breakouts and leave your skin smoother, softer, and more radiant.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation is an acidic solution that helps to loosen and remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Chemical exfoliants usually come in the form of serums, toners, or chemical peels and are available in most beauty product stores.
Unlike physical exfoliation, a mild chemical peel is much gentler on the skin and can be used by almost all skin types. They help refresh dull skin, smooth rough texture, and even out skin tone. If you have acne-prone skin, chemical peels can also help unclog pores and reduce breakouts.
However, if you have very sensitive skin, start slowly with a lower concentration of acid.
There are two types of chemical peels: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA):
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids: AHAs are water-soluble and work by removing dead cells from the surface of the skin. The most common acids are glycolic and lactic acid. They are usually found in gel or liquid form and can be applied directly to the skin.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids: BHAs are oil-soluble and penetrate deeper into pores to clean dirt and oil. This type of exfoliation is often used to improve acne and oily skin conditions, as it helps clear pores. They can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Mechanical Exfoliation
Mechanical exfoliation, also known as physical exfoliation, is a process that uses small granules or particles to remove dead skin cells.
Mechanical exfoliants can come in the form of sugar scrubs or body exfoliators - brushes, gloves. They can be used on the face and body and are typically applied to wet skin.
Mechanical exfoliation is recommended for people with normal to oily skin, as it can help unclog pores and prevent acne breakouts. On the other hand, using a harsh exfoliation method can have a negative impact on dry skin and irritate sensitive skin.
5 Benefits of Skin Exfoliation
Skin exfoliation has a variety of benefits that you may not be aware of. In addition to improving the appearance of the skin, exfoliation can help with clogged pores, preventing breakouts, and evening out skin tone.
1. Exfoliation helps unclog pores
Incorporating exfoliation into your skincare routine helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts in oily or acne-prone skin. By unclogging pores, you allow your skin to "breathe" and prevent the formation of pimples.
2. Prevents breakouts
By removing dead cells and unclogging pores, skin exfoliation reduces the chances of new breakouts.
3. Evens out skin tone
Exfoliation can help balance skin tone by removing pigmented cells that cause unevenness. Additionally, by evening out your skin tone, it can create a consistent appearance without dark spots.
4. Makes skin smoother
Who wouldn't want smoother skin? One of the most noticeable benefits of skin exfoliation is that your skin looks and feels smoother. This is because removing the outer layer of skin helps remove rough, dry patches that can make your complexion appear dull.
5. Increases circulation
Regular exfoliation can also increase circulation. This brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to your skin, giving it a healthy glow.
How to Choose the Best Exfoliator for Your Skin Type?
When it comes to exfoliation, there are a variety of methods and products available on the market. But how do you know which exfoliation technique is best for your skin type?
Of course, this process is beneficial for everyone, but it's important to understand that not all exfoliants are the same. For example, mechanical exfoliation can be too rough for sensitive skin, while chemical exfoliation may not be effective enough for thicker skin.
Exfoliants for Normal Skin
Dermatologists typically recommend starting with a mechanical exfoliant if you are new to exfoliation and are looking for a product with small, smooth granules. You can also try a mechanical scrub with added ingredients like jojoba oil to help soothe the skin while removing dead cells.
Exfoliants for Acne-Prone and Oily Skin
There are several types of exfoliants you can use on your skin, but our top choice for acne-prone skin is salicylic acid-based exfoliation. Salicylic acid helps remove sebum that clogs pores, allowing the skin to heal and prevent future breakouts.
You can find salicylic acid on its own or mixed with other acne skincare products. A BHA face toner containing salicylic acid and tea tree extract effectively penetrates pores and dissolves oils, helping to prevent pimples and blackheads.
Exfoliants for Sensitive Skin
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for sensitive skin types, as this skin type can be extremely sensitive. However, exfoliation containing gentle acids like lactic or glycolic acid is a good choice. These ingredients help break the bonds between dead skin cells and reveal fresh, new skin underneath.
Look for products specifically designed for your skin type and start with lower acid concentrations to reduce irritation before moving on to higher concentrations. Alternatively, you can also benefit from mechanical exfoliation, but be sure to use a gentle scrub to avoid irritating the sensitive skin barrier.
Natural Face Mask - Brightening is a cleansing face mask with clay and activated charcoal. The innovative formula, enriched with natural ingredients for gentle exfoliation and skin brightening.
The natural face mask has a dual action - cleansing the face and exfoliating. At the same time, it deeply nourishes your skin. The clay thoroughly cleanses the skin and helps prevent the formation of pimples. Bamboo particles gently remove dead skin cells and refresh the skin. Activated charcoal prevents excess sebum production, and added vitamin E improves skin elasticity.
Exfoliants for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you may want to choose a gentler exfoliation. Mechanical exfoliation with small granules can be too harsh for your skin. Instead, try an exfoliant with chemical ingredients or a mechanical scrub with larger granules.