How To Pick The Right Exfoliator

 

Exfoliating is a vital element of any skincare regimen, as any beauty editor worth their La Mer will tell you.

Exfoliating is the act of sloughing away dead skin cells and sebum build-up, which is beneficial for anybody attempting to treat acne, aging, pigmentation, or dullness.

If you aren't currently utilizing one as part of your skincare routine, it's time to start. Exfoliators are available in a variety of forms, including physical, chemical, and natural exfoliators, as well as peels, serums, and masks. Knowing which one is the best might be difficult, which is why we've broken it down for you.

Why Do We Need To Exfoliate?

Have you ever wondered why infants have such flawless skin? While the key to perennially young skin is fairly complicated, research believes that the rate of skin cell turnover is a major component. Essentially, as we age, the pace of cell regeneration decreases drastically, causing our skin's texture to become progressively harsher.

Dead skin cells on the skin's surface remain on the surface for much longer, elongating fine wrinkles and making your complexion appear dull and lifeless. The good news is that we can easily boost this natural turnover by exfoliation, and chemical exfoliants, in particular, are wonderful for this.

What's The Difference Between Chemical Exfoliants And Chemical Exfoliants?

A physical exfoliator is any substance that needs rubbing or scrubbing that works on the skin's topmost layers. Consider facial scrubs, powders, loofah and konjac sponges, face and body brushes, and different cleaning cloths. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, are based on mild acids or enzymes that dissolve the "glue" that keeps dead skin cells together softly yet efficiently.

AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids), such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, and BHA (beta hydroxy acids), such as salicylic acid, are the two most prevalent forms of chemical exfoliants. These are fast-acting, oil-soluble solutions (they won't dissolve in water) that may penetrate deep into your pores.

They are also key components in many face cleansers, toners, exfoliators, pimple treatments, and body washes that address congestion and breakouts. Some goods, such as acid-infused swipes, combine both physical and chemical properties.

We understand that the term "chemical exfoliation" might be daunting, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, maybe utilized on all skin types; just be aware of the acid you're putting on your skin.

Fortunately, PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are milder acids that may be the answer for sensitive skin types who have yet to discover how beneficial regular chemical exfoliation can be.