We exfoliate for glowing skin. You probably know by now that proper exfoliation is a crucial step for radiant skin. And it’s not just beneficial for those who are acne-and blemish-prone.
Exfoliating is actually a must for an anti-aging skincare routine too. By exfoliating away dead, dull skin cells, you’re revealing brighter, newer skin underneath and also increasing cellular turnover, softening and preventing fine lines and wrinkles.
Most importantly, what exfoliating does is allow serums and moisturizers to absorb better, so your skin can get the most out of the powerful active ingredients in your skincare.
But, what type of exfoliation is best for you?
Physical, Chemical or Enzymatic? Learn which type of exfoliation is best for you and your skin but first…
Why Exfoliating is so Important
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the top layer of the face (or body) to reveal “newer/younger” cells.
The skin is made up of three main layers: the surface epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.
New cells are “born” in the deepest layer and as they age they move towards the top to replace older cells.
Our skin is made up of multiple layers, however the top layer naturally sheds itself every 28 to 40 days. Exfoliation helps expedite this process and helps increase the efficacy of your skincare products.
BUT – as we age, our cell turnover decreases (bummer, we know!) and dead skin cells can leave your skin looking dull and dry, plus emphasize the look of fine lines and/or wrinkles.
Exfoliate Physically
Physical exfoliation, aka manual exfoliation, incorporates some kind of coarse material that sloughs away dead skin cells. Small granules scrub away dead skin cells and impurities for fresher and more revitalized-looking skin.
Types of physical exfoliators include scrubs and brush devices. Be extra gentle when physically exfoliating and use eco-friendly materials to avoid damaging skin!
We recommend our Merry Berry and Bright Scrub for once to twice weekly physical exfoliation. This is only recommended for people with non-inflamed acne or for people who are clear and occasionally want a little polish for their skin.
If you over-exfoliate your skin, you can actually cause more damage. Especially when it comes to physical exfoliation. You can cause micro-tears, bleeding, capillary damage, irritation, and an impaired skin barrier.
Exfoliate Chemically
Chemical exfoliation involves skincare acids to promote skin cell turnover and reveal brighter, glowing skin. Acids dissolve bonds that hold dull or dead skin cells together. This effectively helps unclog pores and creates smoother looking skin. Chemical exfoliation is gentler than physical exfoliation and gets deeper into your skin.
The most common chemical exfoliants are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as lactic acid and glycolic acid, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid.
We recommend our Clarify, Glycolic or Salicylic Serum for chemical exfoliation. Though our A Plus Serum is the hero product in our arsenal of chemical exfoliation.
Enzymatic Exfoliation
Enzymatic exfoliants are different than your average exfoliant. This mild exfoliation option is great for sensitive skin! Enzymes from natural sources like fruit work to exfoliate at a slower pace. Enzymes help to break down the keratin in the skin’s upper layers, which helps it lift off anything dead and it does this in a funky way. The enzymes literally digest the dead skin on your face.
Since enzymes will only digest the dead skin cells, it won’t over exfoliate your complexion like other products could. This means that anyone with sensitive skin can benefit from this type of exfoliation.
This gentle yet effective exfoliation helps the skin to appear polished and refined.
We recommend our Pumpkin Peel for a once weekly or monthly at-home exfoliation.
The Bottom Line
Thicker, more resilient, or oilier skin types that aren’t easily irritated benefit really well from physical exfoliation. Those with thinner, mature, drier skin types benefit more from chemical exfoliation. And of course, some skin types can benefit from dual exfoliation. It all depends on the advice of your skincare specialist.
Need a cheat sheet?
Acne sufferers require more exfoliation because their skin does not shed as quickly as people who don’t have acne. One of the keys to clearing acne is proper exfoliation and only a skincare expert can help you find the right exfoliation for your skin. Schedule an initial consultation so we can tailor a specific regimen & product for you.)
The golden rule of exfoliation? Don’t overdo it! Get guidance from your clear skin specialist. All that’s left to do is choose which one is right for you and exfoliate your way to flawless, radiant skin!
Are you ready to go all in for clear skin?
Schedule your appointment today to get started on YOUR clear skin journey.
Cheers to clear!
Rene