Skin exfoliators help reveal younger and brighter skin by clearing away dead cells that build up over time. There are two types available – physical and chemical – with each type working differently.
Physical exfoliators such as scrubs and brushes physically remove dead skin, while chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid or salicylic acid dissolve the glue that holds dead cells together so they can be gently shed off.
1. Brighter Skin
Exfoliation can help reveal healthier and brighter skin by clearing away dead cells that accumulate over time, according to Dr. Avnee Shah. Incorporating gentle methods when exfoliating can reduce redness and sensitivity from overdoing it – simply avoid vigorous scrubbng on any areas with sunburn or irritation such as the lips or eyelids.
Physical and chemical exfoliators both offer effective solutions, but select one suited to your skin type and preferences. A scrub with jagged particles could irritate dry and sensitive skin while powdered or chemical formulas containing ingredients such as lactic acid or glycolic acid will be less irritating while still stimulating cell turnover.
Before applying your moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning, use a gentle physical exfoliator. This will remove any extra oil that has accumulated overnight so that you can enjoy that dewy baby-face glow all day long! Or even better yet, exfoliate again at night because this allows your skin to absorb any products more efficiently!
2. Smoother Skin
Daily exfoliation helps clear away dead skin cells that build up over time, giving your complexion a fresher, smoother appearance. Exfoliation will remove those buildups for smoother-looking results.
Physical exfoliation involves using scrubs or brushes to manually scrub away dead skin cells; chemical exfoliators utilize alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and citric acids or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid in order to dissolve glue that holds dead cells on your face, making this method of exfoliation less abrasive and ideal for sensitive skin as it doesn’t damage its delicate layers.
Exfoliation not only reduces oil and dirt that clogs pores, but it also encourages cell turnover – helping fade dark spots and scars over time – and boosts performance of hydrating skincare products by penetrating deeper into skin for enhanced results. Check out this nourishing scrub formulated with AHAs and BHAs to try.
3. Even Skin Tone
Small details can make or break an appealing complexion, which is why skincare experts like us put emphasis on skin exfoliation as part of a comprehensive beauty regime. Exfoliating is essential for creating smoother, brighter and even-toned skin regardless of where it’s being done; we know this because we take this step every step of the way ourselves!
Sloughing off dead skin cells naturally occurs every 28 days for healthy skin. Unfortunately, with age this process may slow and result in a buildup of dead cells on the surface, leading to dullness and potentially leading to other issues like clogged pores and fine lines.
Exfoliation can help speed up this process and keep your complexion looking bright and even, keeping it at its best. We love this budget-friendly option powered by acids (including lactic and glycolic acids ) for gentle yet effective exfoliation that also boosts the efficacy of other skincare products. We suggest using it 2-3 times each week after cleansing.
4. Reduced Acne
Exfoliation helps reduce acne breakouts by clearing away dead skin cells that clog the pores, as well as excess oil that accumulates therein. When done properly, exfoliation may even help fade acne scarring; but beware overdoing it or choosing an inappropriate exfoliant; doing either could aggravate conditions by irritating skin and sparking more breakouts than usual.
Physical and chemical exfoliants are two major categories of exfoliants available today. Physical face exfoliants utilize granules that work to gently scrub away dead skin cells (think loofahs or facial cleansing brushes). Chemical exfoliants include alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic and lactic acids as well as fruit enzymes which gently break down any adhesive bonds holding dead cells on to your skin’s surface allowing them to slough off more easily.
Consider your skin type and what products you currently use when selecting an exfoliator. Avoid exfoliation if you are sensitive, using prescription retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, experiencing sunburns, or experiencing flare-ups of any other conditions which cause increased skin reactivity.
