Skin exfoliation is key for maintaining healthy-looking skin. Exfoliation removes dead cells and accelerates cell turnover to leave your complexion looking brighter, smoother, and more even.
Exfoliation can be performed manually or chemically. Exfoliating should be done carefully to avoid irritation to sensitive skin or inducing allergic reactions.
Physical Scrubs
Physical scrubs utilize abrasive ingredients to manually exfoliate dead, dulling skin cells from the outermost layer of skin cells. Most physical scrubs use salt, sugar, walnut shells or plastic microbeads–all banned by the government under the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015–for this task, helping improve circulation while giving you a fresh, rejuvenated complexion.
Due to scrubbing’s potential of inducing micro-tears in your skin, physical exfoliators must be used sparingly and cautiously; always ensure gentle use if new to physical exfoliation. When beginning using scrubs for the first time, try starting off slowly by using them once or twice weekly until you see how your skin responds – you should notice an improvement in skin texture through its smooth and even feel.
Liquid exfoliation is an easier, gentler approach to rejuvenating your complexion that’s suitable for most skin types. Liquid exfoliators utilize chemical formulations that dissolve dead skin cell bonds rather than physically rubbing away surface debris with washcloth or loofah; making this option particularly suitable for sensitive skin conditions as it doesn’t involve physical abrasion. Regular use also speeds up skin’s natural 28-day cellular renewal cycle for enhanced cellular turnover that will leave you with more radiant glow!
Chemical Exfoliators
Your skin naturally sheds dead cells to make way for new ones, but sometimes this process becomes clogged up with old buildup and leave uneven tones or dullness in its wake. A chemical exfoliator can break apart bonds holding together skin cells to dissolve them and allow your body to absorb new, healthier ones below. This gentler approach has become increasingly popular over time.
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Physical Exfoliators for Oily Skin
Physical exfoliators are ideal for oily skin types looking to rid themselves of excess oil and dead cells, says Ilana Brit Mechoullam, board-certified aesthetic expert and founder of Florida-based Peace Love Med Spa Ilana Brit Mechoullam. However, she warns not to overdo it as too much rubbing may cause redness and even damage the natural oils present on your skin.
Persons with sensitive skin should avoid scrubs made up of abrasive materials and opt instead for chemical exfoliants that don’t involve rubbing, such as enzymes or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which tend to be gentler on their complexion than beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). You could also consider an over-the-counter exfoliating peel or professional microdermabrasion treatment which aren’t as aggressive.
No matter which exfoliator you use – physical or chemical – be sure to test a small portion on the inside of your wrist, wait 24 hours, and use only a nickel-sized amount when applying to your skin and rinse afterwards. If unsure which product would best meet your individual needs and preferences consult a dermatologist who can suggest the ideal skin exfoliator.
