Have you always associated exfoliation with scrubbing? Have you been wondering if physical exfoliators are too harsh for the skin?

Do you feel intimidated by the new-age chemical exfoliators in the market?

If yes, then this blog is meant for you!

What is Exfoliation?

Our skin regenerates cells every month. The dead cells remain on the skin. Their presence on the skin clogs the pores over time.

Exfoliation removes the layer of dead skin cells. The layer of fresh skin on top makes it easier for the skin to breathe.

With clogging, the skin starts to look flaky and dry with time. Further, the clogged pores won’t allow the nutrients and vitamins to enter the skin. These nutrients might be the serums or the creams that you apply to the skin.

Thus, exfoliation is necessary as it makes the skin appear more radiant and plump.

What are Physical Exfoliators?

When it comes to exfoliation, physical exfoliators are the first choice of users, especially beginners.

However, physical exfoliators might be a bit too harsh for the sensitive skin of the face. Moreover, the skin on the face is thin and thus the harsh beads of physical exfoliators can cause microabrasions.

Physical exfoliators are generally made of ingredients like papaya, sugar, coffee, apricot, or coconut husk. Although these ingredients offer a good value to the face, their beads can have uneven edges and be sharp on the skin.

The part of the face receiving the harsh edges gets exfoliated more than the other parts.

Home dermaplaning is an at-home physical exfoliation. It has currently been a popular choice among women.

Although the physical exfoliators might sound like a bad option, they are not. They are beneficial on thicker skin. You can use physical exfoliators on the feet, knees, and elbows.

However, avoid physical exfoliators completely if you have acne-prone skin. The microbeads and the scrubbing action would increase the inflammation and worsen the acne.

Benefits of Physical Exfoliation

Besides microabrasions, physical exfoliators do offer some benefits.

• Reduction in keratosis Pilaris- Keratosis is the tiny red bumps on the skin, particularly the arms and legs. In this condition, there is an increase in the top layer of skin on the hair follicles.
• Gives smoother shave
• Boosts skin luminosity
• Significant absorption of serums and products

What is Chemical Exfoliation?

There is a myth about chemicals- they are bad. Not all chemicals are bad for the skin. Some benefit the skin in more ways than one.

Chemical exfoliation involves using chemical peels to remove dead skin cells, especially from the face.

Chemical exfoliation weakens the cell glue. It holds the dead cells together and washes them away from the skin.

However, be careful of what chemical you are applying to your face. For chemical exfoliation recommendations, visit the best dermatologist near you.

Types of Chemical Exfoliation

• Poly Hydroxy Acids (PHAs)

Lactobionic acid is the most common PHA. It is an oxidised form of milk. It also acts as a humectant. It has large molecules, thus the best option for sensitive skin. The large molecules do not let the acid enter the deeper layers of skin.

Using PHAs leads to brighter, smoother, and hydrated skin.

• Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)

Salicylic acid is the most common BHA. alicyclic acid is the best option for acne-prone and oily skin. It reduces inflammation and tiny acne bumps.

Salicylic acid is also known to reduce sun sensitivity.

PRO TIP- If you are using salicylic acid during the day, apply a generous amount of sunscreen on the skin.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

The most common AHAs are citric, malic, lactic, and glycolic acids. Lactic and glycolic acids are the most promising among them.

They promote collagen production and improve discoloration from scars. It further prevents acne production and brightens the skin complexion.

Benefits of Chemical Exfoliation

• Significant penetration in the skin
• Reduced signs of ageing
• Stimulates cell development
• Reduces spots from sun damage

Which one to use?

It depends on the user’s preference. Some people love the feeling of scrubbing whilst others do not so much.

Physical exfoliation gives instant results. But, chemical exfoliation gives slow yet long-term effects.

Orthoderma clinic offers the best chemical peels for your skin. We have an expert dermatologist catering to your needs and expectations. It is the leading orthopaedic and dermatologist clinic in Ludhiana.