What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This can be done using a scrub or brush, known as physical exfoliation, or by using an acid-based product, which is known as chemical exfoliation. Exfoliating helps to reveal fresh, healthy skin, improve texture and tone, and unclog pores. It’s typically recommended to exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on skin type and concerns. Regular exfoliation is the secret to glowing, radiant skin. You should aim to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. It is important to not over-exfoliate as this can cause irritation and damage to the skin. It’s also important to use a gentle exfoliant and to adjust the frequency based on your skin type and concerns.

Physical vs Chemical Exfoliation

Physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation are two methods of removing dead skin cells and improving the overall texture and appearance of the skin. While both techniques can be effective, they work in different ways and can have different effects on the skin. Physical exfoliation involves using a physical tool or product to physically scrub away dead skin cells. This can be done using a scrub, a brush, a sponge, or even a towel. The friction from the tool helps to loosen and remove the dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking smoother and more radiant. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, uses chemicals to break down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily washed away. This can be done with a variety of different chemicals, including alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and enzymes. AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acids, are exfoliating agents that disrupt the bonds between dead skin cells, naturally lifting them off the epidermis. BHAs can penetrate the skin’s sebum to exfoliate the pore lining. This makes them particularly effective on blemish-prone skin as they help regulate sebum-production. Physical exfoliation is only effective on the surface of the skin, while chemical exfoliation can penetrate deeper into the pores to remove impurities and dead skin cells. This means that chemical exfoliation can be more effective at treating clogged pores and other skin issues, while physical exfoliation is better for improving the overall texture and appearance of the skin.

Another difference is the potential for irritation. Physical exfoliation can be quite harsh on the skin, especially if the tool or product is not used gently. This can lead to redness, sensitivity, and even damage to the skin. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, is generally gentler and less likely to cause irritation.

  Sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, using gentle chemical exfoliation may lead to less inflammation and irritation. Use AHA-based products like Freya + Bailey Forte Collagen Face Moisturiser With Retinol + AHA Fruits Acids. It uses natural acids to gently exfoliate while delivering hydration and supporting sensitive, stressed skin.

Normal skin

With normal skin, you can use chemical or manual exfoliators. If you get blemishes, breakouts or blocked pores then you might prefer to use a BHA-based chemical exfoliator whereas AHAs are better for an anti-ageing routine.The Nuhanciam Exfoliating Face Scrub is a great all rounder that exfoliates while delivering serious hydration and regeneration thanks to macadamia, jojoba, mimosa and sunflower extracts.

Oily and blemish-prone skin

BHAs penetrate sebum and exfoliate skin at a deeper level, so are much more effective at dealing with breakouts and blocked pores. The Evolve Organic Beauty Liquid Radiance Glycolic Face Toner is gentle enough that it won’t strip your skin and contribute to overproduction of natural oils, but it will help to deep-clean your pores and regulate natural oil production.