Wanting to improve your skin texture? Here are 5 ways you can find an exfoliator that can help your skin look flawless on the outside and healthy on the inside!
Face Scrubs have been the pioneers of the skin exfoliators since long. A tried and tested option that is probably one of the most widely used techniques for exfoliating skin. But, with changing times and better product formulations, you now have various good options to exfoliate skin.
If classified broadly, these are physical exfoliation techniques and chemical exfoliation methods. With the skin-care market full of exfoliation products which all claim to the best for your skin, it can be overwhelming and difficult to know what suits your skin best. Which is why we are here to help!
We will explain to you, in detail what exfoliation is and how you can choose an exfoliator best for your skin type.
The Types of Exfoliators Available
In the larger spectrum, the types of exfoliators fall under two categories. One are the physical exfoliators where you apply physical techniques for removing dead skin and the other is the chemical exfoliation method which melts off the dead skin and removes it.
So, the role of the exfoliators is the same- to unclog pores by removing dead skin from the surface. To be able to choose the technique that works best for your skin, you need to have a clear understanding on how they work to remove dead skin.
The Physical Exfoliators:
Physical exfoliators are made by tiny, micro-particles such as jojoba beads, small sugar granules and coffee granules to be able to scrap the dead skin off.
Other than that, physical exfoliators also include treatments like microdermabrasion and such mitts or clothes that are designed to scrap the dead skin off. The texture of the cloth helps to detach the dead skin cells from the skin surface and removes them.
The Chemical Exfoliators:
As the name suggests, chemical exfoliators are chemicals that melt the dead skin cell bonds, making it easier to clean them off. The best chemicals for exfoliation are the alpha hydroxyl acids, beta hydroxyl acids, various fruit enzymes and polyhydroxy acids.
- Salicylic Acid: It gets absorbed into the deepest skin layers and unclogs pores. The acid works on the build-up and clogged excessive oils and sebum. Salicylic acid exfoliators are best for the treatment of acne-prone skin.
- Polyhydroxy Acids: These acids cannot penetrate into the deeper skin layer, but they stay on the surface and work to remove dead skin cells from there. Examples of polyhydroxy acids used in face exfoliators include lactobionic acid, gluconolactone and glactose.
- Fruit Enzymes: The enzymes present in fruits naturally are very good at breaking the keratin protein with the dead skin cells and bringing up the new skin cells from underneath. Giving skin a new glow and freshness.
- Glycolic Acid: It is a naturally occurring, plant-based acid that works to improve skin tone and skin complexion. The acid is found most commonly in different citrus fruits and sugar cane.
Working of the Facial Exfoliators
The choice between a physical and a chemical exfoliators depends upon different factors. These include, your preference of treatment, your skin type and the skin issue that you are dealing with. Sometimes, both the types can be used in combination to give better results.
But, you need to have a proper understanding of how both the exfoliators work on your skin to remove the dead skins.
Physical Exfoliation Technique
Physical exfoliators that have small particles that do not tear the skin are the ideal exfoliators for physically removing the dead skin. Combining these non-abrasive, fine particles with any good fruit enzyme can help make it easier to lift off dead skin while applying less physical pressure.
It is advised to gently remove the dead skin with physical exfoliation as it is very easy to damage the skin more with this technique. When physically exfoliating, you will need the exfoliator, a cloth or mitt to rub off the skin and even the microdermabrasion technique to clean off the dead skin.
Chemical Exfoliation Method
The best and safest way to use chemical exfoliation method is to use a liquid or gel substance to melt the dead skin and remove it. Some of the most commonly used chemicals in chemical exfoliation are alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. They have been in use for quite some time and have shown effective results, however one of the newer chemicals that have produced safe and effective results include polyhydroxy acids.
Chemical exfoliation method from natural sources include use of chemicals such as fruit extracts, glycolic acids, lactic acids and salicylic acid. The natural source of these chemicals make it a very safe option.
The Experts Opinion on Both the Techniques
The main goal of both the methods is the same, it has to remove dead skin and bring out the new and heathy skin layer from underneath. The way they do this is different in the two types. There are some important points that should be kept in mind when choosing one.
As compared to physical facial scrubs, chemical exfoliation has been seen to gentle on facial skin. Physical facial scrubs can have uneven, large particles in them, which can cause tear in the delicate facial skin. These tear cause skin damage and skin irritability.
Chemical exfoliation method also has less application errors such as excessive physical scrubbing that can cause skin damage. Even with these advantages and disadvantages, it is best to choose a method that is suitable and can be tolerated by your skin.
Listen to your skin and then choose
Listening to your skin needs and then choosing an exfoliation method is the ideal approach. Both the methods have their benefits and drawbacks so it is important that you choose the one that is best suited to your skin type and skin needs.
For normal skin type
For normal skin, the best recommended is chemical exfoliation using glycolic acid as it is lower in molecular weight. It easily gets absorbed into the deepest skin layers to exfoliate.
To physically exfoliating , use ingredients like oatmeal or matcha powder to clean off all the dead skin.
For dry, and sensitive skin type
In case of people with skin type, it is better to chemically exfoliate with a chemical that stays on the surface and does not penetrate deeper into the skin layers. Lesser penetration means less irritation on skin. Acids that are mostly used include, polyhydroxy acids and lactic acids.
In case of physical exfoliation, gentle ingredients such as fruit pulps, rice flour or jojoba beads should be used to prevent skin from reacting.
For acne-prone and oil skin type
For acne-prone skin, a chemical that holds anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties is best recommended. The anti-inflammatory properties of the chemical kill acne causing bacteria. Salicylic acid is mostly recommended for such skin types.
For physical exfoliation, they should use oat flour to gently lift off all dead skin cells.
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