Beauty Breakdown – Exfoliate
Want to know the quickest way to better-looking skin?
Exfoliate!
What is exfoliation
Exfoliation removes the outermost skin layers – stratum corneum of the epidermis.
If left to accumulate, we experience dullness, flakiness, congestion and roughness. Removing them reveals fresh, unweathered skin beneath. That’s why freshly exfoliated skin always looks glowy, smooth and bright.
Ways to exfoliate
There are two ways to exfoliate
- Physical exfoliants that use particles (e.g. plant parts, beads, sugar, alumina crystals) that abrade
- Chemical exfoliants that use skin-compatible acids (e.g glycolic, lactic, salicylic acids) that loosen
Which is better?
To us, chemical exfoliators are the clear winners, but of course they need to be formulated and used appropriately.
Firstly, they are much gentler on skin as they will not create micro-cuts like physical ones can. They just need to be left on to loosen the skin cells, allowing the cells to come off easily without any force.
Other than the instant benefits of exfoliation, the skin-compatible acids in chemical exfoliators also offer long-term benefits like
- Reduce hyperpigmentation (scars, sun or age spots)
- Increase skin water levels
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Stimulate collagen production
- Clear skin
- Minimised pores
We’ve established the importance of exfoliation and why the non-abrasive (or chemical) option is the way to go. Let’s find out chemical exfoliants will work best for you. Check back soon!