Exfoliants
Chemical & Physical…
The difference? Which one do I need? Do we need both?
The Importance of Exfoliation and Choosing the Right Method
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The Importance of Exfoliation and Choosing the Right Method 〰️
Regular exfoliation is essential for achieving a brighter complexion, improving skin texture, and promoting a healthy glow. As a makeup artist, I understand that the overwhelming choice of exfoliants can make it difficult to know where to start and what to use. In this article, we will explore the difference between physical and chemical exfoliants to help you make informed choices and achieve your skin goals.
Why Do We Need to Exfoliate?
Our skin naturally renews itself by shedding old, dead skin cells and generating new ones. However, this process can become sluggish over time, leading to a dull complexion, clogged pores, and uneven skin tone. Exfoliation is the solution to kick-start this renewal process by effectively removing the build-up of dead skin cells and revealing fresher, healthier skin.
The Benefits of Exfoliation
Brighter Complexion: Exfoliation helps remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing light to reflect more evenly on the skin's surface, resulting in a brighter complexion.
Improved Texture: By shedding dead skin cells, exfoliation promotes a smoother and softer skin texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and minimising the appearance of pores. Retinol, the pure form of Vitamin A, is the best choice for fine lines and texture concerns. If your skin isn't used to using a strong active, you may benefit from starting with Vitamin A or glycolic acid to build your tolerance.
Unclogged Pores: Exfoliants can prevent and treat clogged pores, minimising the risk of acne and blackheads. This is particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Glycolic and salicylic acids are effective in breaking down impurities, with salicylic acid being gentle enough for daily use in most cases.
Enhanced Product Absorption: Exfoliating clears the way for your skincare products to penetrate more deeply, maximising their effectiveness.
Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliants involve manually massaging small granules into the skin to remove dead skin cells. While physical exfoliants had a bad reputation in a past life, thankfully, we have gentle effective options available that don't use harsh particles like walnut shells. Many physical exfoliants worth considering are now combined with a chemical exfoliant to address specific concerns such as exfoliating and brightening the skin or fading pigmentation.
Remember to be gentle and use circular motions to polish your skin when using physical exfoliants. Pay extra attention to areas like the T-zone, chin, and hairline, particularly if you have been wearing fake tan or sunscreen for long periods in the summer. Massage these areas a little longer to lift impurities.
Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, use acids such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), salicylic acid, lactic acid, and plant or fruit acids to dissolve dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Chemical exfoliants penetrate deeper into the skin and are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, oily, and aging skin. They are particularly effective in treating concerns like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
Some noteworthy products to consider are:
1. Dermalogica - Multivitamin Power Exfoliant: A dual-active exfoliant with salicylic acid and physical microparticles that provides an instant clean, smooth, radiant glow. It targets aging, sun-damaged, mature, or prematurely aging skin.
2. Ultraceuticals - Ultra Dual Microfoliant: This product combines physical and chemical exfoliants with micro-fine particles of pure Vitamin C to brighten a dull complexion. It is suitable for dry, oily, or combination skin with uneven texture and discolouration.
3. Sisley Paris The Buff and Wash Facial Gel: This gentle micro-particle and plant extract cleanser and exfoliant can be used up to four times a week. It is suitable for all skin types.
4. Cosmedix - Purity Detox Scrub: Another dual exfoliant that uses micro-particles and salicylic acid to brighten dull skin and refine skin texture.
5. Wrinkle Schminkles Liquid Exfoliation Pads: These pads are convenient and effective. They leave the skin smooth, radiant, and clean. They contain AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs.
6. Sisley Paris - Radiant Glow Express Mask: This mask absorbs impurities that dull the complexion while leaving the skin soft and deeply cleaned with an immediate radiant glow. It is perfect to use before an event for a flawless makeup finish.
In conclusion, regular exfoliation is essential for achieving a brighter complexion, improving skin texture, and promoting a healthy glow. Understanding the difference between physical and chemical exfoliants can help you make informed choices based on your skin goals and concerns. Remember to choose products that suit your skin type and always follow product instructions for best results.
