Exfoliating too much strips away the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to sun damage, dryness, and even infection. Once you find the sweet spot for your skin, the results should be noticeable—smoother, brighter, fresher, and clearer, with a glow that just won’t stop. Never use a product more often than recommended (the peel pads should be used only once a week; the Microderm can be done up to three times a week, for instance) and never layer products in. ), The two main types of chemical exfoliators are, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs). 20? With that in mind, you should use the scrub less than three times per week. It’s no wonder that exfoliating scrubs often boast these powerful ingredients. Are chemical or physical exfoliants better? The answer is simpler than you might think. You can find salicylic acid in fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and peaches. Natural sources of AHA and BHAs include citric acid which can be found in orange peels. You should always consider the sensitivity level of your skin. If you aren't sure what the difference is between a physical and chemical exfoliant, you aren't alone. Wondering how to get a smooth butt and clear skin? On the other hand, using a physical exfoliant, such as a scrub, offers much faster results that some will prefer. Whether you exfoliate daily or a few times a week depends on your skin type and how sensitive it is, but just about everyone’s skin benefits from a combination of both physical and chemical exfoliation. While both of these products can help you get clear skin, we believe that chemical exfoliators are the superior products. Use code BUTTFRIDAY at checkout. We Had to Know More, Foolproof Presents for Everyone (Including goop’s Beauty Editors), Godfrey’s Guide: My Miraval Berkshires Scrapbook (and What I Packed), What goop Staffers Are Gifting Themselves This Year, How the Skin Microbiome Can Affect Aging, Breakouts, and More, What Will You Look Like in 10 Years? Note: If you do want to opt for a physical exfoliant we also recommend you stay away from those using nut shells or fruit pits. ? Don’t let harsh weather leave you unrecognizable, Touch yourself. Seriously, it’s good for you, Vegan Cruelty Free Non-Toxic. Salicylic acid skincare products are also highly-effective and come from a natural source. The chances are that you’re already familiar with physical exfoliation. The two approaches actually complement each other if used correctly, optimizing cell turnover to smooth, polish, and retexturize your skin. This layer can cause skin issues by clogging healthy pores. The answer is simpler than you might think. So, are chemical or physical exfoliants better? I love that this bamboo- and lactic acid-infused scrub is a blend of the best of both chemical and physical worlds. Though the chemical exfoliation sounds somewhat harsher than physical exfoliation, but actually it is rather the gentler of the two options. , many people ask us ‘Can I use both physical and chemical exfoliant?’ and the answer is yes… in most cases. At Bawdy, many people ask us ‘Can I use both physical and chemical exfoliant?’ and the answer is yes… in most cases. To better understand the physical exfoliation vs chemical exfoliation dilemma, let’s take a look at the latter. By clicking "submit," you agree to receive emails from goop and accept our, Why Your Skin Needs Both Chemical and Physical Exfoliation, Her Face Oil Is Epic; So Is Her Skin. For the best results, you should avoid products that include ingredients such as fruit pips and nuts. “Incorporating at least one exfoliator into your skin-care routine will leave you with a clearer, smoother and brighter-looking complexion,” says Dr. Houshmand. Exfoliating is GP’s favorite skin trick, and it really works. Chemical exfoliators are ideal for people who have skin that easily flushes, itches, dries, or tears. BHAs on the other hand have an affinity for oil and are great at penetrating deep into pores—perfect for people with acne issues. When it comes to cleansing the skin on your face, back, chest and even your butt, exfoliation is the most effective, preventative way of eliminating acne or folliculitis. Chemical exfoliation. A Top Dermatologist Talks Sun Damage and More, The Skin Routine for Healthy-Glowy No-Makeup Makeup, She Quit Her Job, Then Changed Clean Deodorant Forever, My Morning Routine: Creamy-Whipped Ghee, Exfoliation, and a Pre-Ashtanga Soak. The word chemical may evoke thoughts of toxic substances. Black Friday Sale 30% OFF entire site! The two approaches actually complement each other if used correctly, optimizing cell turnover to smooth, polish, and retexturize your skin. Whether you use a chemical exfoliant or physical, both help your skin slough off dead skin cells more quickly on its own. As we have covered, naturally-occuring chemicals are safe to use and will give you excellent results. the same session. If you have delicate skin, you should avoid over-using physical exfoliants as they may be too harsh. If you have normal or oily skin you can safely use a physical exfoliant, however, they may be too harsh for those with dry or sensitive skin. This layer can cause skin issues by clogging healthy pores. “It’s definitely possible to have both, but when you have chemical exfoliation on board, you already have less dead layers of skin so you are more susceptible to damage with the physical exfoliation,” Yang says. However, for exfoliation purposes, these chemicals are incredibly safe and natural. While the abrasives in the scrubs are good for removing skin cells on strong skin, using them on delicate skin could cause micro-tears in the skin. While you can integrate both types of exfoliants into your routine, it’s better to stick with one, especially when you’re first introducing exfoliation to your skin. Gross used a brick wall metaphor—in between these “bricks” are the fibers that holds the skin cells together. However, an exfoliating scrub falls short when it comes to delicate skin. Physical exfoliators should be used sparingly. As your skin acclimates to exfoliation, you may be able to increase the frequency with which you use some products, but the moment your skin starts to feel at all irritated or stripped, dial it back down. They also generally have less chemical interactions than other skincare products as well as promoting blood circulation through the face. exfoliants—products containing small particles, or any sort of textured surface, like a washcloth—work by scrubbing away the dead skin and debris. You should always consider the sensitivity level of your skin. products is simple enough, you need to consider how long you’re willing to wait for results. Read on to uncover which type of Eminence Organics exfoliant is right for your unique complexion. Great stuff, right? The difference is that chemical exfoliants use acids or enzymes to dissolve and loosen the cells, while physical If you’re struggling to make a decision one way or the other, it may help to speak to a dermatologist, who will give you expert advice. Of course, there are drawbacks to using a chemical exfoliant too. Physical exfoliants show you quick results as they are literally using force to remove the dead skin cells. Put simply, exfoliation is the process of removing the dead layer of skin cells from the top layers of your skin. The difference is that chemical exfoliants use acids or enzymes to dissolve and loosen the cells, while physical Should you opt to use a physical exfoliant, there are options, according to Dr. Marisa Garshick of MDCS: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York. Let’s delve into physical exfoliation vs chemical exfoliation to help you decide which to choose.