Think back to your first at-home facial exfoliation experience - did it involve a gritty, harsh scrub that left your skin red raw after? Yep, ours too.
Thankfully, for the sake of our skin barriers, the skincare industry has made massive strides and it is more commonplace to find chemical exfoliants in the place of such products. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no place left for a physical exfoliant, and this ultimately depends on your skin type, concerns, and goals.
What is Physical Exfoliation
To break it down, physical exfoliants generally contain granules, beads, or seeds to provide a physical scrubbing sensation on skin – this creates friction to manually remove loose and old cells. This is great for those who are looking to see more instantaneous results, with physical exfoliators stimulating circulation and giving the complexion a natural rosy glow. Research also suggests that regular physical exfoliation can encourage the production of collagen, the protein that gives skin elasticity. We recommend the Fade Out Advanced Brightening Exfoliating Facial Wash as it is gentle enough for daily use, with natural exfoliating particles working to remove impurities and congestion.
What is Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation is a skincare technique that involves the use of chemicals, primarily acids or enzymes, to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This process helps to reveal a fresher, smoother, and more radiant complexion. Unlike physical exfoliation, which uses abrasive particles or tools to manually slough off dead skin cells, chemical exfoliation works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be shed more easily.
Chemical exfoliants are friction-free and break down the glue that bonds these cells together, meaning these cells easily shed away. As chemical exfoliants penetrate the pores more deeply, those with breakout prone skin may find a chemical exfoliant more effective. We love the Fade Out Anti-Wrinkle Brightening Night Cream – this luxurious cream contains lactic acid which is a naturally occurring AHA that speeds up cell turnover, as well as stimulating cell renewal to improve skin texture and fade hyperpigmentation.
What is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Exfoliant and what does it do for your skin?
Did you know there's a difference between physical and chemical exfoliants?
AHA stands for Alpha Hydroxy Acid, a class of chemical compounds used in skincare to exfoliate the skin. AHAs are derived from natural substances like fruits, milk, and sugar. They are water-soluble acids known for their ability to exfoliate the surface layer of the skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath.
Benefits of Chemical Exfoliation
Improved Skin Texture and Tone
Chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help remove the buildup of dead skin cells on the skin's surface. This process smooths rough patches, leaving the skin softer and more refined.
Best for: Those dealing with uneven skin texture, dry patches, or rough skin.
Enhanced Product Absorption
By removing dead skin cells that can create a barrier on the skin’s surface, chemical exfoliation allows your other skincare products—like serums, moisturizers, and treatments—to penetrate more effectively and work better.
Best for: Maximizing the effectiveness of anti-aging or hydrating products.
Find out more about your skin barrier and how to look after it.
Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles
AHAs, particularly glycolic and lactic acids, stimulate collagen production by encouraging cell turnover. Regular chemical exfoliation can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time by promoting smoother, more youthful skin.
Best for: Anti-aging benefits, fine lines, and loss of firmness.
Improved Skin Tone and Fading Hyperpigmentation
Chemical exfoliation can help fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration by encouraging faster cell turnover. As the old, pigmented cells are shed, the skin reveals a more even tone and a brighter complexion.
Best for: Dull skin, age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Even Skin Hydration
Some chemical exfoliants, such as lactic acid, not only exfoliate but also have hydrating properties. These exfoliants can help improve the skin’s moisture retention, making the skin feel more hydrated and supple.
Best for: Dry or dehydrated skin needing both exfoliation and moisture.
Faster Cell Renewal
Chemical exfoliation encourages the skin’s natural shedding process by accelerating cell turnover. This results in fresher, newer skin cells being brought to the surface more quickly, promoting a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Best for: Tired or aged skin looking for rejuvenation.
Gentler on the Skin
Unlike physical exfoliation (which can involve rough scrubs or abrasive tools), chemical exfoliants offer a more controlled and even exfoliation process without the risk of causing micro-tears in the skin. This makes them ideal for sensitive skin types when used in appropriate formulations and concentrations.
Best for: Sensitive skin or those prone to irritation from physical exfoliants.
Which is the Best Option for You?
Both chemical and physical exfoliants can have amazing results, and sometimes experimentation is the way to find out what’s best for you. The products listed are gentle enough to be used in conjunction with each other, but be careful in general not to over exfoliate – protect that skin barrier! Whichever you prefer, there’s one thing we can all agree on – exfoliation is amazing for getting the clear, glowy skin of our dreams!