Within the skincare industry, chemical exfoliation has become increasingly common. Chemical exfoliants are now commonly used because of their potent chemicals and noticeable effects. However, because it is such a hot topic right now, the important specifics and details may get lost in the mix in favor of fashionable ingredients and celebrity-endorsed suggestions. For this reason,
"Chemical exfoliation primarily addresses the skin cells; these cells naturally renew themselves on the body as a whole every month or so. However, aging, stress, exercise, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices can all slow down the process. Exfoliation is a cure for this because of this. It's an easy and fast method of getting rid of dead skin cells, and it can significantly improve your complexion, radiance, and facial brightness in addition to reducing any scars, blemishes, or sunspots that could be present."
- Benefits of chemical exfoliation
- How does chemical exfoliation work
- How are chemical exfoliation different from physical exfoliation
- Physical exfoliation for different skin types
- How to start with chemical exfoliation
- Expert recommended advice on over- or under-use of chemical exfoliation
Benefits of chemical exfoliation
As demonstrated above, regular chemical exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells from your skin, which has numerous positive effects. This is mainly because a variety of acids have been used. The following are a few: malic acid, mandelic acid, retinoid acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, galactose, glycolic acid, lactic acid, gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, and carbolic acid.
By using these acids correctly and under supervision, you can chemically exfoliate your skin to refine it and reveal new skin underneath. Additionally, it may help the other items in your skincare program absorb more fully.
How does chemical exfoliation work
Acids used in chemical exfoliants remove dead skin cells and enhance or accelerate the cycle of cell turnover, allowing skin cells to shed. They are available in varying concentrations; the lesser acids are typically available over-the-counter, while the stronger or higher strength acids are typically used as chemical peels in dermatologists' offices. They function by severing the connections that bind the skin cells together.
As these bonds are broken by the chemical, the top layers of the skin eventually shed in different cycles and they reveal the naturally regenerated, rejuvenated and brighter skin underneath. With regular use and the correct concentration of acid, the skin will feel smooth, look even toned, the pores look visibly reduced, and unclogged. It will also help in fading the signs of ageing, tan removal and treating acne.
How are chemical exfoliation different from physical exfoliation
The physical ones remove the skin's outer layers by hand, whereas acids do so chemically. Some people may benefit from physical exfoliants like scrubs, certain dermatological brushes, or dermabrasion operations. Physical exfoliation can be rough and abrasive on your skin, thus most skin types have some sort of reaction to it. Physical exfoliation techniques may or may not be beneficial on their own, but they lack the chemical exfoliant's penetration and depth.
Here are some professional recommendations for choosing the best exfoliants for your skin type now that you have a basic understanding of chemical exfoliation and its advantages.
Physical exfoliation for different skin types
Chemical exfoliants can be used in the form of potent serums or foams and cleansers infused with the exfoliants.
Choosing the right chemical exfoliation method depends on the skin type -
Dry skin -
Excessively dry skin can use AHAs as they work only on the skin surface and help seal in the moisture as well. Lactic acid and glycolic acid are good for this.
Sensitive skin -
If you have very dry or sensitive skin, BHAs can soothe and calm the skin making them ideal for sensitive or redness-prone skin. PHAs are also a good option for sensitive skin and can be beneficial for skin issues like eczema and rosacea.
Oily, acne-prone skin -
If you have oily and acne-prone skin, salicylic acid particularly is great for clearing out the pores that lead to breakouts. To counter the dryness caused by salicylic acid, combine it with a lactic acid AHA to improve the skin’s moisture factor.
Combination skin -
You can go for a serum containing salicylic acid for its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory effect. You can also use something in combination with lactobionic acid.
Ageing skin -
You can use AHAs like glycolic, citric and lactic acid because this help diminishes the signs of ageing by targeting fine lines and deeper wrinkles. They can also improve the texture of your skin by dealing with its roughness and they leave the skin glowing because of the anti-ageing antioxidants in them.
How to start with chemical exfoliation
It is important to start with chemical exfoliation slowly. Consult your dermatologist about the right kind of exfoliant to suit your skin, do a patch test 48 hours before trying a new product and make sure to only use it once a week.
Watch how your skin reacts to the exfoliant and depending on the level of interaction and visible differences, you can increase the frequency, keep it the same or even try a new kind of chemical exfoliant. Make sure to always protect your skin with sunscreen as chemical exfoliation can make your skin sensitive to the sun. Also, make sure to use only one kind of chemical exfoliant in a single routine and if you do wish to try combinations, take an expert's advice on the same.
Expert recommended advice on over- or under-use of chemical exfoliation
It's important for us to understand the consequences of either over- or under-exfoliating. Fortunately, it's extremely easy to tell when you're not exfoliating enough because you'll still have a dull complexion, rough skin, and a general sense that your skincare products aren't functioning because of all the dead skin accumulation.
Overly aggressive patients are the ones who over-exfoliate the most frequently. You will want dermatologist therapy for this as it leads to irritation, inflammation, dryness, redness, breakouts, excessive skin peeling, and other issues.
The key line is to know your skin type. You can achieve a glow with little concentrations, but you must first ensure that your skin is content. Instead of using chemical exfoliation right away, gradually increase the frequency and strength until you get the desired outcome.