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Chemical VS Physical Exfoliation: Difference & Which is Better
Chemical VS Physical Exfoliation All You Need to Know
Exfoliation is one of the most common terms that you get to hear when it comes to skincare. Yet, the meaning of this word is still not very clear to a lot of us. Using an exfoliant to remove these dead cells from your skin is necessary to avoid having a flaky, rough and dullness on skin. Therefore, what is exfoliation? Why do we need it? And most importantly, how to perform it on your skin? Let us take you for a stroll where you discover the answers to all these questions and many more.
Exfoliation means the removal of dead skin cells. In our body, two processes are constant, construction and destruction. Just as millions of cells rejuvenate every day, a similar number of them reach the end of their life cycle. Even though dead cells accumulate every day, using an exfoliant once or twice a week should be enough for clean and glowing skin. It not only removes the layer of dead skin, but also helps your skin breathe. If we skip this product, then chances are you will be a victim of frequent breakouts, as the oil and dirt trapped underneath those dead cells wouldn’t be able to find an escape. Regular exfoliation reduces pigmentation, dark spots and results in even skin tone and even texture.
If you are new to exfoliation, you should know about the two primary types of exfoliators - Physical and Chemical. Both of them help you take a longer stride towards flawless, glowing skin. Let us take a deeper look into both these types.
Also read: How To Exfoliate Face Skin For Smoother And Brighter Skin
Physical Exfoliation
Means of physical exfoliation have been around for decades. These consist of using abrasive substances to physically slough away the outer layer of dead cells from your skin. However, this process can be too harsh for your skin, especially for sensitive skin types that cannot stand the harsh abrasion. So take a note of what your skin is comfortable with before you dive into rubbing it raw with a scrub. It mainly works on the outer layer of the skin, effectively removing the wall of dead cells and grime, opening up your pores and leaving your skin refreshed and happy. Physical exfoliators have physical scrubbing beads made mainly from ingredients like coffee powder or walnut shell powder. It is the best option if you need a quick glam up and hasn’t had proper skincare in days because using an exfoliating face mask for acne and oily skin has instant results.
However, because of the harshness of physical beads we suggest Chemical Exfoliation that exfoliates not just your skin’s surface but beyond that
Also Read: How to choose the right exfoliant for your skin?
Chemical Exfoliation
There is a notion that all things chemical are automatically a NO for your skin. However, chemical exfoliation can turn out to be gentler on your skin compared to physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation includes ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) to penetrate deep within your skin and thoroughly clean out the pores. It does not physically remove dead cells as the chemicals work to break down the glue that binds the dead cells together, thus making it easy to wipe them off. Removal of dead skin using a chemical exfoliant results in softer, smoother skin and it also has a longer effect that helps your skin maintain a constant glow without any signs of dry skin or dull skin.
Is physical or chemical exfoliation better?
Physical or chemical, pick the method your skin feels most comfortable with and the one that calms your skin instead of causing irritation. Using an exfoliating mask is necessary in every skincare routine because all your skin products can do their work once they find a clean canvas and not one plastered with dead cells! ;) Try the best exfoliating mask (insert suitable keyword) from The Pink Foundry today!
