Do you exfoliate your skin? While this shouldn’t be a daily part of your skincare routine (unless otherwise specified), it is crucial that you perform this ritual at least once a week. This sloughs off the dead skin cells clinging to your skin to reveal the bright, smooth skin beneath.
When it comes to exfoliation, there are two primary ways to go about it. These are known as physical and chemical exfoliation. They both have their pros and cons and need to be used as directed and with caution to avoid damage to your skin barrier.
Physical exfoliation
Probably the better-known way to exfoliate your skin, physical exfoliation refers to scrubs that manually remove debris. One of the benefits of this type of exfoliation – and, no doubt, the reason why it’s so popular – is that you can feel the smooth results immediately.
Be wary of over-scrubbing as this can lead to irritation. Look for gentle formulas and limit your scrub sessions to twice a week. There are also a number of mask-scrub hybrids on the market that give you the benefits of both.
Chemical exfoliation
This type of exfoliation is increasing in popularity. Generally found in the form of serums or toners, chemical exfoliants are applied to the skin and often not rinsed off. They contain either alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which loosen the bonds holding the dead skin cells to your face so you can sweep them away.
Results from this method aren’t immediate and can be seen with regular use over time. They can smooth your skin, tighten pores and give your complexion a gorgeous glow. As with physical exfoliants, look out for signs of irritation and stop or decrease usage until your skin is restored.
