A Quick Look at Physical and Chemical Exfoliators

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The topmost layer of your skin is made up of dead cells. In time, they tend to accumulate and make your complexion look dull. When dirt and traces of makeup and various beauty products add into the mix, it’s not unlikely for the pores to get clogged up and infected, causing breakouts.

It’s for this reason why exfoliating the skin from time to time is very important. Other that giving you a young-looking and healthy complexion, the process also helps remove dead skin cells and other impurities trapped in the pores. According to skincare specialists, it is a good idea for you to exfoliate 1 to 2 times a week. Doing it more often can do more harm than good, most especially if you opt for a harsh exfoliating solution.

Basically, you can choose from a couple of exfoliators: physical and chemical. Each one of them has its own set of pros and cons. The following is a brief discussion of these kinds of exfoliators. Knowing them is important so that you may be able to make the right choice based on your needs and preferences.

A Quick Look at Physical and Chemical Exfoliators
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Physical Exfoliators

Also known as manual exfoliation, the use of physical exfoliators involves rubbing your face with a product that contains beads or grains. The action of massaging this exfoliation solution against your skin using your fingertips causes the layer of dead cells to get sloughed off. The process also helps remove impurities lodged in the pores.

Even those with sensitive skin can tolerate very well the use of physical exofliators. This is especially true if products with micro-beads are the ones used. The ability of manual exfoliation to make your complexion look amazing largely depends on the effectiveness of the product as well as how it is used.

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It is a good idea for you to skip using body exfoliators on your face. That’s because these products tend to contain grittier beads or grains, making them too harsh for the sensitive skin of your face. One of the nicest thing about physical exfoliators is they can be easily purchased, and they are available in so many different varieties.

Chemical Exfoliators

The second type of exfoliation method involves the use of chemicals in order to remove the topmost layer of the skin which consists of dead cells, as well as other impurities that may accumulate on the skin and in the pores. These days, manufacturers of chemical exfoliators use a variety of chemicals. Some examples include fruit enzymes and acids like alpha and beta hydroxyl acids. Vitamin A (more popularly known as retinoid or retinol) is also a top choice.

Regardless of the active ingredient used, all chemical exfoliating solutions work by breaking down the bond between skin cells. This causes the skin’s topmost layer to be removed, revealing a fresher and younger-looking layer underneath. Choosing the right product is important especially if you have sensitive skin to avoid unfavorable side effects.

Some chemical exfoliators are only available with prescription. This is especially true in the case of those containing retinoid or retinol. Exfoliators containing the said chemical are usually recommended by skincare specialist for dealing with aging signs such as fine lines, wrinkles and liver spots.

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