Exfoliants are substances that help remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. There are two main types of exfoliants: physical (mechanical) exfoliants and chemical exfoliants. Physical exfoliants are granular substances that act like micro scrubs to physically buff the skins surface to remove dead skin cell build-up. Examples of physical exfoliants include brushes, sponges, gloves, scrubs, and more. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, utilize acids or enzymes to loosen the upper layer of dead skin, creating a peeling effect. Examples of chemical exfoliants include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), glycolic acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid.
Here are some positive and negative aspects of exfoliants:
Positive:
- Exfoliants aid in removing dead skin cells from the outermost layer of our skin.
- They can help improve skin texture and tone.
- They can help unclog pores and prevent acne.
Negative:
- Overuse of exfoliants can lead to dryness, redness, and even more breakouts.
- Some physical exfoliants can have rough, jagged scrubs that can damage the skin and its barrier.
- Some chemical exfoliants can cause dryness and sensitivity to the sun, and are best avoided by people who have darker skin tones or are prone to skin discoloration.
Ingredients or materials used in exfoliants can vary depending on the type of exfoliant. For physical exfoliants, examples of ingredients include jojoba beads, pumice, oatmeal, and loofah. For chemical exfoliants, examples of ingredients include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), glycolic acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid. Other natural ingredients used in exfoliants include almonds, oats, orange peel, rose powder, pecan powder, nutmeg powder, clove powder, and more.
