Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin, and exfoliants aid in removing these stubborn dead cells. There are two main types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants use abrasive particles or textured materials to scrub the surface of the skin, while chemical exfoliants rely on acids to dissolve dead skin, debris, and more. Chemical exfoliants include Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) . Alpha-Hydroxy Acid consists of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids that naturally help slough off dead skin cells. Beta-Hydroxy Acids consist of Beta-Hydroxyl and salicylic acids, which are known to benefit acne-prone skin.
Below are some positive and negative aspects of exfoliants:
Positive:
- Exfoliants help to slough off dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, revealing smoother and brighter skin.
- Chemical exfoliants tend to be less harsh on the skin compared to physical exfoliants.
- Exfoliants can help to unclog pores and prevent acne.
Negative:
- Over-exfoliation can lead to skin irritation, redness, and dryness.
- Some physical exfoliants can be too abrasive and cause micro-tears in the skin.
- Some natural products contain irritants like essential oils, witch hazel, and denatured alcohol, which can cause skin irritation.
Ingredients or materials used in exfoliants include:
- Jojoba Beads (Glacier) Exfoliant
- Loofah – Grounded Natural Exfoliant
- Pumice Stone (Ground Granules Fine) Exfoliant
- Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
- Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
- Glycolic Acid
- Lactic Acid[[3]](https://incidecoder.com/p...
