Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin using a chemical, granular substance, or exfoliation tool. There are two basic types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation involves scrubbing or rubbing using a product, such as grainy scrubs, dry brushes, netted bath mitts, and loofahs. Chemical exfoliation relies on chemicals to break the bonds between dead skin cells in order to loosen and remove them. Chemical exfoliants contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), polyhydroxy acids, or enzymes). AHAs are water-soluble acids derived from plants and work well as natural exfoliants. Glycolic acid is the most popular AHA in skincare, gently dissolving bonds between cells while allowing your skin to stay moisturized. BHAs, such as salicylic acid, are oil-soluble and penetrate deeper into the pores to unclog them.
Physical exfoliation is easy, inexpensive, and accessible, and can be done at home with a homemade scrub or a product like a cleansing scrub, body brush, or loofah. However, if performed incorrectly, physical exfoliation can sometimes irritate the skin and may result in transepidermal water loss. Chemical exfoliation can also irritate the skin if done incorrectly, so its important to follow instructions and seek guidance from a dermatologist or other healthcare provider if unsure.
When choosing an exfoliant, its important to consider the ingredients or materials used. Some common abrasive materials for physical exfoliation include cleansing scrubs, exfoliating mitts, dry brushes, loofahs, and pumice stones. Chemical exfoliants contain different types of acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid. Its important to choose an exfoliant that is appropriate for your skin type and to follow up with a humectant oil or serum to minimize irritation and lock in moisture.
