Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Exfoliants can be physical or chemical, and they work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be sloughed away more easily. Here are some details about exfoliants, including their positive and negative aspects, and the ingredients or materials they contain:
Physical Exfoliants
- These contain small particles, such as coffee, jojoba beads, or sugar granules, that manually buff away dead skin cells.
- Benefits: They can be effective at removing dead skin cells and can leave the skin feeling smooth and soft.
- Negative aspects: Some physical exfoliants can be too abrasive and cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to damage to the skin barrier.
Chemical Exfoliants
- These contain acids or enzymes that break down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be sloughed away more easily.
- Examples of chemical exfoliants include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), glycolic acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid.
- Benefits: They can be effective at removing dead skin cells and can be gentler on the skin than physical exfoliants.
- Negative aspects: 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
- Some common exfoliating ingredients include:
- Glycolic acid (AHA)
- Lactic acid (AHA)
- Salicylic acid (BHA)
- Fruit enzymes
- Bamboo extract
- Jojoba beads
- Brown or white sugar
- Salt
- Sandalwood
- Loofah
- Almonds
- Oats
- Orange peel
- Rose powder
- Pecan powder
- Nutmeg powder
- Clove powder.
- Positive aspects: Many of these ingredients can be effective at removing dead skin cells and can be gentle on the skin[[5]](https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/selection-guid...
