Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliation: Which One Is Better?
Exfoliating is one way to easily scrap the roughness and dull off your skin. If you are new to skincare, you may wonder how can a serum be an exfoliant agent. Isn’t exfoliating done by scrubbing your face? Nope! Exfoliation can be done physically and chemically, hence the serum liquid can also help to get rid of your dull skin. If you want to improve your overall skin condition, you can also benefit from other beauty tools such as facial cleansing tools!
What is chemical exfoliation?
Chemical exfoliants work by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, shedding them, and revealing the healthier skin underneath. Thanks to the acids for the easy and gentler exfoliation.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): water-soluble acids that work on the topmost layer of your skin to even out your skin and improve skin texture. Some AHAs you can easily find are glycolic acid and lactic acid.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): The primary used BHAs in skincare is salicylic acid. This oil-soluble acid is able to penetrate deeper into your skin and unclog your pores, unlike AHAs which only work at the surface level of your skin. This benefits most for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs): PHAs are newer versions of AHAs such as lactobionic acid that offer a similar level of exfoliation as AHAs, but are more gentle for sensitive skin.
What is physical exfoliation?
Physical exfoliation is a method that involves abrasive materials or tools to help you manually remove dead skin cells on the surface level. This way, your skin can get rid of skin texture and achieve a smoother and brighter complexion. Physical exfoliation relies on scrubs or tools to physically buff away dead skin cells. Physical exfoliation also helps stimulate blood circulation
Benefits of exfoliating
- Promotes cell turnover
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
- Unclogs and minimizes pores
- Improves skin texture
Which one is better for my skin?
We’ve understood that the main difference between chemical and physical exfoliants is the way they work. Chemical exfoliation uses chemical compounds and physical exfoliation utilizes abrasives to help replace dull skin. Whichever method you are doing, they offer you the same treatment. However, chemical exfoliation is usually more recommended if you are going to do it by yourself. Chemical exfoliants are generally more gentle than physical exfoliants which possibly scar your skin if it’s not done properly.
Should I put moisturizer after exfoliating?
Yes! Post-exfoliation skin has increased sensitivity and it is important to always apply moisturizer after you exfoliate. Don’t forget to always use sunscreen the day after you exfoliate!
Can I use chemical and physical exfoliants together?
Both chemical and physical exfoliants offer you the same main thing: skin cell turnover. If you wonder whether you’ll gain double benefits by using both of them in one routine, the answer is: no. It will over-exfoliate your skin leading to small scars that result in irritation, redness, or breakouts. However, you can still use both of them on different nights, 2–3 times a week.
Can I use AHAs/BHAs/PHAs with retinol?
It is not recommended to use acids in the same routine as retinol. Retinol also works by promoting skin cell turnover, thus using them together can be a bit too much for your skin and result in irritation.
Can I use ceramide after exfoliating?
Yes! Exfoliation, whether chemical or physical, can leave your skin more sensitive. Using ceramides can help to form a protective barrier on your skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy after the abrasive caused by exfoliation. Exfoliants also help ceramides penetrate into your skin better and enhance their hydrating and protective benefits.
