Do you know what your skin type is? Does it have an oily or dry complexion, or is it a combination? Do you have clogged skin pores or breakouts from excess oil? Or do you struggle with flaky patches of skin on your face?
In our Los Angeles clinic, we are Skin Health Experts and treat specific skin issues daily. We must begin each treatment by assessing the skin type of our clients. This is important because skin type influences what products and ingredients we use and recommend. We then do a gentle cleanse with the appropriate cleanser for your skin type. This is followed by an exfoliation tailored to your skin type.
Why do facial exfoliations? Our founder, Kate, says it’s the best way to transform your skin. It works like a facial scrub, removing the top layer and pore-clogging dry skin. Exfoliation also improves the skin’s texture and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
You should exfoliate your skin twice a week, regardless of your skin type, to get a smoother and brighter complexion. We’ll explain the three types of exfoliation and how to choose the best one for your skin.
What are the three types of exfoliation
Understanding the differences between exfoliation methods is essential before you decide on one. You can choose the exfoliators most suitable for your skin by understanding each type.
Physical Exfoliation
The physical exfoliation method is precisely as the name suggests: you rub your face to remove dead skin cells. There are many physical exfoliants available in the form of skincare products. You may be using this method without even knowing it.
Think about the way you remove your cleanser at night. Do you rinse it with your hands or a washcloth when you do so? You’re exfoliating your skin every night if you choose option 2.
Physical exfoliation is manually sloughing off dead skin cells using a tool, product, or material. This process opens the way for new skin to grow. There are two major contenders in the world of physical exfoliators:
Scrubs — Scrubs contain tiny particles that “scrub away” dead skin. Scrubs contain two different types of particles:
Natural exfoliants_ Exfoliants containing natural ingredients are ideal for those with sensitive skin. These are often gentler and less likely to irritate. You may already have some natural exfoliants in your pantry, like sugar, coffee beans, or jojoba, to remove the dull outer layer of skin.
Man makes synthetic Exfoliants As the name implies, synthetic exfoliants can benefit people with oily or dry skin.
Tools- A washcloth is just the beginning of exfoliating tools. You can select from different tools depending on your skin type.
Facial cleansing brush- Designed with soft bristles, which gently remove the top layer of skin on individuals with normal to oily skin, these brushes are a great option.
Exfoliating Sponge This is a soft alternative to a bristle toothbrush. It is gentle on your skin and less likely to irritate it than other tools.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliants can be used if physical exfoliants don’t reveal the smoother, brighter skin beneath.
These types of chemical exfoliation take over where physical ones left off. The chemicals used in the formula will either dissolve old skin cells or:
Reduce fine wrinkles and lines
Enhance the overall texture of your skin
Even out the skin tone to reduce acne scars, photoaging, and melasma.
Anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness due to acne, skin purging, and other skin disorders.
Most chemical exfoliants contain two types of acids. The ingredients start working immediately upon contact with the skin. You don’t need to rub your face or body.
Alpha hydroxy-acids – Found in fruits such as apples, oranges, and grapefruits, AHAs help to remove dead skin cells from your skin by removing the protein (keratin) that holds them there. AHAs tend to be gentler for your skin and can help with surface concerns such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores. AHAs are commonly used as glycolic, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and malic acids.
Beta hydroxy-acids — If you suffer from acne or oily skin, BHAs can be an excellent exfoliant. They penetrate deeper than AHAs. Also, they help remove dead skin from your pores and excess sebum (a natural oil that moisturizes the skin). If you have naturally oily or acne-prone skin, this may help reduce your risk of breakouts in the future and maintain a healthy balance of oils.
Enzymatic Exfoliation
The enzyme exfoliants work similarly to the chemical exfoliants in that they don’t require much scrubbing. You apply them and then let them do their magic.
This type of exfoliant is milder. Enzymatic exfoliation uses natural fruit enzymes such as papaya and pineapple to dissolve the outer layer of dead cells.
Enzymes are less likely than some chemical exfoliants to cause over-exfoliation. It also leaves less room for irritation and inflammation. This method is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
What type of exfoliation is right for my skin type
There are many different options when it comes to exfoliation. You might wonder if you need to pace yourself. You may have thought about starting with a physical exfoliant before adding a chemical or enzymatic one.
The bigger question, however, is how you will know that you are on the right path for your skin type.
Use exfoliants with the highest benefits for your skin to reap the maximum benefits.