An exfoliant removes dead skin cells to allow for new ones to emerge to the surface. This causes the skin to appear brighter, younger and smoother. The main ways that you can exfoliate are manually and chemically. The active ingredient in a chemical exfoliant is usually an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Both AHAs and BHAs affect the top layer of skin and work by releasing the bonds that hold dead skin cells. Manual exfoliants are abrasive surfaces rubbed against the skin. Often they contain beads, shells or seeds. Chemical exfoliants remove dead skin cells without the abrasion of a manual exfoliant. The price of an exfoliant varies greatly by brand and can cost $10 to $70 dollars. However, chemical exfoliants are usually more expensive than manual ones.
What to Look for
There are different exfoliants for the face and body, because the body has thicker, less-sensitive skin. When shopping for a body exfoliant, you should look for one with rough granules, such as a sugar or salt. These will be effective on thicker skin. In the case of facial exfoliation, your skin type will determine what you need. If your skin is normal, then you can use any type of manual or chemical exfoliant that is meant for the face.
Dry or sensitive skin responds well to a manual exfoliant with small, round particle_temps, such as jojoba beads or ground oatmeal. If using chemical exfoliants, choose one containing a gentle AHA such as lactic or fruit acid, but avoid glycolic acid, which is a more-intense AHA.
If your skin is oily but not acne-prone, then you can use a manual or chemical exfoliant. Most manual facial scrubs will be appropriate. If you opt for a chemical exfoliant, look for one that contains salicylic acid, a type of BHA. Salicylic acid is lipid-soluble, which can penetrate the oil in your pores.
If your skin is oily and prone to breakouts, then you probably want a chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid, which will unclog pores without irritating the skin. If you choose a manual exfoliant, avoid ones with rough irregular particle_temps like apricot seeds, walnut shells or sugar. Their abrasiveness can make acne worse. Instead opt for a gentler scrub with small, round particle_temps such as beads.
Common Pitfalls
Some people overexfoliate or exfoliate when they don't need to, according to dermatologytimes.com, an online resource for dermatologists. Overexfoliation can cause rashes and breakouts. If your skin is dry or sensitive, then you should exfoliate only once a week. If it is normal or oily, then you can exfoliate up to three times in a week. You should be especially cautious with chemical exfoliants, because excessive use can lead to a greater sensitivity in the sun as well as general irritation.
Member Comments