Men may be more inclined to exfoliate their skin because they need to remove tough, dead cells that can lead to ingrown hairs and blemishes.
The skin on our face is a lot thinner than that on the rest of our body, which means it's more sensitive to any harsh products. In order to avoid damage, people with sensitive skin will want to stay away from exfoliants with grainy or rough particles.
The Best Facial Exfoliants and How to Use Them
Facial exfoliants are a necessity for most people who want to keep their skin looking healthy and youthful.
These products are designed to remove the top-most layer of dry, dead skin cells, revealing the skin below. They can be considered as an alternative to removing the skin with a facial scrub or pumice stone.
There are many different types of exfoliants available on the market, each with its own method and level of effectiveness.
Types of Exfoliants and Their Benefits
Exfoliants are used to improve the texture and appearance of skin. There are two types of exfoliants - physical and chemical. The benefits of each type vary, so it is important to know what their advantages and disadvantages are before deciding which one to use.
Physical exfoliation can reduce the appearance of acne scars, uneven skin tone, blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, and blemishes by sloughing away dead skin cells. Physical is usually much better for those with sensitive skin. Chemical exfoliation is better for those with non-sensitive skin and those with rosacea.
It is best to consult a dermatologist before choosing an exfoliant because they know which type would be better for you based on your condition or preferences.
Chemical Exfoliants - Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, and the Differences
Chemical exfoliants are a popular way to help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. They help "prep" the skin for other products to penetrate better and do their work better.
Chemical exfoliants, also known as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid, are chemicals that have been found to speed up the natural process of shedding dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, which can result in smoother-looking skin and a more even tone.
- Glycolic acid is a compound that is derived from sugar cane. It has been found to be one of the most effective at improving signs of aging. It helps with things such as age spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Salicylic acid is obtained from willow tree bark and has an anti-inflammatory
- Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is used in facial exfoliants. It helps to remove dead skin cells, reduce excess oil, and clear pores. The chemical works by penetrating keratinized cells and softening keratin protein to break down the bond between the cells. This makes it easier for skin cells to shed off as they are detached from each other.
- Lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid derived from milk. It acts as an exfoliant, sloughing off dead skin cells and smoothing the surface of the skin. In facial exfoliants, lactic acid is often combined with other AHAs such as glycolic or mandelic acid to maximize its benefits.
The Benefits of using Mechanical vs Chemical Exfoliant for Your Skin
Chemical exfoliants are powerful for removing the surface buildup of skin cells. But they can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Mechanical exfoliants are gentler and better for those with sensitive skin.
Chemical exfoliants work by breaking down the bonds between cells on the surface layer of the skin. This causes them to slough off more easily, leaving the surface looking smoother and younger. However, when used too often or too powerfully, chemical exfoliation can cause reactions such as redness and inflammation in some people's skin types. For those with sensitive skin types who don't like the idea of scrubbing their faces aggressively with a washcloth every day to get a similar effect, there is an alternative: mechanical exfoliation.
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