Are you exfoliating? It can be the forgotten step in your skincare regimen but it is vital to healthy, glowing skin. Helping to slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, + reveal brighter, smoother skin, exfoliation (whether physical, chemical or both) is the key for happy skin!
| What Is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. While our skin naturally sheds these cells, sometimes they accumulate, leading to dullness, clogged pores, + uneven texture. Regular exfoliation helps to boost skin cell turnover, enhance the absorption of skincare products, + promote a healthy glow!
There are two types of exfoliations that can be done alone or together. Find out which one is best for you!
| Physical Exfoliation
This involves using a scrub or tool to manually buff away dead skin cells. These products typically contain small granules like SkinCoLAB’s No Filer Skin Polish or Alastin’s ReSurface Skin Polish has Perlite, a naturally derived volcanic mineral. SkinBetter Science’s Detoxifying Scrub Mask is also a great option that uses biodegradable spherical beads or ZO Skin Health’s Exfoliating Polish uses ultra-fine magnesium oxide crystals. All of which can be found at SkinCoLAB! The effects of physical exfoliation are immediate, as it sloughs off dead skin cells on the spot. You can also control the intensity based on how much pressure you apply, making it adaptable to your skin’s needs.
Dermaplanning is another wonderful way to physically exfoliate the skin! Our aestheticians will use a medical grade scalpel to remove dead skin cells + peach-fuzz. This allows for a greater exfoliation than physical exfoliation products at home + for products to penetrate the skin better. It also makes your makeup go on easier! This is included in multiple treatments at SkinCoLAB like the SCL HydraFacial + SCL HydraFacial Luxe or can be a stand-alone appointment, SCL Dermaplanning Treatment, DermaGlow or DermaGlow Plus. Book here!
Keep in mind over-exfoliation can happen. Using physical exfoliants too frequently can cause microtears in the skin + lead to irritation or sensitivity. We recommend exfoliating the skin 1-2 times per week to keep the skin happy + healthy!
| Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliants use active ingredients to dissolve dead skin cells. Rather than manually scrubbing or dermaplanning away the cells, these acids work on a molecular level to break the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Common Types of Chemical Exfoliants include Alpha Hydroxy Acids + Beta Hydroxy Acids.
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) are water-soluble acids like glycolic acid + lactic acid that work on the skin’s surface to exfoliate + hydrate.
| SCL favorite: SkinBetter Science’s AlphaRet Overnight Cream
BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) are oil-soluble acids like salicylic acid that penetrate deeper into pores, making them ideal for acne-prone or oily skin.
| SCL favorite: SkinBetter Science’s AlphaRet Overnight Clearing Serum
Benefits of Chemical Exfoliation include deeper penetration as the chemical exfoliants can reach into the skin’s deeper layers, addressing issues like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, + acne. They are gentler on the skin, unlike physical exfoliation, chemical exfoliation doesn’t rely on scrubbing, which reduces the risk of irritation.
Although there are some precautions when using chemical exfoliants. Sun sensitivity is common with Chemical exfoliants, especially AHAs. Always follow up with sunscreen. There is also an irritation risk. If overused, chemical exfoliants can cause irritation, redness, + peeling. Start slowly, incorporating them once or twice a week + increasing frequency as your skin adjusts.
Want an even deeper chemical exfoliation? Try a VI Peel! Customizable to your particular skin needs, VI Peel treatments are designed to lift pigment, remove sun damage, alleviate acne and scarring, and fight fine lines and wrinkles. All our painless medium-depth VI Peels are safe for all skin types and tones with results in as little as 7 days! Book here!
| Which is Right for You?
Choosing between physical + chemical exfoliation depends on your skin type, concerns, + preferences.
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Consider BHAs for their ability to penetrate deep into pores + reduce breakouts (We like the SBS Clearing Serum or Anfisa’s An-Dew for teens). Avoid scrubs or polishes that may cause further irritation.
Dry or Sensitive Skin: Opt for gentler chemical exfoliants like SBS Alpharet Overnight or Alastin’s Resurface Skin Polish as it has hydrating properties. A retinol alternative like Anfisa’s An-Dew with Azelaic Acid or Sorella’s Facial in a Bottle with Bakuchiol is another great option for those with sensitve skin. These two alternatives are also pregnancy safe!
Normal or Combination Skin: You might benefit from alternating between physical (ZO Exfoliating Polish) + chemical exfoliation ( SBS AlphaRet Product Line), depending on your skin’s current needs.
| Can You Combine Both?
Yes! Some people enjoy using both methods in their routine, but it’s important to use them in moderation. For example, you could use a physical scrub once a week + a chemical exfoliant two to three times per week. Reminder! Don’t overdo it, as over-exfoliation can lead to a damaged skin barrier, irritation, + increased sensitivity.
| Pro Tip: Alastin’s Resurface Skin Polish has both a physical (volcanic minerals) and chemical exfoliant (glycolic acid).
One of SkinCoLAB’s most popular treatments safely brings the power of both physical + chemical exfoliation into one treatment, the SCL DermaGlow or SCL DermaGlow Plus. This facial provides a Demaplane facial with the added boost of light triple chemical peel + hydrating finale leaving your skin fresh + glowing with no downtime! Book here!
Exfoliation is a crucial step for achieving smoother, more radiant skin, but it’s important to choose the method that works best for your skin type + concerns. Whether you prefer the gratification of a physical scrub or the deep benefits of a chemical exfoliant, incorporating exfoliation into your routine will leave your skin glowing + refreshed!
| Remember to start slow + always follow up with sunscreen to protect your newly exfoliated skin!
Still not sure which is best for your skin, come visit us in Downtown Ada + one of our medical providers would be happy to help. Book consultation here!
Skin|CoLAB
616.450.1562
460 Ada Dr SE Suite 140, Ada, MI 49301
Comments