What Is A Chemical Exfoliator?
Chemical exfoliators are formulated with acids that can help you improve your skin appearance and many other benefits.
Proper use of chemical exfoliators can help refine your skin and improve the efficacy of your other skin care products by aiding absorption of ingredients.
We will delve deeper into the function of chemical exfoliators, benefits, drawbacks, and the different types.
What Does A Chemical Exfoliator Do?
A chemical exfoliator gets rid of dead skin cells and improves the skin turnover cycle in an efficient process. They come in different strengths, over-the-counter products are weaker and higher strengths are typically done in clinics or spas.
Chemical exfoliators work by breaking bonds that hold the skin cells together. As skin cell bonds break, the top layer of skin is shed and allows for cell regeneration. The end result after using a chemical exfoliator is smoother, refined, and radiant skin.
What Types Of Chemical Exfoliators Are There?
Chemical Exfoliators are often separated into 3 different types:
- Poly Hydroxy Acids (PHAs): Poly Hydroxy Acids include gluconolactone and lactobionic acids and are recommended for sensitive skin. This type of chemical exfoliator helps reduce the signs of aging.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Beta Hydroxy Acids are composed of tropic and salicylic acids. This type of exfoliator unclogs pores and works best with oily and acne-prone skin.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Alpha Hydroxy Acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and mandelic acid. These acids work to minimize the appearance of large pores, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and texture.
Benefits Of A Chemical Exfoliator
Using a Chemical Exfoliator as a step in your weekly skincare routine will provide multiple benefits for prolonging the appearance of healthy skin, including:
- Improves skin cell turnover process
- Refines and smooths out skin texture
- Enhances skin complexion and promotes glowing skin
- Helps even your complexion and targets dark spots
- Balances oil production and help prevent breakouts
- Minimizes signs of aging such as wrinkles
Drawbacks Of A Chemical Exfoliator
Chemical exfoliation when used properly can help you achieve multiple skincare goals. However there are drawbacks with adding one to your routine. Factors that can lead to negative side effects include:
- Over-exfoliation can result in irritation, dy skin, redness, inflammation, and excessive peeling
- Using the wrong exfoliator for your skin type or frequent usage can damage your skin barrier
Do I Really Need To Use A Chemical Exfoliator?
Yes, using chemical exfoliation will improve the health of your skin. Chemical exfoliators have the ability to deeply penetrate beneath the skin and improve the absorption of skincare products.
The key to obtaining optimal results is to start off slowly and gradually increase the frequency of use.
Now that you have a better understanding of what a Chemical Exfoliator is and its function, you can update your skincare regimen that will lead to great, healthy skin.
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