What Is A Physical Exfoliator?
A Physical exfoliator refers to a product or device that is used to manually scrub dead skin from the surface layer of your skin. This method of exfoliation can be done with a few different tools.
Most physical exfoliators will be in a scrub, mask, or cleanser.
Understanding the components of a physical exfoliator, benefits, and drawbacks will help you make an informed decision on whether or not you should add this step to your routine.
What Does A Physical Exfoliator Do?
Physical exfoliators manually remove dead skin cells and other surfactants using small rough particles from the surface of your skin. These particles are applied to the skin and, using a rubbing/buffing motion, exfoliates the skin. This method of exfoliation works by sloughing dead skin cells from the topmost layer of skin.
After physical exfoliation, your skin will feel fresh and renewed, but not irritated, because it does not affect deeper skin layers.
What Types Of Physical Exfoliators Are There?
Physical Exfoliators are often separated into 3 different types: Facial Scrubs, Professional Treatments, and At-Home Tools.
- Facial Scrubs: Most facial scrubs use natural physical exfoliants such as Jojoba beads and other soft beads for gentle exfoliation. This type of exfoliation should be done in moderation to avoid irritation.
- Professional Treatments: Professional exfoliation is done by a skincare expert, an esthetician or dermatologist. This method includes treatments such as microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, dermaplaning, and hydrafacials. This is a more aggressive approach to exfoliation and results can last up to a few weeks.
- Microdermabrasion and dermabrasion smooth the skin with sand crystals or diamond-shaped wand particles.
- Dermaplaning uses a scalpel to remove the top layer of skin and facial hair as well. This leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft.
- Hydrafacials exfoliate and hydrate the skin by using an exfoliating tip with a blade and suction. These work together to remove impurities and push hydrating products into the skin.
- At-Home Tools: There are various OTC products to achieve physical exfoliation, including a washcloth, Clarasonic brush, and Foreo brushes that use vibration and sonic pulses. Using these tools has great benefits, but should not be used frequently to avoid causing micro-tears in the skin.
Benefits Of A Physical Exfoliator
Using a Physical Exfoliator as an additional step in your skincare routine will provide multiple benefits to enhance the appearance of your skin, including:
- Exfoliation helps prevent breakouts by clearing out pores
- Smooths out skin by creating an even texture
- Improves skin complexion by removing old skin cells on top of skin
- Makes skin cell turnover more efficient to promote a more youthful look
Drawbacks Of A Physical Exfoliator
Exfoliation is essential if you want radiant and smooth skin.
Proper exfoliation speeds up the skin’s renewal process by removing old skin cells. However, with overuse or formulated with the wrong ingredients, you may see:
- Abrasive exfoliation that contains ingredients such as shells can irritate the skin
- Too much exfoliation can leave skin dry and sensitive
Do I Really Need To Use A Physical Exfoliator?
Yes, exfoliation is an essential step in a proper skincare routine.
Using a physical exfoliator smooths out the skin’s texture and promotes more youthful looking skin. Your skin renews every 30 days, but as we age this process slows down.
Now that you have a better understanding of what a Physical Exfoliator is and how a Physical Exfoliator works, you can update your skincare regimen that will lead to great, healthy skin.
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