The skin naturally sheds dead skin cells to reveal new skin in a cycle of about 27days. This timeline is shorter and optimal when we are younger and slows down with ageing.

Age and exposure to environmental elements like the sun are two of the biggest contributors to slow cell turnover where the skin can no longer shed dead cells as effectively as it used to. In order to aid the shedding, exfoliants are used.

Exfoliation provides a quick and safe method to rid the skin of dead skin cells. It improves skin cells turnover, brightens the complexion, unclog pores, and keeps the skin free of dirt and oil.

Chemical Or Physical Exfoliants?

Exfoliants can work by physically or chemically removing the dead cells in other to accelerate the skin cell turn over process.

While physical exfoliants work by scrubbing off the topmost layer of the skin, chemical exfoliants on the other hand go deeper into the skin to dissolve the bond that hold the dead cells together.

Physical exfoliants like scrubs and brushes are manual, and may be too harsh for some. They also do not penetrate as deeply as the chemical version and therefore not as effective. In some cases, Large physical exfoliants have a tendency to cause micro-tears that may cause some damage.

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Physical exfoliants aren’t all bad, especially, where the grains are small and when used gently. If you’re in the market for a physical exfoliant, our apricot seeds powder and Almond Powder  are alternatives that deliver great skin after use, the granules are tiny enough not to be irritating, but powerful enough to get the job done. They are natural alternatives that also add to nutrient profile of your product.

Dermatologists often recommend chemical exfoliants like AHAs (Alpha hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids).  Chemical exfoliants may contain single acids like  glycolic acid,  salicylic acid,  lactic acid, or in combination. These chemical exfoliants slough-off dead skin cells, break down oil and dirt that clog pores, allowing moisturizers and serums to sink in and work more effectively. They leave the skin looking clearer, smoother and brighter.

Chemical Exfoliants

Chemical Exfoliants are usually grouped into two major groups, AHAs and BHAs.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids include chemicals like glycolic acids, lactic acids, mandelic acid, malic acids and Azelaic acid.  AHAs are derived from natural substances.  They loosen the bonds that hold dead skin cells together resulting in smoother skin. They are often used to improve skin tone and mild discolorations. However, because AHAs are water soluble, they can’t penetrate very deep into pores like BHAs.

Beta Hydroxy Acids Include chemicals like salicylic acid, their molecules are oil-soluble molecules, so they can reach deeper into the skin and pores. BHAs also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They have the ability to work both on the surface to improve skin texture and within the pores to unclog and remove acne causing sebum.  BHAs are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin due to their pore-unclogging properties.

Since AHAs and BHAs work in different ways to exfoliate the top layer of skin, it is safe to use them in combination. BHAs break down the bonds between cells while AHAs cause the cells to detach.

Other Options For Exfoliation?

Fruit extracts like papaya extracts and willow white bark extract provide some level of gentle exfoliation and are perfect exfoliants for those with sensitive skin—they’re not intense as BHAs or AHAs and are of completely natural sources.  Explore our store to see these options. Exfoliants carry the risk of affecting the healthy cells underneath the skin, so caution must be exercised when using exfoliants. We always recommend consulting your dermatologist before proceeding.