Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliation

Exfoliating your face can come with many benefits, like having a smoother and brighter complexion, and can even be used to combat the signs of premature aging. Typically, our skin cells regenerate every month, but sun damage and aging can slow this natural process down, so sometimes a good exfoliation is key. Not only can it feel super refreshing to have a good old scrub, but it can also be a great way to wash away dead skin cells. 

Did you know there are two different types of exfoliation? - Chemical and Physical. Choosing the right exfoliation method could make all the difference in your skincare routine, so understanding these differences is essential! Fear not, we’re here to help shed some light on both exfoliating methods so you can be sure to pick the right option for your skin! 

How Does Exfoliation Work?

Before we dive into different techniques, let’s start with the basics! Exfoliating your skin is a process of washing away dead skin cells that can build up on the surface of the skin or face by using either a chemical or physical substance. Not only can regular exfoliation provide a brighter complexion, but it can also help to unclog pores which can lead to feweracne breakouts.

How Do Chemical Exfoliators Work?

Chemical exfoliants work by breaking down the bonds between skin cells that hold their foundations together. As the bonds of skin are broken down, the top layers of skin cells are shed, making room for the newer, regenerated skin to appear. 

Chemical exfoliants contain certain acids that are designed to clear out dead skin cells. These types of exfoliants often come in varying concentrations, with the strongest form being referred to as a chemical peel that needs to be applied by a dermatologist or licensed cosmetician, whereas more gentle chemical formulas can be bought online or at stores.

What are Physical Exfoliators?

Unlike chemical exfoliants, physical exfoliators work by including almost microscopic, rough particles or textured surfaces that manually remove dead skin cells when rubbed into the face or body. Face scrubs, brushes, or exfoliating gloves are all examples of physical exfoliants and are designed to refresh the skin by physically dislodging old skin cells and clearing pores. 

Exfoliating the face allows your serums and moisturizers to better penetrate the skin, making it a perfect addition to your skincare routine. You should expect to see results instantly after using a physical or chemical exfoliator, but, it's important to not over-exfoliate as this can cause more irritation and should only be used around 2-3 times a week.

Chemical or Physical Exfoliator: Which is Better?

We all know everyone's skin is different, that’s why it’s important to ensure that the ingredients in your skincare are specially tailored for your unique skin type. 

Traditionally, chemical exfoliants are best suited for normal or oily skin and are usually very effective for acne-prone skin. Some chemical exfoliants may be too harsh for sensitive skin and can cause irritation. 

Typically, physical exfoliators are ideal for dry, oily-combination skin. Physical exfoliators are ideal for those with eczema-prone skin as they can help alleviate and target dry patches. 

But what if you could combine the benefits of both physical and chemical exfoliants into one treatment? Well at Peace Out Skincare, we have created an all-in-one Pore Perfecting Stick that combines silica beads for physical exfoliation and a proprietary 5 acid blend for an amazing chemical exfoliation effect. 

This blend of chemical and physical exfoliators helps to extract clogged pores while cleansing and nourishing your skin. Our Pore Perfecting Stick works to refresh skin and eliminate the appearance of blackheads, helping you to achieve a clearer and smoother complexion. Its compact stick design is perfect for exfoliating pores and dead-looking skin on the go, giving you a fresh-looking face anywhere! 

Got a skin concern? We’ve got a solution. Just text us & we’ll walk you through your personalized step-by-step solution. Your skincare coach will ask for a quick selfie to ensure we find the perfect regimen for your skin concerns! Let’s Chat >