Choose The Right Exfoliant For Your Skin.
Exfoliating is necessary to remove dry, dead skin cells that clog pores. Removing these helps skin look and feel better. However, choosing the right exfoliant might seem impossible with so many choices available. The choice typically comes down to either chemical or physical. Both have their own benefits, but the right one depends on your skin type.
Types Of Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants work to dissolve dead skin cells and any dirt and oil that binds those cells to your skin. This is the most universal type of exfoliant as it’s more gentle and suitable for even sensitive skin. These don’t contain any type of physical buffing ingredients such as grains or particles.
The most common types of AHAs and BHAs. If you tend to have dry, sun damaged skin, the glycolic and lactic acid in AHAs are best. These not only exfoliate, but help moisturize too. BHAs are best for oily or acne prone skin as these contain salicylic acid. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of BHA are ideal for treating acne.
Types Of Physical Exfoliants
Physical exfoliants are designed to scrub away dead skin cells using physical particles. These aren’t recommended for anyone with sensitive skin as they particles may irritate the skin. However, gently scrubbing with a soft washcloth or loofah is also a type of physical exfoliation and is suitable for sensitive skin.
The most common type of physical exfoliant is a granular scrub. These contain small particles or grains such as oatmeal, nut shells, fruit pits, beans, sugar and baking soda. The larger the grain, the more harsh it is on the skin. Fine grains are best as they gently scrub dirt out of pores without leaving tears on the skin.
The Best Ingredients For Your Skin
The ingredients found in chemical exfoliants are typically good for your skin, especially when they also contain natural ingredients such as green tea to improve skin’s health. When it comes to physical exfoliants, the best ingredients are baking soda, oatmeal (which helps soften skin) and cornmeal (helps moisturize). These are all incredibly gentle on your skin.
Some other natural physical exfoliants which are great for your skin include coffee grounds, ground flaxseeds, ground sunflower seeds and calendula flowers. The key is to always use finely ground physical exfoliants to avoid damaging the skin.
Regular exfoliation is necessary for maintaining clear, healthy looking skin. Try to exfoliate at least 2-3 times per week. Typically, it’s best to choose either chemical or physical as using both together can irritate the skin.
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