Do you exfoliate? I know I do, a few times a week actually…
I didn’t know much about exfoliating until I got into skincare a few years ago. It’s honestly changed up my skincare game completely, and I’m still learning! There are many ways to exfoliate, chemical and physical. A few of my personal favorites include both physical and chemical exfoliators. A lot of skincare enthusiasts all agree that chemical exfoliators are better for the skin than physical ones. But a lot of people like the feel of a physical because they can feel it more than the chemical ones.
The difference between the two is that a chemical exfoliator works with different chemical and ingredients to molecularly and safely remove dead skin on the top layer of the skin which is known as the epidermis. Physical exfoliators, physically remove the dead skin cells.
This explains why a lot of scrubs have a lot of surface to them. There are many different types of exfoliators and some are mixed with both. It’s safe to exfoliate anywhere between 1-2x per week.
Here are some items I’ve been loving this year and the past years. I hope you like my recommendations.
The main products I use for exfoliating..
My favorite chemical exfoliator is the La Prairie Cellular 3-minute peel. This stuff is literally spa grade quickie peel. My skin feels amazing after I use this. Will forever buy this gem even though it’s pricy!
What La Prairie says it does: This peel leaves skin silky, velvety smooth, more even-toned and visibly less lined, too. It's formulated with professional-strength AHAs, BHAs, salicylic acid and mixed fruit acids to rid skin of surface debris without irritation. Skin is smoothed, retexturized, moisturized and protected from moisture loss.
I got the M-61 PowerGlow Peels as a sample from Blue Mercury once. Since then these have been another great chemical exfoliant option. They’re great on sensitive skin too.
What M-61 says they do: This 1-minute, 1-step exfoliating peel resurfaces, clarifies and helps to firm the skin for a radiant, renewed glow. Glycolic and salicylic acid help to improve the skin’s tone, texture and clarity, reduce pore size and fine lines, while chamomile and lavender calm and soothe skin in this power-packed, at-home treatment.
“Our skin is constantly turning over and it takes around 21 days for your skin to turn over to new skin, dead skin doesn’t just fall off all on its own, so help it! ”
The Kiehl’s Epidermal Retexturing Microdermabrasion has been my favorite physical exfoliator for years. It gently exfoliates the top layer of the skin by rolling off the dead skin with micronized seashells, which to me sounds so interesting. This name is definitely a mouth full but its a great option for sensitive skin, if you want that baby smooth skin and don’t want to use a chemical exfoliator.
What Kiehl’s says it does: Our epidermal skin-texturizing treatment is an advanced formulation that has a highly effective abrading quality on skin's surface. This formula affords an immediate skin-smoothing effect and with regular, tri-weekly use, helps to visibly minimize discolorations and small marks on face, hands, and décolleté. Over time, the look of facial lines is reduced and skin texture is significantly smoother and clearer, while the appearance of pore size is diminished. As skin is re-texturized, our formula helps to facilitate the absorption of topical skin treatments to maximize their efficacy.
Drunk Elephant is surely a popular brand! I think they were genius when they made this mask. A mask that exfoliates! Yay! I’ve tried a few samples of it and love it. I haven’t gotten around to buy it yet, but I love it!
What Drunk Elephant claims it does: Created with all skin in mind, Babyfacial's 25 percent AHA/2 percent BHA blend gently exfoliates pore lining and resurfaces by removing dead skin cells. Formulated at the ideal pH level of 3.5, glycolic, tartaric, citric, and salicylic acids work together to ensure higher efficacy without redness and sensitization.
The newest addition to my exfoliator would be this Kate Somerville Exfolikate which I’m already addicted to. I started using this recently and I’m in love. It’s by far one of my favorites this year!
What Kate Somerville claims it does: This best-selling exfoliator is formulated with face-scrubbing natural exfoliants to deep clean clogged pores, while lactic acid and fruit enzymes reveal smooth skin and a brighter, healthier-looking complexion. Papaya, pineapple and pumpkin enzymes are formulated for natural exfoliation of dead skin cells without overdrying; lactic acid acts a natural AHA skin exfoliator; rosewood and cinnamon extracts address dull skin; and vitamin A provides antioxidant benefits.
The Paula’s Choice Liquid Exfoliant is an amazing drugstore option, safe enough to use everyday!
What Paula’s Choice claims it does: This liquid exfoliator exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even, radiant tone, plus visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles to help reveal remarkably smoother, younger-looking skin. Skin becomes dull, dry and congested when dead skin cells build up on its surface. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA, also known as salicylic acid) mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed its extra layers while unclogging and cleaning pores.
Last but not least a great drugstore physical exfoliator option! The Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub
What Simple claims it does: Our Smoothing Facial Scrub is the perfect blend of ingredients for removing dead skin cells and for keeping your skin brighter and more even textured. Perfect for even sensitive skin.
So… What did you think? Are you impressed?
Are you going to exfoliate now? I think it’s the best thing to do~ Our skin is constantly turning over and it takes around 21 days for your skin to turn over to new skin, dead skin doesn’t just fall off all on its own, so help it! Hope this blog helped you!
