Scrub-a-dub-dub! We’ve all been schooled in the virtues of regular exfoliation. Phrases like “slough away dead skin cells” and “keep your pores clear, clean, and uncongested” have become mainstream mantras.
There’s no doubt that exfoliation is crucial for healthy, glowing skin. However, overdoing it or using products that are too harsh can leave you with bigger problems. So, let’s dive into the different ways you can exfoliate and explore their pros and cons.
The Magic of Chemical Exfoliators
Chemical exfoliators work their magic by using ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), glycolic acid, and salicylic acid to peel off dead skin cells. These powerful ingredients break down the bonds that hold dead cells together, making it easier for your skin to shed them.
Benefits: Chemical exfoliators can help to even out your skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and tackle pesky dark spots. Plus, they’re often the go-to choice for those with acne-prone skin because they can penetrate pores and clear out the gunk.
But beware: There are a few downsides to consider:
- Cost: Chemical exfoliators can sometimes be a bit pricey, especially those with higher concentrations of active ingredients.
- Sensitivity: If not used the right way, they can irritate the skin, causing redness and dryness, which can lead to other issues like flakiness or, worse, increased breakouts if your skin barrier gets compromised.
Enter... ‘This is Me’ Enzyme Exfoliator - the gentle (yet highly active!) natural chemical exfoliator that uses enzymes and fruit extracts (AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs) to carefully exfoliate dead skin cells and impurities, leaving your skin clearer, brighter, and smoother.
It also doubles as a fantastic spot treatment. This product is an excellent alternative to traditional abrasive physical exfoliators - no scrubbing required.
Hot Tip: If you’re new to chemical exfoliators, start slow - once or twice a week in the (as these products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun). Don’t forget your sunscreen during the day!
Get Your Scrub On: Physical Exfoliators
Physical exfoliators are the old-school way to slough off dead skin cells. They use ingredients like sugar, tea tree leaf, jojoba beads, walnut shell, oatmeal, salt, and more to manually scrub away those dead cells. It’s a more hands-on approach... literally!
Benefits: Physical exfoliators can provide instant gratification - your skin feels smoother immediately after use. Plus, they’re often more affordable and can be found in various natural options.
But here’s the rub…
Abrasiveness: Physical exfoliators can be too harsh if not used properly, and may tear the skin, leading to irritation, sensitivities, breakouts, and dryness. It’s generally best to limit their use to once or twice a week, allowing your skin time to recover.
Speaking of which... our ‘Spoonful of Sugar’ Exfoliating Scrub is the ultra-gentle sweet treat for your skin! Dark brown sugar isn’t just for baking delicious cookies - it's also a fantastic natural humectant, meaning it pulls moisture into your skin, helping it stay hydrated.
Plus, it contains glycolic acid, which slays dead skin cells like a champ. This scrub gently exfoliates while moisturising, leaving your skin smooth, soft, and glowing.
For a super gentle option, consider using a Konjac Sponge, which can safely be used twice a day without the worry of over-exfoliating.
Always remember that when using a physical exfoliator, there’s no need to scrub your skin like you’re scrubbing a pot—it’s all about light, circular motions to avoid damaging your skin. And you can't scrub away pimples, pigmentation or wrinkles!
Your skin has its own natural process of shedding old skin cells. Exfoliation should simply help that process along, so take it easy and treat your skin with care. Over-exfoliation can do more harm than good, so listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed.
And don’t forget—the key to healthy, happy skin is not just about exfoliating but also moisturising and protecting it from the sun. So, after you’ve exfoliated, make sure to slather on that moisturiser and SPF to keep your skin glowing and protected 😇
Last but not least - avoid microplastics
When choosing a physical exfoliator, avoid products that use plastic beads (often listed in ingredients as polyethylene). These tiny beads wash down the drain and into our oceans, where they never biodegrade. Opt for natural, biodegradable options instead. They’re better for your skin and the planet. 🌏💜
