Chemical vs Physical Exfoliator: Which One Is Right For You
Did you know exfoliating is the secret to having a healthy glow? Yes, that’s right! Exfoliating is an important part of your skincare routine that does wonders for your skin. This step is usually done to get rid of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and it reveals smoother and healthier-looking skin. To get rid of unwanted dead skin cells, you need an exfoliator.
So, what exactly is an exfoliator? An exfoliator is a skincare product that is used to help remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Due to external factors such as sun damage and air pollution, our skin sometimes accumulates these dead cells which leads to your skin having a dull complexion, clogged pores, and other skin issues. Therefore, exfoliators can assist in resurfacing your complexion, revealing smoother, brighter, and healthier skin.
Benefits of Exfoliators in Skincare Routine
Exfoliators have many benefits in a skincare routine that can help your skin look the brightest and most radiant ever! Read on to find out why you should make exfoliation a part of your skincare routine.
1.
Helps unclog pores
If you didn’t know, dead skin cells can lead to clogged pores which can then lead to breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads and cause your skin to be dull. With the help of an exfoliator, it can remove dead skin cells which helps to unclog pores, reducing the risk of having breakouts as well as blemishes.
2.
Improves skin texture
Accumulation of dead skin on the surface of your skin may result in dry patches and flakiness. Thanks to exfoliators, these dead skin cells can be removed, resulting in better skin appearance and texture. This makes the skin softer, smoother, and supple!
3.
Anti-ageing benefits
Exfoliating your skin regularly has anti-aging benefits. Removing the buildup of oil, dirt, and unwanted dead cells from the skin helps to ~ reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Your complexion appears brighter and more youthful after exfoliating.
4.
Enhances absorption of skincare products
When a layer of dead cells is removed by exfoliation, your pores get unclogged. When this happens, your skincare products such as your ~ moisturisers and serums work like magic as they can be easily absorbed into your skin.
5.
Gives you a glowing complexion
Everyone wants a glowing complexion and you can achieve that by just exfoliating your skin regularly. Using a facial scrub in Malaysia at least twice a week can help reveal a brighter, radiant, and glowing complexion, especially in hot, humid weather.
Types of exfoliators
There are two main types of exfoliators - chemical and physical exfoliators, each with its benefits.
Chemical exfoliators are acids used to remove surface dead skin cells without the need for scrubbing. While they sound a little harsh, they’re surprisingly gentle with the skin. Chemical exfoliators use common acids such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) which are commonly derived from plant sources. One of the well-known examples that is trending in the market would be the AHA cleansing pads.
This type of exfoliator is commonly used to improve skin tone and reduce dullness of the skin, revealing fresh, bright, and radiant skin after just one use.
Physical exfoliators, on the other hand, are when you manually scrub dead cells off the surface of your skin using ingredients like sugar, microbeads, jojoba beads, or physical tools such as a facial brush, loofah, or a dry brush. The action of scrubbing helps to eliminate dead skin cells and also stimulates blood circulation, leaving your skin fresher and smoother.
Apart from removing dead cells, physical exfoliators can stimulate the production of collagen, resulting in firmer, softer, and youthful-looking skin.
Differences between chemical and physical exfoliators
There are several differences between chemical and physical exfoliators that you should know before choosing which exfoliator is best for your skin. Chemical exfoliators use active ingredients such as acid to dissolve and remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin without scrubbing whereas physical exfoliators use ingredients such as sugar, microbeads, or jojoba beads as well as tools like facial brush to manually scrub off dead skin cells from the skin.
Application Method
Chemical exfoliators
Chemical exfoliators are typically applied to the skin and left on for a while without scrubbing, making it a great choice for anyone who has various skin types, especially sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Physical exfoliators
Physical exfoliators are normally applied to damp skin and then gently scrubbing and massaging on the skin. This exfoliator usually provides immediate results. However, those with sensitive or acne-prone skin may not benefit from physical exfoliators as it is better recommended for anyone with normal to oily skin.
Frequency of Use
Chemical exfoliators can be used more frequently as they are milder than physical exfoliators. Depending on the product instructions, you can even use them daily or a few times a week.
Physical exfoliators should be used about 1 to 3 times a week. This is to avoid any irritation as well as over-exfoliation.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Chemical exfoliators can help with fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and acne. A downside of chemical exfoliators is that they can increase sun sensitivity, which requires the use of sunscreen when going out.
Physical exfoliators provide immediate results. However, avoid scrubbing too hard or vigorously as this can cause microtears or irritation, leaving your skin red and bumpy. While physical exfoliators do increase sun sensitivity, it is still advisable to use sunscreen when going out.
How to choose the right exfoliator?
Choosing the right exfoliator is important as it can significantly impact your skin’s health and appearance. The right exfoliator will leave your skin smooth, bright, glowy, and youthful. The question now is how do you choose the right one?
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Exfoliator
Understanding your skin type is one of the important things you need to know before choosing the right exfoliator. Most skin types go for chemical exfoliators, from normal to combination skin. For people with sensitive and acne-prone skin, it’s better to select mild chemical exfoliators. Try and avoid physical exfoliators as they make your skin condition worse.
Addressing Skin Concerns
Addressing your skin concerns is also another way to choose the right exfoliator. Whether you have acne-prone skin, dull skin, hyperpigmentation, or aging skin, choosing an exfoliator that targets your skin concerns can help with better results.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Other than that, selecting the right ingredients is also important in choosing the right exfoliator for your skin as you don’t want anything that harms your skin. When it comes to dry and aging skin, opt for AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid. On the other hand, for oily and acne-prone skin, it’s best to use BHA such as salicylic acid.
Patch Testing
Before incorporating the exfoliator into your daily skincare routine, it’s always recommended to do a patch test first to avoid any adverse reactions.
Get Healthy Glowy Skin with WonderDewi Cica Gentle Scrub
With the availability of many facial scrubs in Malaysia, finding the right exfoliator scrub may be a little challenging. However, if you're looking for a gentle and effective scrub at the same time, you may want to add WonderDewi Cica Gentle Scrub to your skincare routine.
It acts as a 2-in-1 cleanser and physical exfoliator to help remove dead skin cells without harming the skin barrier. This facial scrub contains superfine microcrystalline cellulose that can gently remove dead skin cells. Through a unique Plant-Based Acid Complex, the WonderDewi Cica Gentle Scrub cleanses and nourishes your skin.
Plus, the scrub helps to unclog pores, draws out impurities, and removes excess sebum from the skin. Best of all, it's mild and gentle on the skin, making it suitable for all skin types.
Don’t miss out on this gentle yet effective facial scrub. Experience our other facial scrubs too – we’re confident you’ll find something that suits your skin!