Why Exfoliation Matters and How To Do It Properly?

Exfoliation is an essential step in body skincare and facial skincare but it can often be seen as a skincare step to skip if you have sensitive skin or are unsure of which product to use BUT exfoliation is a vital step of any skincare routine to allow other products to work to their full capacity.

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface using either chemical or physical exfoliants.

Physical exfoliation can be done with textured substances or surfaces such as products containing small particles or tools capable of physical exfoliation such as a dry brush, silicone scrubber or face cloth. There are plenty of gentle products containing small beads and particles ideal for gentle physical exfoliation and it’s important to take care when using tools for exfoliation as too much pressure or intensity can be damaging to skin.

Chemical exfoliation involves the use of acids such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, mandelic acid or lactic acid. Salicylic acid is popular for those with acne troubles as salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid and is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into the pores and unclog them. Others such as glycolic, mandelic and lactic acids are alpha hydroxy acids which offer benefits such as promoting collagen production and skin cell turnover, as well as unclogging pores.

Both physical and chemical exfoliation are important, and incorporating both into your routine will ensure your skin is supple and ready to absorb other nourishing products. There are plenty of items on the market ideal for both chemical and physical exfoliation.

Products for physical exfoliation

Here are some gentle physical exfoliating products with excellent ingredients to leave your skin feeling brand new.

By Wishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash

This face wash has a powder-to-foam texture and contains baking soda for gentle physical exfoliation as well as papaya enzyme (papain) which also has exfoliation properties to help remove impurities such as blackheads and dead skin cells, leaving your skin fresh and new!

Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish

This facial polish contains black sugar which helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. It is also formulated with nutrient rich ingredients such as shea butter and vitamins A & E for benefits such as skin moisturizing and brightening. This is suitable for all skin types and is a gentle physical exfoliator.

Klairs Youthful Glow Sugar Mask

This sugar mask is a low-irritation sugar mask packed with antioxidants. It contains grapefruit extract and kaolin to help soften the skin and raspberry oil, shea butter and jojoba oil leave the skin feeling nourished and moisturized after use.

For chemical exfoliation

By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

As mentioned, mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid and therefore great for stimulating collagen production as well as promoting skin cell turnover, to give healthy and glowing skin, as well as helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This product is ideal for those with sensitive skin as the chemical exfoliation is gentle yet effective.

Overall, exfoliation is not a step to be skipped in any skincare routine and depending on your concern areas and skin type, you can find the right product for you!