If you struggle with congestion, breakouts, or acne, you probably know by now that exfoliation is important for achieving clear skin. The question is, which type of exfoliator will help prevent and clear breakouts better: physical or chemical?
We are now one year into the pandemic, and many people are experiencing congestion and breakouts, also known as "maskne," due to extended mask-wearing. The congestion and breakouts are caused by a combination of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clogging the pores. Regular exfoliation is the best way to address this issue.
Normally, the skin naturally sheds dead cells every 28 days. However, when there is a build-up of dead skin cells, it may be necessary to assist the skin in the exfoliation process. Dead skin cells can accumulate due to excess oil on the skin's surface or inside the pores, which could be a result of thicker or stickier oil production or an overproduction of oil by the skin. These factors can lead to congestion and breakouts.
Physical Exfoliants
Physical exfoliants, such as grainy particles and face brushes, work by mechanically removing dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. However, they can cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to inflammation and sensitivity. Many people are heavy-handed when exfoliating and believe that rubbing hard with the granules indicates effectiveness, but this can lead to skin damage. Additionally, even gentle rubbing with abrasive granules can still cause micro-tears in the skin
Exfoliating brushes can cause micro-tears in the skin and can be very unhygienic. If you don't remove all the product from the bristles properly, it can lead to fungus and bacteria growing on the bristles, causing skin irritation. Physical exfoliants are better for dry skin and for the body, but it's still best to avoid bristle brushes unless you disinfect them properly.
Chemical Exfoliators
Chemical exfoliators help to remove dead skin cells by dissolving the protein bonds between the skin cells. Unlike physical exfoliators, they can penetrate deeper into the skin and are gentler because they are not abrasive.
They are most effective for addressing congestion, breakouts, and acne as they can penetrate the pores and dissolve the built-up dead skin and oil, preventing congestion and breakouts.
Examples of chemical exfoliants include Mandelic, Azelaic, Lactic, and Salicylic acids.
Standard Beauty - 5% Lactic Acid
Lelive - Save Our Skin AHA/BHA Exfoliator
If you have sensitive or reactive skin, be extremely cautious with any type of exfoliation. Typically, you can exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week, but if you have sensitive skin, limit it to once a week. I have very reactive skin and can only tolerate exfoliation once every two weeks, so it's important to know what works best for your skin.
Exfoliation is an important part of your skincare routine as it helps to clear and prevent congestion and breakouts. Chemical exfoliators are best for congested, acne-prone skin as they work inside the pore to clear it of any dead skin cells and oil. On the other hand, physical exfoliators are much more abrasive and can lead to sensitivity and skin irritation as they cannot work inside the pore.
I hope you found value in this week's post. Please leave a comment below and tell me which type of exfoliator you love using: chemical, physical, or a combination of both.