Exfoliating Acid - Get the Glow not the Irritation
Exfoliating acids have quickly become a staple of our beauty regimes due to their proven ability to resurface the skin, without the damage that often comes with mechanical or scrub exfoliators.
These chemical exfoliators work in two ways: by removing the buildup of dead cells on the surface of the skin to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion, or by penetrating the pores to displace the buildup and help clear rashes. However, without choosing the right formula for your skin type - or using a product incorrectly - acids can have the opposite effect of their original intentions.
These chemical exfoliators work in two ways: by removing the buildup of dead cells on the surface of the skin to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion, or by penetrating the pores to displace the buildup and help clear rashes. However, without choosing the right formula for your skin type - or using a product incorrectly - acids can have the opposite effect of their original intentions.
Why Exfoliating ?
Simply put, exfoliating helps keep your skin soft and smooth by cleansing and removing dead skin cells.
Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells every 30 days or so. When this happens, new skin cells form the top layer of the skin. If those dead cells don't shed, it can form dull, dry, and flaky patches.
Exfoliation is a process that helps speed up that process by removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. You can exfoliate your skin using a specialized granular or chemical exfoliant or an exfoliator such as a pumice stone, exfoliating sponge, or exfoliating brush/ electric cleaning.
CHEMICAL:
AHA & BHA & PHA rinse-free peels gently remove accumulated dead skin cells without damaging the outer layer of the skin.
MANUAL:
Most shrubs have a rough, rough, uneven structure, which can be too rough and rough, causing micro tears in the skin. Many cleansing brushes are also a problem because they have stiff bristles and have the same negative impact on a vulnerable skin surface. Gentle scrubs, soft cleansing brushes or soft washcloths are an exception because they do not damage the skin, but even these are best used as an extra cleansing step, rather than as a substitute for a well-formulated exfoliant with glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Scrubs simply act on the surface of the skin itself and cannot reach multiple layers of accumulated dead skin cells and pores to truly change the skin for the better in many ways.
AHA & BHA & PHA rinse-free peels gently remove accumulated dead skin cells without damaging the outer layer of the skin.
MANUAL:
Most shrubs have a rough, rough, uneven structure, which can be too rough and rough, causing micro tears in the skin. Many cleansing brushes are also a problem because they have stiff bristles and have the same negative impact on a vulnerable skin surface. Gentle scrubs, soft cleansing brushes or soft washcloths are an exception because they do not damage the skin, but even these are best used as an extra cleansing step, rather than as a substitute for a well-formulated exfoliant with glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Scrubs simply act on the surface of the skin itself and cannot reach multiple layers of accumulated dead skin cells and pores to truly change the skin for the better in many ways.
Manual vs. Chemical Exfoliant
How Does Exfoliating Work?
Your skin naturally releases dead skin cells, a process that is imperceptible but can be defective. The natural peeling process of the skin can be blocked due to sun damage, dry or oily skin, genetics or various skin problems. The consequences can be dull or dry, rough textured skin, clogged pores, rashes, milia, blackheads and uneven skin tone.
The non-abrasive exfoliant left helps to restore the natural process. By gently removing dead skin cells, you can prevent clogging of pores, help control penetration, visibly reduce the depth of wrinkles, and even rehydrate dry skin. Your skin will look younger, practically overnight.
For A Better Routine:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are primarily used for:
mild hyperpigmentation like age spots, melasma, and scars, enlarged pores, fine lines and surface wrinkles, uneven skin tone
Although AHAs are often marketed as safe for all skin types, you’ll want to take care if you have extremely dry and sensitive skin. You may need to gradually work up to daily use to avoid irritating your skin.
Popular AHA:
- Glycolic
- Lactic
- Tartaric
- Citric
- Mandelic
Popular AHA:
- Glycolic
- Lactic
- Tartaric
- Citric
- Mandelic
AHA
BHA
Beta Hydroxy Acids, are primarily used for acne and sun damage. These products go deep into the hair follicles to dry out excess oils and dead skin cells to open up your pores. Because of these effects, BHAs are best suited for combination and oily skin. Lower concentrations may be used to help calm sensitive skin. If you want to reduce the redness associated with rosacea, you may have more success with BHAs.
Popular BHA:
- Salicylic acid
Popular BHA:
- Salicylic acid
PolyHydroxy Acids, are larger molecules than AHAs, and therefore have a lower ability to penetrate the skin. This is not a bad thing - it means that the PHA penetrates more slowly and the exfoliating effect is much more gentle.
So while AHAs are smaller molecules and penetrate the skin at a rapid rate, which is good news for quick results but can prove to be problematic for reactive skin, PHAs will dissolves the protein bonds that "stick" dead skin to our face and body skin at a slower rate, but still promote skin cell growth while improving the skin's surface texture.
Popular PHA:
- Lactobionic acid
- Gluconolactone
So while AHAs are smaller molecules and penetrate the skin at a rapid rate, which is good news for quick results but can prove to be problematic for reactive skin, PHAs will dissolves the protein bonds that "stick" dead skin to our face and body skin at a slower rate, but still promote skin cell growth while improving the skin's surface texture.
Popular PHA:
- Lactobionic acid
- Gluconolactone
PHA
How to use ?
Apply an AHA & BHA & PHA exfoliant after cleansing and toning steps in your routine. If it's liquid, use a cotton pad to apply it; if it's lotion or gel, apply it with your fingers.
You can use it around the eye area, but not on the eyelids or directly under the eyes.
You don't need to wait for the BHA or AHA to absorb or dry; You can apply any other product in your routine - moisturizer, serum, eye cream or sunscreen - right after.
Experiment with different strengths of glycolic acid or salicylic acid to see which gives you the best results.
How often you should exfoliate depends on your skin type and skin problems. Some people exfoliate well with an AHA or BHA twice a day, while others find that once a day or every other day is a perfect balance. Experiment to see what works best for your skin.
Always use a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher.
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