Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliation: Which is Best for You?

• What Is Physical Exfoliation?

A physical exfoliant is a product or tool that requires rubbing or scrubbing action. These include your skincare scrubs, brushes, sponges, loofahs and muslin wash cloths. This type of exfoliation nudges the loose dead skin cells from the topmost layer of the skin using physical friction. Physical exfoliation skincare products contain tiny particles such as salt grains, sugar, jojoba beads or nutshell granules to remove dead skin cells. 

• The Benefits of Physical Exfoliation

Physical exfoliants show you quick results as they are literally using force to remove the dead skin cells. They also generally have less chemical interactions than other skincare products as well as promoting blood circulation through the face. Physical exfoliants can vary in their ability to exfoliate—it all depends on what kind of product you buy. Physical exfoliation is a great option for those with oily, thicker skin. 

Recommended Products:

| Ole Henriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub

($28, up to 5% cashback at Sephora)

Transforming Walnut Scrub is a two-in-one, lightly foaming scrub that exfoliates and cleanses to purify your pores. Formulated with a blend of walnut powder, ginseng, and chamomile extracts, it goes beyond exfoliation for a deep cleansing, pore-purifying action that diminishes dullness. 

As with many physical exfoliators, this product may not be the best choice for sensitive skin. Other skin types should be fine with using it once or twice per week.

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| L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Kiwi Scrub

($10.99, up to 6% cashback at Walgreens)

This Pure Sugar Scrub is is made of three naturally derived sugars (brown, blonde & white), paired with Kiwi Seeds, Peppermint and Lemongrass oils. Because the scrubbing particles are made of sugars and eventually melt, harsh exfoliation is prevented.This personal care product is also rich in minerals and melts into skin for gentle, yet effective exfoliation. Dirt, oil and impurities are effectively removed. Dull skin is gently polished away. Suitable for oily skin.

| Acure Brightening Facial Scrub

($9.50, up to 4% cashback at iHerb)

Made with sea kelp, lemon peel, and French green clay, this scrub brightens your complexion. This vegan, affordable scrub is a favorite of many for tackling discoloration and uneven skin tone.

Many reviewers, including several with sensitive skin, claim it's gentler than similar products on the market but still gives the impression of a deep clean.

• What Is Chemical Exfoliation?

The most common chemical exfoliants contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), and fruit enzymes, which work to break the bonds between the skin cells, loosening up the dead skin so it can easily be whisked away. They often have a smooth texture, unlike the gritty texture of a physical exfoliator, and penetrate deeper into the skin.

• The Benefits of Chemical Exfoliation

AHAs like lactic acid and glycolic acid are best for treating skin concerns on the upper layers of the skin, such as sun damage, uneven texture, and pigmentation. BHAs like salicylic acid are best for those concerned with blackheads and pore problems since they can better penetrate through oil and other pore-clogging materials.

AHAs are a great pick for dry and sensitive skin, whereas BHAs are particularly good for those with acne-prone and oily complexions. 

Recommended Products:

| Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

($29.50, up to 7% cashback at Paula's Choice)

Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant boosts the skin's tone and texture to enhance a natural glow. This non-abrasive formula is laced with BHA salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells both on the skin's surface and within the pore. Combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, this helps to reduce blemishes and blackheads for a more clarified complexion. 

The addition of Green Tea delivers essential antioxidants to neutralize free radicals and provide anti-aging properties, while Methylpropanediol optimizes the efficacy of the BHA and imparts a dewy, fresh finish. 

| Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

($80, up to 5% cashback at Sephora)

Babyfacial is a pro-quality AHA/BHA "facial" that resurfaces to reveal greater clarity, improved skin texture and tone, and a more youthful-looking radiance.

With a whopping 25% AHA / 2% BHA blend of the dream team glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids, this pro-quality formula dramatically smooths texture while minimizing the look of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. Uniquely formulated with chickpea flour, pumpkin ferment, and a soothing antioxidant blend of matcha tea, milk thistle, and apple, this mask delivers incredible brightening and enzymatic action, improves skin's elastic feel, and reveals the look of a more even, radiant, baby-soft complexion. 

| Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

($88, up to 15% cashback at SkinStore)

This 2-step system is designed to give you a more glowing and youthful complexion in just two minutes a day. An effective dose of 5 AHA/BHAs plus antioxidants and vitamins lift away dead skin along with excess oil & impurities, while improving uneven tone & texture. Glycolic and lactic acids plus salicylic acid diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation while visibly reducing pore size. Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E and green tea extract help to protect the skin against environmental damage. 

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