What is Chemical Exfoliation?
Chemical exfoliation is a key step in skincare as it involves acids or enzymes that remove stubborn dead skin cells, stimulate cell renewal, and improve overall skin texture and tone.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of chemical exfoliants and their benefits.
What Is Chemical Exfoliation?
According to Healthline, chemical exfoliation is a non-abrasive method that uses active ingredients to dissolve dead skin cells. Unlike physical exfoliants, which have a grainy texture, chemical exfoliants work by breaking down the “glue” between skin cells, allowing for easier shedding and smoother skin.
Chemical exfoliants come in a variety of strengths—milder formulas are available over the counter, while stronger peels are applied by skincare professionals, such as Abraza Skin Studio.
There are three main types of chemical exfoliants, each targeting different skin types:
- AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids)
AHAs, such as glycolic and lactic acid, are ideal for normal to dry skin. They increase hydration and smoothness while improving overall skin texture.
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BHAs (Beta-Hydroxy Acid)
BHAs, like salicylic acid, penetrate deep into pores, making them suitable for oily or acne-prone skin. They control oil production and help prevent breakouts by removing excess sebum and dead skin. - PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids)
PHAs, including gluconolactone and lactobionic acid, are gentle on the skin and work primarily on the surface. Their larger molecular size makes them ideal for sensitive skin as they cause less irritation compared to AHAs.
Best Practices for Using Chemical Exfoliants
Always consult with a skincare professional before incorporating chemical exfoliants into your routine.
Start with a lower concentration, such as 5-10% AHAs or 0.5-2% BHAs, and increase gradually. Overuse of chemical exfoliants can cause redness and a compromised skin barrier.
Avoid combining different chemical exfoliants or using them with products like retinol, as this can lead to skin sensitivity.
Dr. Natasha Welch, DNP, founder of Abraza Skin Care, and Abraza Skin Studio advises clients to use chemical exfoliants twice a week as she explains how to treat skin irritates such as maskne.
“You have to exfoliate,” she says. “By getting rid of the dead skin you can keep those pores open. Now there are three great exfoliants. One, the Abraza Skin Care Antiox Exfoliator.”
“For this I only recommend you use it twice a week,” she continues. “This scrub is a mechanical exfoliation, because you’re using volcanic and bamboo ash. And you can feel the beads in this exfoliating scrub sweeping off the dead skin combined with natural glycolic acid from sugar cane.”
Dr. Natasha Welsh also recommends that clients to use are the Abraza Skin Care The Illuminator Clear Complexation Pads as they contain 5% strength of glycolic acid, as the pads brightens up the skin and helps improve dark spots/blemishes.
Clients should always follow up with sunscreen, such as Abraza Skin Care’s UV Defender: SPF 40 Mineral Sheer Sunscreen to protect the skin from increased sensitivity.
Remember, choosing the right exfoliant and using it correctly can transform your skin’s texture and tone, giving you a healthy, radiant glow.
