Scrub-a-dub-dub! We’ve all been schooled in the virtues of regular exfoliation. Phrases like “slough away dead skin cells” and “keep your pores clear, clean and unclogged” have become traditional mantras.
There’s no denying that exfoliation is vital to healthy, glowing skin. However, overdoing it or using products that are too harsh can cause you bigger problems. So, let’s dive into the different ways you can exfoliate and explore their pros and cons.
The Magic of Chemical Exfoliators
Chemical exfoliants work their magic by using ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycolic acid, and salicylic acid to slough off dead skin cells. These powerful ingredients break down the bonds that hold dead cells together, making it easier for your skin to shed them.
Benefits: Chemical peels can help even out your skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and tackle pesky dark spots. Plus, they’re often the best choice for those with acne-prone skin because they can penetrate pores and clear up the dead skin.
But beware: There are some downsides to consider:
- Cost: Chemical peels can sometimes be a little expensive, especially those with higher concentrations of active ingredients.
- Sensitivity: If not used correctly, they can irritate the skin, causing redness and dryness, which can lead to other problems like flaking or, worse, increased breakouts if your skin barrier is compromised.
Enter… ‘This is Me’ Enzyme Exfoliator – the gentle (but highly active!) natural chemical exfoliator that uses enzymes and fruit extracts (AHAs, BHAs and PHAs) to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and impurities, leaving your skin cleaner, brighter and smoother.
It also works as a fantastic spot treatment. This product is a great alternative to traditional abrasive natural exfoliants – no scrubbing required.
Hot Tips: If you’re new to chemical exfoliants, start slowly – once or twice a week (as these products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun). Don’t forget your sunscreen during the day!
Activate Your Scrub: Natural Exfoliators
Natural exfoliants are the age-old way to remove dead skin cells. They use ingredients like sugar, tea tree leaves, jojoba beads, walnut shells, oatmeal, salt and more to manually remove these dead cells. It’s a more practical approach… literally!
Benefits: Natural exfoliants can provide instant gratification – your skin feels smoother immediately after use. Additionally, they are often more affordable and can be found in a variety of natural options.
But here’s the rub…
Abrasiveness: Natural exfoliants can be too harsh if not used properly and can tear the skin, leading to irritation, sensitivity, breakouts and dryness. It’s generally best to limit their use to once or twice a week, allowing your skin time to recover.
See you soon… us “Spoonful of Sugar” exfoliating scrub. it’s the super soft sweet treat for your skin! Dark brown sugar isn’t just for baking delicious cookies – it’s also a fantastic natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture into your skin, helping it stay hydrated.
“Spoonful of Sugar” exfoliating scrub.
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Plus, it contains glycolic acid, which kills dead skin cells like a champ. This scrub gently exfoliates while moisturizing, leaving your skin smooth, soft and glowing.
For a super mild option, consider using a Konjac spongewhich can be safely used twice a day without the worry of excessive peeling.
Always remember that when using a natural exfoliator, you don’t need to scrub your skin like you’re scrubbing a pot—just use light, circular motions to avoid damaging your skin. And you can’t clear up pimples, pigmentation or wrinkles!
Your skin has its own natural process of shedding old skin cells. Exfoliation should just help this process, so relax and treat your skin with care. Exfoliating too much can do more harm than good, so listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed.
And don’t forget—the key to healthy, happy skin isn’t just exfoliation, it’s also hydration and sun protection. So after you exfoliate, be sure to put on this moisturizer and SPF to keep your skin glowing and protected 😇
Last but not least – avoid microplastics
When choosing a natural exfoliant, avoid products that use plastic beads (often listed in the ingredients as polyethylene). These tiny beads are washed down the drain and into our oceans, where they never biodegrade. Opt for natural, biodegradable options. It’s better for your skin and the planet. 🌏💜
