We all do more or less skincare to keep skin healthy We now have a variety of skincare products available at our fingertips to take care of the skin. A chemical exfoliator is a skincare product that, if used correctly, improves skin texture and removes dead skin cells, leaving the skin naturally glowing! Today I will tell you about what is a chemical exfoliator and what type of chemical exfoliator will give the best results for any skin type. I hope this article will be very helpful for those who are beginners in skincare.
What is a chemical exfoliator?
Simply put, a chemical exfoliator is a skincare product made with acids. But don’t get scared after hearing the acid! Because the acid contained in chemical exfoliators is not at all healthy for the skin. It has amazing benefits in skincare. The main function of the acid in this exfoliator is to gently remove dead cells from our skin and unclog the pores to keep the skin healthy and radiant.
This product is said to be included in an anti-aging skincare routine. Chemical exfoliators contain acids called chemical exfoliants. The most popular chemical exfoliants are alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA). We should realize about them in more detail.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA):
Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble and work best on the top layer of the skin. This acid helps in even-toned skin by reducing hyper-pigmentation or sunburn. Also works well to minimize enlarged pores, fine lines, or wrinkles. Some of the popular variants of alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, etc.
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA):
The main characteristic of beta hydroxy acid is that it is fat-soluble. Its biggest advantage is that it is fat soluble so it can easily go to the deep layer of our skin. This acid works best to reduce clogged pores, acne, blackheads, whiteheads, etc. on the skin. Salicylic acid is the best-known example of a beta-hydroxy acid.
How do chemical exfoliators work?
Our skin cells regenerate naturally almost every month. Then the dead cells fall off and new skin cells appear. But many times due to various skin crises, weather, sun exposure, aging, or using products without understanding the skin type, the dead cells are not completely removed! This is when skin problems like pore clogging, breakouts, or excessive dryness appear. At that time the skin cannot generate new cells and the natural glow of the skin begins to diminish.
Chemical exfoliators are suggested as an easy and simple solution to these problems. After application, this exfoliator breaks the bonds of dead cells accumulated on our skin. As a result, the dead cells of the skin are gradually removed and the clogged pores are opened. Immediately the skin texture starts to improve and a healthy glow appears on the skin. So, understand how important chemical exfoliators are for the skin!
Which one is suitable for which skin type?
Add chemical exfoliators to your skincare routine according to your skin type and concerns, only then will you get the benefits. If you have active pimples or acne on your face, using a physical exfoliator or scrub is a good option.
1) If you have dry skin and have problems with pigmentation or fine lines, choose a chemical exfoliator that contains alpha hydroxy acids.
2) If you have oily and acne-prone skin, as well as blackheads or whiteheads and open pores, add a chemical exfoliator containing beta hydroxy acids to your skincare routine.
3) If you have normal or combination skin, choose a chemical exfoliator based on your skin concerns. For example, if the skin has fine lines or wrinkles, then choose an alpha hydroxy acid as an exfoliator. Again, if you have blackheads or whiteheads, choose an exfoliator that contains beta-hydroxy acids.
Beginner’s Guidelines:
There are a few simple rules to follow when it comes to including chemical exfoliators in your skincare routine. They are-
1. For those who are absolute beginners to chemical exfoliation, choose an exfoliator with a low concentration of acid. There will be less chance of skin irritation. Don’t forget to try some new products at the same time!
2. Be sure to do a patch test before using a chemical exfoliator. If you’re 20+, keep active ingredients in your skincare routine. Just follow a basic skincare routine in your teens.
3. To use an exfoliator, first clean your face with a face wash of your choice. Then take a small amount of exfoliator on a cotton pad or fingers and gently apply to the skin. Finally don’t forget to apply moisturizer!
4. No need to use a chemical exfoliator more than twice a week. Because if the skin becomes over-exfoliated, redness or rash may appear on the skin.
5. When you start using chemical exfoliators, the skin becomes slightly sun sensitive. Therefore, use sunscreen during the day. Reapply sunscreen after 2/3 hours.