Exfoliators: The Conclusive Guide

The Skinsmith | 28th April 2022

Exfoliators

Exfoliators: What Are They and Why Do We Use Them?

Exfoliation is an essential step in an effective skincare routine: the simple exfoliator definition means to remove dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis.

A build-up of dead skin cells can cause problems such as breakouts, flaky skin, and dull skin, on top of other things. The body naturally sheds these dead skin cells every 28-30 days to help combat these problems; however, this can slow to every 40-60 days with age, or some struggle to naturally remove this layer of dead skin altogether…

Manually or chemically removing these dead skin cells two or three times a week through exfoliation can brighten and clear your skin. Best of all, there are several types of exfoliators – meaning you can create an exfoliation routine around your skin type for the most effective results!

This conclusive guide to exfoliators reviews chemical vs physical exfoliators, as well as how to use an organic exfoliator, and the benefits of doing so.

Types of Exfoliators

There are three main types of exfoliators. These include mechanical or physical exfoliators, chemical exfoliators, and enzymatic exfoliators – each exfoliator type offers different benefits depending on skin type.

Discover 3 simple steps to reveal your skin type by clicking here.

Mechanical Exfoliator

Also known as a physical exfoliator, a mechanical exfoliator includes facial scrubs, brushes and sponges used on the skin. This type of exfoliator is great for oily or combination skin, leaving skin feeling refreshed and revitalised after use. A mechanical exfoliator can be used up to five times a week for oily skin, and three times a week for combination skin. Applied in gentle, circular motions, scrubs should then be rinsed off with lukewarm water, before patting the face dry – a moisturiser can be applied after for especially soft and bright skin.

Chemical Exfoliator

Chemical exfoliators include acids and skin peels such as AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids). AHAs, such as glycolic and lactic acid, is a great skin exfoliators for dry skin, promoting healthy skin turnover in a non-abrasive way. BHAs, such as salicylic acid, combat oily skin, and are also good exfoliators for acne as they penetrate further into the skin to unclog pores. Chemical exfoliators like these can be applied once or twice a week, to a clean face. Chemical peels should also be applied after cleansing; however, it is best to follow the instructions on the product for the most effective results.

Enzymatic Exfoliators

An enzymatic exfoliator is a type of AHA, which are typically found in sugary fruits and berries; popular enzymatic exfoliators include papaya and pineapple enzymes. This organic exfoliator is much gentler than BHAs or mechanical exfoliators and is a great skin exfoliator for sensitive skin. They break down keratin proteins which are attached to dead skin cells to remove them, working similarly to a chemical exfoliant, only at a much slower and safer pace. This ensures sensitive skin is not attacked and further damaged by chemicals.

Benefits of Using Exfoliators

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There are many benefits to using an exfoliator – exfoliators encourage healthy skin turnover, which can brighten and clear skin, as well as slow the visible effects of ageing!

So… what are the benefits of using an exfoliator?

Exfoliators are great for minimising the effects of ageing on your skin. As you age, your natural skin cell turnover slows. Exfoliating not only helps with skin cell turnover, which brightens skin and reduces mild hyperpigmentation such as age spots, but can increase the production of collagen. Collagen is a structural protein found within skin which provides support to tissues as well as helping tissue repair. Increasing the production of collagen in ageing skin can help with skin elasticity, and minimise the appearance of fine lines.

Exfoliators help unclog pores and enlarged pores, which contributes to reducing the chances of hormonal and acne breakouts.

Exfoliators can help the appearance and texture of skin – especially dull and dry skin. Using a suitable skin exfoliator for dry skin will help remove flaky skin, whilst good exfoliators for acne can prevent breakouts, helping improve the appearance of skin.

Improving the texture of skin can prepare the skin for fake tans and makeup, providing a flawless layer for your tan or foundation to sit on. It can also help maintain natural tans, though it is important to always use SPFs when tanning, and even more so when tanning exfoliated skin.

Exfoliators, particularly mechanical exfoliators, increase blood circulation; this can be done on the face as well as the body. Prompting blood circulation can help your body to remove toxins and stimulate lymphatic drainage, allowing skin care products such as moisturisers to better absorb into the skin.

Find The Right Exfoliator for Your Skin by Checking Out the Skinsmith’s Complete Range Here

Discover the right exfoliator for your skincare routine by checking out our complete exfoliators product range by clicking here. You can also take a closer look at a selection of our Eminence organics exfoliator products by viewing the products below.

Speak to a member of our skilled and experienced team to find out more about exfoliators and for guidance on what exfoliator you should use for your skin by calling 01305 300950 , by emailing the Skinsmith at [email protected] or by using our contact form below. We hope to hear from you soon.

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