Lactic acid is the best exfoliating ingredient for dry, sensitive skin. Salicyclic acid is the best exfoliating ingredient for oily, acne-prone skin. Chemical exfoliants like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids are recommended over physical exfoliants.
The best exfoliating ingredient in a scrub for any skin type is generally lactic acid. Here's why: Benefits of Lactic Acid: Gentle Exfoliation: Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that provides gentle exfoliation, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Similar to Greenfield and King, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman recommends looking for physical exfoliants with small, soft exfoliating particles — ideally, ones that dissolve — such as jojoba beads, sea salt, sugar and coffee.
Natural exfoliants use ingredients derived from natural sources like sugar, salt, coffee grounds, and oatmeal, while chemical exfoliants use synthetic ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).
Notable AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and citric acid. Glycolic acid at a pH of around 3 in a concentration of 10% or more is about as strong as a cosmetic product gets!
Mechanical Exfoliation: in contrast to chemical exfoliation, mechanical exfoliation removes dead skin physically. This technique may involve the use of a soft brush or a washcloth to gently rub in circles on the face. Most effective on normal to oily skin types, this tends to be more harsh than chemical exfoliation.
Exfoliating Tools & Devices: Facial brushes, cleansing devices, or specialized exfoliating mitts can provide a deeper exfoliation and enhance the effectiveness of your skincare routine. Choose tools that are suitable for your clients' skin type and use them with caution to avoid over-exfoliation.
The effectiveness of these treatments varies depending on the type of exfoliant used. For a scrub with granules, it is recommended to apply it on damp skin to fully benefit from its properties. As for chemical exfoliants such as peels, their effectiveness is generally optimal when applied to dry skin.
The “black stuff” when you rub your skin is nothing but dead cells, dirt and surface grime. It comes off due to friction caused by rubbing your skin.
The best method for exfoliation is buffing your product into damp skin in small, circular motions or using an exfoliating tool in short, light strokes. You should never exfoliate immediately after shaving, especially if you have an open cut or sunburn.
Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel
This dermatologist-recommended chemical exfoliator can help improve uneven skin tone, rough texture, fine lines, and breakouts. We love it if you're looking for a potent, all-rounder treatment. It's also ideal for mature skin since it works to address fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
Glycolic acid is a big-hitter in the world of exfoliants. The gentle but hardworking acid is an AHA that helps to sweep away dead surface cells, revealing a new-found radiance. It boasts a small molecular size to help deeply exfoliate the skin, working to smooth uneven texture and balance uneven tone.
There are many ways to exfoliate skin naturally. Coffee grounds, sugar, finely ground sea salt, cinnamon and oats are some of the best ingredients to use in a homemade exfoliating scrub, Roff says. She is a big fan of sugar face scrubs, as they can brighten dull skin and fight signs of aging.
In general, she recommends salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and other AHAs for a granule-free exfoliant that can safely get the job done — but of course, check with your doctor first for your particular skin condition.
Exfoliation Before Cleansing
Scrubbing first loosens dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris. Following with a cleanser then washes away these loosened particles, providing a thorough cleanse and leaving a smooth, receptive surface for moisturizer.
Chemical. AHAs work by dissolving the top layer of skin to reveal new skin cells underneath. Use AHAs to make pores appear smaller or to lessen the appearance of fine lines. Glycolic acid is the most common AHA.
The grey stuff that comes off after rubbing your skin is a mixture of dead skin cells and dirt. The body sheds around 500 million particles of skin every day as the epidermis produces a new layer.
lactic acid
This Alpha Hydroxy Acid helps smoother skin, and stimulate cell turnover and renewal without leaving skin dehydrated. Find it along with other AHAs and exfoliating fruit enzymes in Liquid Peelfoliant.
Myth #1: Retinol exfoliates skin.
It's a popular misconception that retinol is an exfoliant. It isn't, because it cannot break the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the surface. Retinol is an antioxidant that promotes cell turnover, and an important skin-restoring ingredient that can impact how skin cells mature.
Be gentle to your skin.
If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes.