Facial skin regeneration is a natural process in which dead epithelial cells detach and are replaced by new ones. However, this may slow down, in which case external help is needed. This is where skin scrubs and chemical peels come into the picture, helping the cells to exchange again at the usual rate.
Although exfoliation plays a key role in achieving healthy, soft, and radiant skin, yet, many forget this step from their beauty routine.
Whether using an exfoliator or a chemical exfoliator is better for you, is mainly based on individual preferences and there is no clear, black-and-white answer as to which type is good for whom, but with the help of basic information and knowing our skin, we can find the right solution.
Scrubs
In the skin scrubs, you can find granules that can be felt by hand, such as sugar, pearl extract, or coffee beans, they cleanse the pores of the dead epithelial cells stuck in them, and they treat your skin with rubbing and physical effect. Today, you can also get exfoliating in the form of cream and gel. They are easy to use: the eraser should be smeared on slightly damp skin, gently applied, and rinsed. After rinsing, we notice much softer skin on ourselves and are less likely to have an allergic reaction or skin irritation compared to chemical peels.
However, skin scrubs, it is considered too rough for the skin surface, however, this is not necessarily true. Here, too, it is important to choose the right product, the size of the grain, and the care, if you feel too strong during use, you can simply switch to another brand.
Chemical exfoliators
Through the safe acidic ingredients of chemical peels, they gently and evenly dissolve dead epithelial cells from the skin and accelerate, more precisely, restore the process of skin cell renewal. The best-known exfoliating acids are AHA, BHA (also known as salicylic acid), and PHA acids.
AHA acids (alpha-hydroxy acid) are water-soluble acids that remove dead epithelial cells from the surface of the skin, making them soft and even, but unable to penetrate the pores. Examples of AHA acids are lactic acid and glycolic acid, which are effective in treating injuries caused by sun damage, uneven skin surfaces, and pigment spots.
BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) is a fat-soluble acid that can penetrate the pores to remove stuck dead epithelial cells. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and is particularly effective against blackheads and acne.
PHA (polyhydroxy acid) has similar properties to AHA acids, but due to its larger molecular size, it cannot penetrate so deep into the skin, making it the gentlest and least irritating chemical exfoliating acid for the skin.
Own experience
I have personally used Avon as well as Balea’s own branded skin scrubs in the past that have fine grains. However, 3 years ago I had quite strong skin problems, my skin changed weekly to dry, sensitive, or even oily, plus I had symptoms of seborrhea and that’s when I switched to chemical peels.
After trying several brands, I finally switched to Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Chemical Exfoliator – and at the same time, I started using the company’s face creams. I have a proven shift, my skin has since been balanced, soft, and full of life, which is especially important as I not only use everyday makeup, but I also wear face paint and massive makeup during photography and events.