What is the difference between Chemical and Physical exfoliation?

Exfoliation is a game-changer. If your skin is looking dull, grey, and tired, exfoliation is your ticket back to glowing, youthful skin. While it might sound simple, there is quite a lot to consider when choosing an exfoliant. Which type of exfoliant should I use? Is a physical exfoliant better than a chemical exfoliant?

Alpha-H believed in the power of exfoliants when they were still a niche concept and we have firmly cemented ourselves as a leader in the field over the past 25 years. We believe that when you rid the skin of the dead surface cells, you create a smoother appearance with a brighter and firmer complexion. Let’s take a closer look at why you need to exfoliate, the types of exfoliants, and which one might suit your skin needs.

Why should I exfoliate?

Did you know, at any given time your face can have between 10 and 30 layers of dead skin sitting on the surface? Sometimes, dead cells do not shed completely with your skin’s natural exfoliation process, which can result in dry, flaky patches and clogged pores. During your 20s, your skin’s natural exfoliation process begins to slow by nearly 30%, and by the time you are 50 or over, those surface cells could have been dead for more than two months.

Worse still, each time you put sunscreen, moisturiser, serum, primer, foundation, or concealer on your skin, you are applying it to dead cells. Is it any wonder that people often complain their skin looks permanently tired and dull?

Each time you exfoliate you remove a portion of those dead skin cells, kick-starting huge benefits for your complexion; wrinkles appear diminished, pores appear smaller, it stimulates micro-circulation, brightens your complexion, reduces the appearance of pigmentation, stimulates new cell production, improves make-up application, and allows your other skincare products to penetrate better into live skin cells where they are needed. Exfoliation is crucial to skin health and youthful longevity. It is the fastest step in your beauty routine to achieve the most visible results for a brighter, more radiant complexion.

Let’s take a closer look at the different types of exfoliation.

Chemical exfoliation

Chemical exfoliants can penetrate into the skin, working to break down the bonds which hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to lift away from the surface. There are two main types of chemical exfoliant; Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) which are water-soluble and target the skin’s surface layers to lift away dull, dead cells, and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) which are oil-soluble and work to penetrate inside the pore, shifting away debris, dead cells, and excess oil to clear congestion and fight breakout-causing bacteria.

If surface texture and luminosity is your concern, try Liquid Gold, our cult-favourite Liquid Gold contains 5% Glycolic Acid (AHA) formulated at a unique low pH of 2.8, with clinical studies showing it can visibly decrease the appearance of wrinkle depth, improve skin texture, and boost the skin’s moisture levels after just 20 minutes.

If congestion and breakouts are your focus, try Clear Skin Tonic with 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA), to tackle excess oil within the pore, while natural botanicals Eucalyptus, Tea Tree and Thyme fight bacteria, calm and soothe stressed skin and work to reduce the life span of a breakout.

It should be noted that products containing Salicylic Acid are not suitable for use by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers; you will want to look at Glycolic Acid products instead. 

Manual / physical exfoliation

This type of exfoliant is probably the one that immediately springs to mind when you think about exfoliation; it involves a bead or grain which works on the skin by gently rolling over the surface to dislodge dead skin cell build-up. Manual or physical exfoliants also help to remove any dirt or debris which has built up in the “mouth” of the pore. As such, it is a great option for people with open-pored skins who are prone to blackheads and congestion. Try Micro Super Scrub, combining 12% Glycolic Acid with eco-friendly Bamboo Stem pieces and Caffeine to harness the power of both physical and chemical exfoliants at the same time, this product mirrors the result of professional microdermabrasion in just one minute and all in the comfort of your own home.

For a fully personal routine tailored to your skin concerns, book in here for a Live Skin Consult with one of our fully qualified Skin Therapists.