Skin care: All about chemical and physical exfoliation methods

For acne and infected hair follicles, exfoliation is used as one of the most effective ways of getting rid of them. Exfoliation also helps in removing dead skin cells from the top layers of the skin. Dead cells block the pores which leads to many skin problems like skin fatigue, acne, and discolouration. There are two ways of exfoliating the skin - chemical and physical exfoliation. Both methods are different from each other and differ from individual to individual. Read on to know how an individual can understand the difference between chemical and physical exfoliation skin care methods.

Physical Exfoliation

Many people prefer physical exfoliation over chemical exfoliation because it is one of the most common methods. This method includes using scrubs with grain-like particles which work like abrasives to remove the dead skin cells. With this method, one also improves the blood circulation of the face.

As physical exfoliation may prove effective and fast but one must not prefer this method if they have sensitive skin as it causes micro-tears. Staying away from those using nutshells (like walnuts) or fruit pits is advisable. Physical exfoliation is best for the normal skin and for those who scrub less than three times a week.

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Chemical exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation is basically a non-physical approach towards exfoliating the skin. While doing this method, an individual does not have to scrub their skin as the chemical does it for them. The chemical exfoliators are not harmful as they are safe and made from naturally occurring chemical elements like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs). Both these elements are used for different skin types as AHAs are great for dry skin and BHAs are great for oily skin. BHAs are known for working efficiently for acne-prone skin.

Chemical exfoliating is slower than physical exfoliation when it comes to showing results. The positive thing about this method is that it is best suited for sensitive skin, naturally oily skin, and acne-prone skin. This exfoliation technique may take time but the chemicals break the bonds holding dead skin cells and give an individual supple skin.

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