Hey Reader!
Greetings from Relatable Science! We hope this email finds you well and glowing.
Today marks the halfway point in our brightening series.
We are on part two of building the perfect routine to fade those stubborn dark spots. Like every week we are bringing you valuable insights into the world of skincare. So let’s jump into this Relatable Skincare Report focusing on a crucial step in your beauty routine – Choosing the Right Exfoliator for a Brighter Complexion.
Why Exfoliation Matters✨
Exfoliation is the key to unlocking radiant skin by removing dead cells, unclogging pores, and promoting cell turnover. If you are serious about building a brightening routine exfoliation is important because it can help speed up the time it takes to reveal new blemish-free layers of skin, but also helps prevent new acne. As a bonus, if you have larger pores, exfoliation can be helpful by clearing them out and minimizing their appearance.
So if you are sold on using exfoliation as a tool in your brightening toolbox, the next step is choosing the right exfoliator. However, with a myriad of options available, finding the perfect exfoliator can be overwhelming. Fear not! We’ve got you covered with our expert guide.
Type of Exfoliators✨
Exfoliators can be physical or chemical exfoliants:
- Physical exfoliants are like a gardener using their hands to gently pull out dead weeds (skin cells). They use abrasive particles like sugar, salt, or crushed nuts to physically scrub away the top layer of dead skin.
- Chemical exfoliants are like a gardener using special chemicals to kill the weeds. Acids break down the bonds holding dead skin cells together, causing them to slough off naturally or with a little bit of agitation.
- Natural exfoliants are like a gardener adding worms to their garden to help break down things in the soil to add nutrients. They are typically enzymes from fruits and they work by breaking down the glue between cells (just like other chemical exfoliants). Natural enzymatic exfoliants are not as effective as AHAs and BHas but they can be a more gentle type of exfoliant.
Physical exfoliants are typically better for the skin on your body while chemical exfoliants are better for your face. The skin on your face is more sensitive, and with a physical exfoliant if you are not gentle you can cause pits and craters in your skin.
Chemical exfoliants are very powerful though so you want to make sure you gradually work them into your routine and do not overdo it. If you overuse exfoliants you will skin your skin bare and damage your skin barrier. This is very painful and uncomfortable. It can also lead to more acne and hyperpigmentation.
The Chemical Exfoliator Cheat Sheet✨
The Golden Standard of Exfoliation: This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is the golden standard for exfoliation. It can help fade hyperpigmentation, unclog pores, and even stimulate collagen production for a plumper, youthful appearance. If you are new to AHAs, introduce glycolic acid gradually, perhaps just a few times a week, and always listen to your skin. Patch test first, use moisturizer religiously, and sunscreen is your BFF as glycolic acid can make skin more sun-sensitive.
Gentle Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin give mandelic acid a try. Mandelic acid is the largest of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and it penetrates the skin in a slower more even manner. This slow and steady penetration makes it less irritating than the golden standard exfoliator, glycolic acid.
Want even more information? Check out these articles on Relatable Science to learn even more about brightening and exfoliation.
Do you have a favorite exfoliating acid or product? I would love for you to respond to this email and let me know what products and acids you like using.
Until next week, wishing you a radiant journey to glowing skin!
Allison