Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliation for Clear Skin

If you’re looking for smooth, radiant, glowing skin, you need to add exfoliation to your regular skincare routine. Exfoliating helps you shed old, dry skin cells that can clog your pores and make your complexion look dull. But if you’re new to exfoliation, it’s important to proceed with care—overdoing it can leave your skin barrier irritated and worsen issues like acne and rosacea.

So how do you do exfoliation right? There are two different approaches: chemical and physical.

Chemical exfoliation uses acids or enzymes to loosen dead skin cells. Physical exfoliation uses scrubs or brushes to slough off the skin. Both methods have their pros and cons, so read on and we’ll help you compare chemical vs physical exfoliation to decide which one is right for you. 

What Are Chemical Exfoliants?

Chemical exfoliants use special active ingredients to remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal. Unlike physical exfoliants, which scrub away dead skin cells, chemical exfoliants dissolve the bonds between skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily. 

The most common products used for chemical exfoliation are:

• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) – This category includes glycolic, citric, malic, and lactic acid. AHAs can help shrink pores and reduce fine lines, age spots, and hyperpigmentation [1]. 
• Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) – This group includes salicylic acid and tropic acid, although typically you’ll only find salicylic acid in skincare products [2]. It’s often used for reducing signs of sun damage, as well as fighting acne.
• Enzymes – These gentle exfoliants use natural enzymes from fruits or plants to break down the proteins that hold dead skin cells together. Common enzyme exfoliants include papain (an extract of papaya) and bromelain (derived from pineapple). Enzymes tend to be more mild than AHAs and BHAs, so they’re ideal for sensitive skin. 

What Are Physical Exfoliants?

Physical exfoliants loosen dead skin cells from the surface of the skin with manual tools like scrubs or brushes. Like chemical exfoliation, this process helps to brighten the complexion by removing dry, flaky skin and revealing fresh, smooth skin underneath. 

There are different kinds of physical exfoliation you can try, depending on your skin type, preference, and budget. Some options include:

• Scrubs – These skincare products contain small particles that create friction when massaged onto the skin. They can be made from natural abrasives like sugar, salt, or ground nuts and seeds, or you can choose products containing synthetic microbeads [3].
• Brushes – Brushes made for skin exfoliation have soft bristles that gently loosen skin cells without causing irritation. They can be as simple as a regular brush held in the hand and gently scrubbed over the skin, or you can purchase battery-operated models with rotating bristles to make the process quick and easy. 
• Microdermabrasion – This is a professional treatment available from your dermatologist. With this method, your dermatologist uses a tool that sprays tiny crystals onto the skin to remove the top layer. Professional microdermabrasion penetrates deeper into the skin than at-home treatments, so it can make a significant difference in the appearance of scars, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines [4].

Choosing the Right Exfoliation Method for You

Exfoliation isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and both methods have their benefits and drawbacks. Fortunately, you don’t have to stick to one method or the other—for many people, using both methods will yield the best results. 

Here are some tips for how to exfoliate your skin depending on your skin type:

• For normal or oily skin – Try a combination of both physical and chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation offers immediate results, while chemical exfoliation can dissolve oil and unclog pores at a deeper level. Just keep in mind that you shouldn’t use both methods on the same day. 
• For dry or sensitive skin – Chemical exfoliants may be the best fit for you. Physical exfoliation could be too much for skin that’s already less oily and more prone to irritation. Remember, chemical exfoliants can leave your skin sensitive to sun exposure, so be sure to use a daily moisturizer with SPF that’s formulated to protect and repair your skin.
• For mature skin – Both physical and chemical exfoliation may be beneficial in moderation. Skin can be more prone to dryness and dullness as we age, so occasional physical exfoliation can provide an instant brightness boost. Additionally, chemical exfoliants can offer gentle long-term help with fine lines and wrinkles. 

A few precautions to keep in mind:

• Exfoliation should be used in moderation – As a rule of thumb, don’t exfoliate more than two or three times per week [5]. 
• Exfoliation can be drying – On days when you exfoliate, be sure to moisturize, and only use a gentle facial cleanser so that you don’t remove too much oil from your skin. 
• Always follow with moisturizer – Exfoliating can temporarily disrupt your skin’s protective barrier [3].3 Be sure to incorporate a rich moisturizer like our personalized night cream into your routine to help restore hydration while you sleep.

Discover Your Skin’s True Potential with PROVEN Skincare

Adding exfoliation to your skincare regimen is one of the best ways to remove dead cells and leave your skin smooth and polished. Both physical and chemical exfoliation offer benefits that can take your skin from dull to radiant. Don’t be afraid to experiment and change up your routine to discover the best method (or combo) for you.

After exfoliating, be sure to protect and nourish that soft new skin with custom skincare from PROVEN Skincare. We’ll analyze your skin type, goals, lifestyle, and environment to give you a unique skincare formula that’s exactly what your skin is thirsting for. 

For skincare that fits you, think PROVEN.