Physical vs Chemical Exfoliation: What’s The Difference?
Throughout the day, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of our skin, leading to a dull complexion that is prone to clogged pores and breakouts. The best way to remove this build-up and prevent unwanted breakouts is with regular exfoliation. But with endless physical and chemical exfoliators out there, which type of exfoliation is best? SKKN by KIM’s luxurious skincare line offers both a physical and chemical exfoliation formula, both created with high quality ingredients that are proven to leave your skin feeling soft and looking radiant.
The main difference between physical and chemical exfoliants is that chemical exfoliants use acids or enzymes to break down the bonds of dead skin cells to loosen them from your skin while physical exfoliants use small particles or abrasive material to scrub away dead skin cells and debris.
What is Exfoliation?
Let’s start with the basics - what does exfoliation mean? Our skin cells are regularly turning over, leaving dead ones around to be shed. Exfoliation refers to the process of getting rid of dead skin cells from the top layer or surface of your skin. Our skin sheds these dead cells every month or so, but sometimes they can linger causing dry, flaky skin and clogged pores. Regular exfoliation assists with the removal of these dead skin cells leaving us with beautiful, radiant, and glowing skin!
There are a couple types of exfoliation that assist with this process, addressing different complexion impurities. The main types this article covers is physical, chemical, and dual exfoliation.
Types of Exfoliation
Physical Exfoliation
Any technique that rubs off dead skin cells and other debris from the skin's surface is considered physical exfoliation. Think: washcloths, scrubs, dermaplaning, and microdermabrasion.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical Exfoliation refers to the use of enzymes, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) in skincare, to dissolve dead skin cell buildup from the surface of your skin.
Dual Exfoliation
Dual exfoliation combines physical and chemical exfoliation to help increase glow and optimize the benefits of skincare applied afterwards
Physical vs Chemical Exfoliation - Which is Better?
We love both physical and chemical exfoliator formulas for different reasons! If your main concern is to prevent breakouts, go with a physical exfoliator. If your skin would benefit from smaller pores and softening of fine lines, fo with a chemical exfoliation formula. Kim would recommend cycling both into your routine to take full advantage of the differing benefits of exfoliator formulations. Check out our article on AM and PM skincare regimen to perfect your routine.
Benefits of Physical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliation manually sloughs off dead skin cells from the surface. Naturally, this exfoliation method employs instant results leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth immediately after the first use. Because physical exfoliants physically remove buildup and debris from the skin, this method manually unclogs pores making it extremely effective at preventing breakouts. Not to mention it encourages better absorption of your other skincare products like face creams and vitamin C serums.
When choosing a physical exfoliator, be sure to look for products with super fine materials, to prevent micro tearing on your sensitive skin. Look for ingredients such as round mineral grains to make sure your exfoliating routine isn’t too abrasive on the skin. Check out SKKN by KIM’s gentle exfoliator, formulated to remove dead cells from the skin’s surface, even out skin tone, and soften the skin.
Benefits of Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation, often utilizing ingredients such as AHAs or BHAs, offer several benefits for your skin. Benefits such as its ability to sit on and penetrate your pores and skin at a deeper level than physical exfoliation while simultaneously minimizing the irritation that come with some overly abrasive physical exfoliants. Chemical exfoliation also addresses a variety of skin concerns: hyperpigmentation, acne, fine lines, large pores, and more, all while encouraging the renewal of new healthier skin cells. Additionally, chemical exfoliators are a gentler solution for vibrant, glowy, youthful skin.
If you decide to go the chemical route, be sure to choose a gentle chemical exfoliant when you are first starting out. Check out SKKN’s toner, formulated with powerful antioxidants, enzymes, and AHAs to help your skin glow without stripping tone and hydration.
Shop SKKN by KIM Exfoliants
Soft Resurfacing Exfoliator
The Soft Resurfacing Exfoliator doubles as a mechanical and enzymatic exfoliating scrub with extra-fine, spherical grains that immediately works to gently remove dead cells from the skin surface, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.
Use 1-2 times a week.
AHA + Gentle Exfoliation Toner
Formulated with AHAs, BHA, and fruit enzymes, the AHA + Gentle Exfoliation Toner helps enhance the skin's texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and micro-exfoliate the complexion with double acidic and enzymatic exfoliation.
Use daily.
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TONER
Formulated with AHAs, BHA, and fruit enzymes, the Toner helps enhance the skin's texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and micro-exfoliate the complexion with double acidic and enzymatic exfoliation.
Use daily.
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