Exfoliation 101: Choosing Between a “Natural Face Exfoliator” and a “Chemical Exfoliant”

Authored by: Tilottama Deb
Reviewed by: Kapil Dhameja 
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Table of Content

What is Exfoliation, and Why is it Indispensable to Skin Health?

Exfoliating: the removal of old skin cells - something our own skin does at some slow pace, particularly if pollution, sun damage, or age is speeding up. If left unattended to, this may build up into a dull, spotted mess.

 

Natural face exfoliation

The most commonly cited benefits of a regular exfoliation routine are:

Brighter complexion because bright-looking healthy new skin is revealed.

Softer texture, as the rough patches, flakiness, etc., are not permitted.

Prevent pores from being clogged, which causes blackheads and acne.

Help to improve penetration of products into your skin so that your serums and moisturisers work much better.

In short words, exfoliation maintains healthy, radiant, and silky smooth skin. But is it natural or chemical exfoliation for you?

 

What Are "Chemical Exfoliators"?

Chemical exfoliants dissolve bonds holding dead cells in place so that exfoliants at the molecular level wash away those old dead skin cells, leaving in their wake fresher, better-looking skin and not scratching off that same new skin like conventional exfoliation.

Types of Chemical Exfoliants

The famous ones include AHAs, Alpha Hydroxy Acids. A good "dry or dull-skinned exfoliant", consisting of glycolic acid, lactic acid.

BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids): Suitable for oily or acne-prone skin, especially salicylic acid.

PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids): Light exfoliators for all sensitive skin.

What are the benefits of Chemical Exfoliants?

  1. Reduced hyperpigmentation, thereby giving an even skin color.
  2. Reduced lines and wrinkles
  3. Less acne breakout due to clearing clogged pores
  4. Mild yet effective for all skin.


What Are Natural Face Exfoliators?

Natural face exfoliators are based on physical particles or natural enzymes. They exfoliate mechanically by rubbing off dead skin. Some of the most popular ones include:

Sugar and salt: Just the thing for getting rid of that roughest patch.

Oatmeal: Soothing even for the most sensitive skin

Fruit enzymes, such as papaya or pineapple: Exfoliates delicately, leaving a little added brightened complexion.


Girl exfoliating her face with a natural scrub.

Benefits of Natural Face Exfoliators:

  1. Instant gratification with smooth, silky skin.
  2. Best suited for rough spots such as elbows or knees


Natural exfoliant of face vs. Chemical Exfoliant

Natural and chemical exfoliants have their positives. Natural exfoliants work through the physical removal of dead cells through scrubbing by sugar, salt, or oatmeal. They are best for instant smoothening over dry surfaces but too harsh for delicate or acne-sensitive skins if applied or rubbed too much.

Chemical exfoliants which include AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs, can break down dead skin cells softly without scrubbing. They do wonders on congested pores, uneven skin tones, and wrinkles. Natural exfoliators display instant results as they are noticeable in the skin. Chemical exfoliants are excellent for delivering long-term results, which is really great for sensitive or reactive skin.

It's your choice in the long term depending on your skin type and requirements. Natural exfoliants are good for a quick refresh; chemical exfoliants help for regular improvement and sensitive skin requirements.

 

How to Choose the Right Exfoliant for Your Skin

Here are some quick tips to guide your decision:

Dry or Aging Skin: Choose AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid for hydration and anti-aging.

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: BHAs are your BFFs for deep pore cleaning

Sensitive Skin: Use PHAs or natural exfoliants that include oatmeal or fruit enzymes.

Combination Skin: This is a good time to use a chemical exfoliant and a "natural face exfoliator."

 

Myth-Busting with Exfoliating

Let's dispel some of these commonly held myths with exfoliation:

1-Myth: Exfoliating daily is necessary for glowing skin.

Truth: Over-exfoliation can irritate and damage your skin. Stick to 1-3 times per week.

2-Myth: Scrubbing harder gives better results. 

Truth: Harsh scrubbing can cause microtears and inflammation. Gentle is the way to go!

3-Myth: All exfoliators work the same.

Truth: Each exfoliator is designed for different skin types and concerns—choose wisely.

4-Myth: Natural exfoliators are always better.

Truth: Some natural exfoliants are just too harsh to use on sensitive or problem-prone skin, depending upon particle size.

 

When to Use What?

The Night Before the Big Night: Use a chemical exfoliant so your makeup will be silky smooth and fabulous.

Day at the Spa: Try a soothing natural face exfoliator like oatmeal for something a bit more laid-back and refreshing.

War on Breakouts: BHAs Save the Day! A "chemical exfoliant" opens up blocked pores and gets to work.

Smoothing Over Problem Spots Apply a sugar- or salt-based "natural face exfoliator" to rub over rough spots.

Healthy-looking skin has a lot of aspects, among which is exfoliating, and everything depends on the discovery of an exfoliation method that corresponds to your personal need. These quick fixes that come with instant polish appeal to the idea of "natural face exfoliators;" but longer-term results come along with a "chemical exfoliant", like the gradual fading of dark spots and acne marks that continue to smooth out the skin.

Whatever you opt for, just remember to exfoliate lightly and then apply sunscreen over the newly resurfaced skin on it. So, embrace exfoliation as part of your skin care and get your skin to glow as never before!

 

References:

https://beminimalist.co/blogs/skin-care/everything-about-chemical-exfoliation-the-role-of-aha-and-bha-and-pha?

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/chemical-exfoliation#types

https://www.tiyati.co.uk/blogs/natural-beauty-articles/natural-exfoliation-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-

https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-exfoliant

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