Beginners Guide: 3 Types of Exfoliators

Beginners Guide: 3 Types of Exfoliators

Creating a skincare routine can be daunting. Whether you are new to the skincare world, or simply want to learn more about how to accomplish your skincare goals, we suggest adding exfoliation to the top of your priority list.

Why? Simply put, a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface can lead to dull skin, excess oil, and acne. Exfoliating twice a week removes surface-level dead skin cells, which immediately improves the appearance of your skin. It also has the added benefit of boosting the effectiveness of the rest of your skincare routine. 

With all the different types of exfoliators on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your skin type. Let’s start by breaking down the three different types of exfoliators: physical, chemical, and enzymatic.

 

Physical Exfoliation

One of the most common types of exfoliators is physical. This method of exfoliation uses a brush, bristles, or abrasive physical granules (like ground walnut shells) to scrub away unwanted dirt and oil from your skin manually. While this method of exfoliation is effective, it can wreak havoc on the delicate skin of your face. Harsh physical exfoliators can microscopically tear at the skin, increasing the chance of premature signs of aging. This method is best used on areas of the body where skin is more resilient, such as the arms, legs, and torso.

 

Chemical Exfoliation

Another common type of exfoliation is chemical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation is more effective at removing dead skin cells gently. Some common types include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs). These acids exfoliate by breaking down the bonds that hold your damaged skin cells together, which are then removed by the product. AHAs are acids, like the citric acids found in lemons and limes, the glycolic acid found in sugarcane, the lactic acid found in sour milk and tomatoes, the malic acid in apples, and the tartaric acid found in grapes. The main BHA used is salicylic acid, and is extracted from willow bark. The most common PHAs are gluconolactone, galactose, and lactobionic acid. While these are all hydroxy acids, they all have different uses and skin types that they work well with.

 

Enzymatic Exfoliation

Lastly, we have enzymatic exfoliation. This type of exfoliation is best for those with sensitive skin. The enzymes in the product are generally sourced from fruit, and breakdown the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. Since the enzymes only target dead skin cells that are ready to be removed, you don’t have to worry about over-exfoliating. In a professional setting, enzymatic exfoliation can be used in place of an abrasive chemical peel for those with sensitive skin.

 

Exfoliating With Cure Aqua Gel

No matter what skin type you have, our hybrid chemical-physical exfoliator Cure Aqua Gel is formulated for you. As a hybrid exfoliator, it has the benefits of physical exfoliation without damage. It’s also able to remove unwanted dirt and oil without the use of strong acids. This award-winning product is formulated with 91% activated hydrogen water and natural ingredients such as Aloe Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, and Rosemary Leaf Extract.

No need to spend time scrubbing your skin; our gentle exfoliator does the work for you. Exfoliating twice a week with Cure Aqua Gel has the added benefit of boosting the effectiveness of the rest of your skincare routine. Keep in mind that it can be used on other parts of the body, such as hands, elbows, neck, and knees.

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