What is the difference? Manual Exfoliaters are products which rub or scrub off the top layer of skin, and Chemical Exfoliaters are products that remove dead cells with an acid or chemical.
Why Exfoliate?
As the body produces new skin cells in the dermal layer, dead skin cells are pushed up to the top of your skin. These old cells build up and make your skin look dull and wrinkled.
This cycle of skin regeneration happens about every 30 days. This means we need to remove that layer of dead cells to reveal the fresh new ones underneath.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical Exfoliation has many names, resurfacing, acid peeling, chemical peeling, exfoliating peel, and many other terms. They all refer to any product designed to dissolve or loosen the top layers of dead skin cells.
Chemical exfoliants can be made from Salycilic, Trichloracetic, Glycolic, Malic, and other acids designed for that purpose. Some Chemical Exfoliants are very strong, and actually blister the skin so that it peels off; this process is best left to a dermatologist or esthetician.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
There are plenty of low-strength, effective peels you can do at home. There are also plenty of excellent, low cost products that can help you remove dead skin cells without expensive and painful dermatologist visits.
One of the simplest chemical exfoliants you can incorporate into your skincare routine is AHA, (alpha hydroxy acid). There are hundreds of day and night creams, serums and products that include varying amounts of AHA. It’s a very popular and effective way to exfoliate the skin.
A safe and simple way to gently remove dead, surface skin-cells, is by FRUIT EXFOLIATION. Easy to do during breakfast!
Manual Exfoliation
Manual Exfoliation refers to any method of exfoliation that rubs or scrapes off the skin to remove the dead surface cells.
Scrubs sold over the counter are a well known and common method of skin exfoliation. Scrubs can be made from synthetic and perfectly round micro-beads. They can also be made from the ground shells of nuts or fruit seeds, from salt or sugar crystals, and various other types of granulated products.
Loofahs, washcloths, gauze pads or any other item that is used on the skin can also be a means of manual exfoliation.
To limit damage from Manual Exfoliation, only use light pressure. To do this, use only the pinky and third finger when rubbing the skin.
Why avoid Manual Exfoliation?
The constant aggravation of gritty scrubs or harsh cloth can create micro-tears on the skin, leading to thickened skin over time. This happens because the skin is trying to protect itself.
Now, I am not saying to avoid Manual Manipulation of your facial skin. Facials and massages for the purpose of creating blood flow and toning muscles is great for your skin.
But too much scrubbing and rubbing will not only create micro-tears, it will also break the delicate web of collagen fibers that holds your skin attached to the muscle underneath. Wondering why your skin looks saggy at 30 years old? The culprit could be scrubbing!
When To Use Manual Exfoliation
Without a doubt, I always recommend using Chemical Exfoliation. Any kind of scrubbing or rubbing of the skin for the purpose of exfoliation should be avoided.
But there is instance where I recommend any kind of scrubbing product on the skin and that is a GENTLE application of baking soda for MINIMIZING PORES and reducing acne.
In Conclusion.
Now that you understand the difference between Chemical and Manual Exfoliation, learn the 7 SKIN CARE MUST DO’S!
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