Exfoliation is a lot like cleaning out your closet—slightly messy, sometimes emotional, and potentially irritating—but when all’s said and done, both are necessary labors. In perfect self-care, exfoliation also happens regularly—twice in a week to be more specific. But life is hard and we’re busy, so if you haven’t been exfoliating regularly, now is your time to shine—both literally and figuratively.
One alternative to a mechanical scrub is chemical exfoliation. And before images of peeling, burning, red skin flash through your mind, know that “chemical” doesn’t necessarily mean extra strength. Chemical exfoliants remove the top layers of the skin by weakening the lipids that bond them together, thus removing dull and dead skin cells and revealing healthy skin cells. And since they are easily available in drugstores and recommended by dermatologists, they’re safe.
So, here are some of the chemical exfoliants.
PHAS: POLYHYDROXY ACIDS
If you’re concerned about signs of ageing, sensitivity or dehydration.
Basically the new generation of acids that penetrate the skin slowly and gradually due to which the whole chemical exfoliation is gentle for sensitive skin and do not sting on application. They support the collagen present in the skin and restore the skin cells. This acid is basically an all-rounder for your skin.
BHAS : BETAHYDROXY ACIDS
Fights breakouts and rejuvenates skin. It is helpful in removing clogged pores and keratosis pillars.
Salicylic acid is the most common BHA. Like AHA (we’ll see those later), they are excellent exfoliaters and penetrate the skin, increase shedding (which in turn reduces acne scars as well) and kick-starts rejuvenation of skin. Can be used as a moisturising product or in the shower.
SALICYLIC ACID
Treats spotty skin.
This acid is your knight in shining armour when it comes to spot removal. Many acne treatment products aim at drying out the skin due to which your skin produces more oils and cause acne. This acid removes impurities. I have a combination skin so I prefer this acid. It’s also suited for oily or acne prone skin.
LACTIC ACID
For dry or sensitive skin that needs gentle exfoliation.
This one is the real OG when it comes to getting rid of acne scars. It is a weak acid so it exfoliates gently. It is ideal for dehydrated, tired, dull looking skin as it moisturises and removes dead cells leaving your skin smooth and soft.
CITRIC ACID
For those early signs of aging and overall dull skin.
Since puberty happened, my grandma always told me to put dried orange skin on my face or to drink the juice she makes of Amla (Indian gooseberry) and other things which probably killed my taste buds. But it was worth it. I didn’t have crazy acne and my skin glided smoothly through that crazy early teen hormonal issues. All citrus fruits are rich in Vit C and Citric Acid. It helps with hyper pigmentation and dark spots. It balances pH level of the skin and promotes cell division. It’ll help in everything ranging from stress acne, mild acne, hyperpigmentation, light wrinkles and clogged pores.
GLYCOLIC ACID
All rounder.
Cult favourite. One of the chilled out acids that works as a liquid exfoliater. It’s a weak, gentle acid so it even works on sensitive skin. Honestly, ditch everything else for this. It’s a god sent product. Works on uneven skin, spots, acne, blemishes, brightening; just name it and it works on that.
AHAS: ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS
Common name for the group of acids including malic, glycolic, lactic, citric, mandelic acid.
Used in a lot of products these days. My face wash (Neutrogena) has them too. Stimulates collagen, hence helping in banishing wrinkles. Good exfoliaters. Pro tip : after using AHA you should apply high SPF sunscreen for atleast a week as skin’s sensitivity towards sun increases.
VIT C OR ASCORBIC ACID
The dull skin, polluted area living clan.
Helps to even out the skin tone, protect against UV rays damage, pollution damage and brightening of skin. It hydrates your skin, has real good antioxidants due to which skin becomes firm, plumper, and makes your skin look younger.
HYALURONIC ACID
For the dry, dehydrated skin.
Non-magical potion to hydrate your skin magically. It builds skin’s barrier making it feel and look softer, plumper and all of those adjectives to be honest. Reach out for this beauty when skin feels dry, flaky, dehydrated, dull and you’ll see a big difference.
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Written by-
Gayatri Raina.
Hysterical Perceptions 