Our skin consists of living cells which is covered in layers of dead cells (approximately 15-20 layers)! Thus, exfoliation is the key to maintaining healthy and functioning skin. Although our skin goes through a natural shedding process and reproduces healthy new skin to the surface, this process does not happen regularly and it may happen slower than it should. This leads to dead skin build-up, and eventually result in flaky, dull and uneven skin.
Exfoliating through skincare and facial routines can help speed up the process; making your skin look and feel better!
Types Of Exfoliator: Chemical VS Physical
There are two main types of exfoliation used in skincare: Chemical and Physical. Both types of exfoliation will reveal new and fresh skin. But the difference lies in how they accomplish the goal. Both methods have their benefits and you have to pick the right one based on your skin type.
Chemical Exfoliators: AHAs, BHAs & Fruit Enzymes
Credits: Beauty Within
Chemical exfoliation is actually a gentle method that uses slight acidic ingredients to loosen the “glue” that holds the dead skin cells together. This process will detach the dead skin cells gently from the living ones without any scrubbing or physical buffing.
The two most popluar Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are glycolic acid and lactic acid while Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) usually refers to salicylic acid. These acids help slough away dead skin cells, while potentially normalizing skin cell turnover and stimulating the growth of normal, healthy skin.
AHAs is suitable for all skin types and is gentle enough for everyone to use. However, AHAs is water-soluble and it can’t penetrate into pores as deep as BHAs.
BHAs are oil soluble and can penetrate deeper into pores to dissolve the sebum that clogs your pores; which is the main cause of inflammation, breakouts and hormonal acne. BHAs also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which are ideal for treating acne.
Fruit enzymes like papain (papaya!) and bromelain (pineapple!) are perfect exfoliants for those with sensitive skin—they’re not nearly as harsh as BHAs or AHAs. Fruit enzymes break down the keratin in skin and target the outermost layer of the epidermis.
Mirage Miracle’s Refining Face Polish is an example of a gentle chemical exfoliant. It contains 100% natural ingredients such as papaya extract and hyaluronic acid which removes dead skin cells, unclog pores and hydrates the skin at the same time. Unlike most exfoliators in the market, the Refining Face Polish is suitable for daily use and can be used as part of your double cleansing routine!
Physical Exfoliators
Physical exfoliation generally uses tools or skincare products that physically scrub the surface layer of the skin (such as electronic brushes, sugar scrubs, beads or peeling gels).
This method gives instant gratification and shows quick results, leaving your skin feeling fresh and helps promote blood circulation around the face. However, physical exfoliation tends to be harsher and might cause irritation to the skin or even expose the raw tissue to bacteria and infection. You may also over-exfoliate, reducing the ability of the skin’s outermost layer to act as a protective barrier against environmental aggressors.
Facial Treatments
Besides using skincare products to maintain healthy skin, it is also advisable to go for facial treatments once every 2-3 weeks to professional cleanse and get rid of clogged pores.
Mirage Aesthetic’s Venus Glow treatment is an ideal facial to consider, especially for congested skin. It uses a tri-modality dermal system consisting of a vacuum, 360-degree rotating tip, and two jet streams of saline to penetrate deep into pores and clean up daily dirt and debris, dry or dead skin cells, and excess sebum which is the main cause of white and blackheads.
We hope you’ve managed to learn a thing or two about exfoliating today! But if you’re still unsure, we’re here to help! Schedule an appointment with one of our professional consultants to receive tailored advice. Your consultant will do a skin analysis with you and find out more about your skincare concerns. At the end of your consultation, you will definitely understand your skin type better and receive a personalised treatment plan to pair with your skincare routine.
Also, keep up with us through our Instagram (@Mirageaesthetic) and Facebook (Mirage Aesthetic) for more skincare tips and tricks!
