Exfoliation

[MahamS]

What’s better, Physical or Chemical? For chemical, what’s better; something like Dermalogica’s microexfoliant or Pixi’s glow tonic?

[adurdin3]

Mechanical exfoliation can be damaging and irritating if not done correctly, but so can chemical. Chemical exfoliation may be more controlled I feel and in my experience it’s more gentle! I do use a super gentle exfoliating wash (purity) so my skin isn’t stripped or agitated.. but I also don’t use it every day, sometimes not even every other day because it’s too much. However, I do use a chemical exfoliant every night. I use the TLC Framboos glycolic night serum which gently dissolves away dead skin cells.

[WinglessOne]

@MahamS  I do chemical exfoliation 1-3 times a week and physical exfoliation maybe once a month. My favorite exfoliant is FIRST AID BEAUTY - FAB Skin Lab Resurfacing Liquid 10% AHA: it contains a mix of AHAs and enough buffering/soothing ingredients to prevent irritation of my fairly finicky mostly-dry combo skin. Once in a while, I use a BHA exfoliant: Paula’s Choice Clear Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution (regular strength, 2% salicylic acid). My physical exfoliation is done via my FOREO - LUNA™ mini 2. I don’t use it nearly as often as I used to, but it’s a nice massaging treat now and then. 

A good way to ease your skin into an AHA exfoliant is FIRST AID BEAUTY - Facial Radiance Pads. This was my entry-level chemical exfoliant. They’re very gentle. I don’t remember how gentle the SEPHORA COLLECTION - Glow Peel Pads are (I’ve never used them) but that’s another potential option. Paula’s Choice makes a good 8% AHA exfoliant gel. 

My face doesn’t like scrubs that contain physical granules: they all irritate my skin, usually because of a granules + bad-for-me ingredients combo. For instance, Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant and the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate scrub reeeally messed up my skin because they both contain essential oils (grapefruit oil in the Dermalogica, bergamot + lavender + orange peel + geranium oils in ExfoliKate—and ExfoliKate contains alcohol); those oils + scrub action = flaky red rash of sorrow. 😞 Your mileage may vary, of course. But man, just thinking about the ExfoliKate scrub makes my skin itch. I’m sure there are good scrubs out there, but I wouldn’t recommend either of those I just mentioned. 

[l8totheparty]

I've just started up the SEPHORA COLLECTION - Glow Peel Pads and they are gentle on the skin. However, I don't have super sensitive skin. They have a gentle, pleasant scent. 

@WinglessOne @MahamS 

[TennisTony]

I personally find the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Powder Exfoliant with Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes 2.6oz/73 gramsto be too gritty for what is is.  Two better versions of this powder exfoliant would be the TATCHA - The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powderor AMOREPACIFIC - Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder.  These would be considered chemical exfoliants because the powders contain enzymes that chemically 'dissolve' dead skin rather than a physical scraping off of the dead skin.

My favorite physical exfoliant is in a mask form.  It's the @CLINIQUE - City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub.  I do it once a week and my skin is baby soft afterwards.  It's a clay based mask, so if you're oily, you'd love it.  If you're dry, you may want something else.  The best non-mask physical exfoliant that I like is the Fresh Soy Exfoliant.  

[HulkSmashAF]

I prefer chemical. I’ve tried both but the problem with physical is it really depends on you know how much pressure and how long you should be exfoliating. Most people are too rough and end up doing more damage than good with physical. I have combination very sensitive skin so I was afraid of chemical for a long time but it has by far been the best option for me, mostly because it’s hard for me to mess up lol. I currently love the Youth to the people Kombucha + 11%AHA Exfoliation Power Toner. I cleanse my face and then apply this at night then use any other treatments/moisturizers that I want. It’s been super effective. If you do try chemical I’d recommend start using once a week and slowly incorporate more days if you need that way you don’t overdo it.

[averylayne]

@MahamS  I use both.  I need both. haha

Chemical:  they sting a bit when you initially start using them. But once you get use to them, they are great for maintenance.  They really help brighten your complexion and fade scars.  I had a very bad acne problem before as well, and chemical exfoliation has really help control it.  

1. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ AHA + BHA Mask 1.69 oz/ 50 mL
   1. one of the highest concentrations of AHA/BHA so may need to work up to this one
2. KATE SOMERVILLE - ExfoliKate® Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment
   1. notice I've listed this in the physical exfoliation too because there are beads in this one that help polish your skin
3. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads 30 Treatments + 5 Bonus
   1. this one is the easiest one to use, and it's the least messy
4. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening 1 oz/ 30 mL
   1. another high concentration of acids, would be a less expensive alternative to DE Baby Facial
5. other notable chemical exfoliators
   1. Pixi Glow Tonic - I was using this everyday and loved it. I only stopped using it because I wanted a higher concentration of glycolic acid 
   2. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - also really good for maintenance
   3. there are also plenty of options for natural AHA/BHAs that tend to be more gentle.  Noteworthy brands include Herbivore and Tata Harper

Physical:  I really like physical exfoliation because it just makes your skin feel instantly renewed.  It also helps your serums really sink in, so after physical exfoliation, I like to bring out my best serums.

1. DR. BRANDT SKINCARE - microdermabrasion age defying exfoliator
   1. I really like this one, I'm not even sure how to describe it other than it's one of my favs. You control how abrasive it is by how much pressure and water you apply when applying
2. LANCER - The Method: Polish
   1. less abrasive than Dr Brandt. Doesn't feel like your skin is being ripped apart, just a gentle polish as the name states
3. KATE SOMERVILLE - ExfoliKate® Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment
   1. dual-exfoliation with beads and chemicals
4. SUMMER FRIDAYS - Overtime Mask
   1. probably the most gentle exfoliator I have and it smells like pumpkin pie!

Sorry, this is really long. I just really like exfoliation haha.  Good luck!

[MahamS]

hey, thank u for the detailed reply! i dnt want to start with really strong potency so that’s why not leaning towards DE or the likes. What do u think abt Dermalogica’s microexfoliant?

[PopQueen]

Both are great ways to exfoliate and I use both but I am more consistent with chemical exfoliation. I prefer chemical exfoliation do you to the fact that I have acne prone skin, so it is always constantly going underneath the surface to clear my pores, drag out any impurities and reduce the clogging which ends up becoming whiteheads, blackheads and etc. That being said, chemical exfoliation I can also be better for the skin in the long run, because it doesn’t act really harsh on the skin, or create any physical damage on the skin epidermis layer. In terms of chemical exfoliation, I use Ren’s Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic as my daily toner in time with my African Black Soap Cleanser and it has done WONDERS in clearing up my acne and my skin’s texture. I have multiple serums from the Ordinary such as as their Salicylic Acid 2%, and Alpha Lopoic Acid 5% which also act as chemical exfoliates. For physical exfoliation, it tends to give an instant result in terms of glowing skin, seemingly reduced pores and hydration but I find myself still drawn to using chemical exfoliates to give me the same result. To especially combat my acne prone skin, I use physical exfoliates that still have chemical ingredients(AHAs and BHAs) in them, for example, GLAMGLOW’s SuperMud Clearing Treatment which has a 6 acid blend of AHAs and BHAs as well as REN’s Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask which has glycolic, lactic, citric, and tartaric acids. Overall, I’ve learned that skin care is a journey (an expensive one at that) and you’ll have to learn what works well for you. Perhaps physical exfoliation may give you a better result than chemical if your skin isn’t so sensitive. Hopefully, this helps! 🙂

[fatimamummy]

@MahamS  I prefer chemical exfoliation but also enjoy physical exfoliation in forms of microdermabrasion  I’m not a fan of gritty scrubs though as to me they feel harsh on skin. 
In my regular routine I use Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads 30 Treatments + 5 Bonus every other night and once in a while use more stronger chemical exfoliant like The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening 1 oz/ 30 mL. When I get bored of them or want a change , I switch to weekly use  of   PMD - Personal Microderm Pro . Just make sure you aren’t using chemical and physical exfoliant sat the same time because it can harm your skin.

[MahamS]

ok good! i m seeing many r recommending Dr Dennis, i will try it 👍🏻.

[greeneyedgirl107]

@MahamS I prefer chemical exfoliants because I think the results are better over time.  I do use physical exfoliants, but I've found that I don't have to use them nearly as much as I used to years ago if I'm consistent with chemical exfoliation.  Also, I've personally found that many physical exfoliant are either too soft or too harsh for my skin.  

I know the Pixi Glow Tonic is popular, but I was dissuaded from using it due to the review on  beautypedia, which gave it 1/5 stars:

Spoiler

Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner 5% Glycolic Acid's formula is a mixture of the good, the bad, and the ugly, which ultimately compromises skin.

The good? The 5% glycolic acid is an excellent exfoliating ingredient to reveal softer, smoother, more radiant skin. The bad news, however, is that its effects are minimized because the pH of this formula is slightly above the range required for optimal exfoliation. This is also packaged in a clear container that isn't UV coated, meaning you'll have to store it in a dark place to keep its antioxidant ingredients stable (we contacted the brand and it confirms it should be stored out of direct light).

The ugly? The high concentration of witch hazel that this liquid toner features is a sensitizing ingredient, which leaves skin worse for wear. Between that and the potentially skin-aggravating fragrance, it's a recipe for disaster on your skin (see More Info to learn why).

Beyond the glycolic acid, Pixi included ammonium glycolate which can offer some exfoliation, but considering the overall formula is more problematic than helpful, why bother?

See our list of Best Exfoliants for superior options that are gentle on skin yet highly effective!

PROS:

• Contains ingredients that allow for some exfoliation.

CONS:

• Contains sensitizing witch hazel and fragrance, which leaves skin worse for wear.
• Glycolic acid's ability to optimally exfoliate is compromised by the high pH of this formula.

If you are looking for a good AHA, I rec Paula's Choice and Alpha Skincare.  I wish I had a good physical exfoliant to rec, but the one I like best has been changed several times and I prefer the original.

Good luck!  🙂

[MahamS]

ok thank u for the detailed reply!

[Cyncynn]

@MahamS 

For me they serve different purposes. I only go for a physical exfoliator if I need an immediate effect. I tend to use it a day or two before an event to ensure I had no dry flakes on my skin and have a very smooth makeup application.

A chemical exfoliator is constantly sloughing away dead cells and helping keep your skin smooth.

I use a chemical exfoliator every day and because of that I rarely go for a physical one (once a month and my favorite is the Lancer one).

Pay attention to the product description and see if the product and acids used are for you. In general (it will depend on what other ingredients are in the formula)  salicylic is great for acne and clogged pores, lactic is very good for dry skin types and glycolic tends to be used in most formulas (brightening/anti aging, etc).

Pixi Glow Tonic is very, very gentle so it could be a decent starting point. I haven't tried the dermalogica one. I am tagging some products I have tried and liked it.

LANCER - The Method: Polish

FIRST AID BEAUTY - Facial Radiance Pads The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner 3.4 oz/ 100 mL ALPHA-H - Liquid Gold Mini Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads 30 Treatments + 5 BonusDR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE - Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel

The P50 line from biologique recharge (not sold at sephora) it's also pretty good.

[MahamS]

thanks so much for the detailed reply! Yes i have heard of same that pixi toner is gentle and a good start. I am just surprised what it is so famous for? knowing people like quick and dramatic results. The dermalogica one does have salicylic acid. I have combo skin and my concerns are acne marks, overall uneven skin texture, tone and congestion. The only reason i wud prefer this over a toner is that i find using it everyday is just an extra time consuming step 🤦🏻‍♀️.

[treestar86]

dermae's radiance toner + overnight peel are great.  I also like PHILOSOPHY - The Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash

[Cyncynn]

@MahamS 

I think it's popular because it doesn't irritate the skin. A lot of people are afraid of acids and would assume that mild irritation (which happens with acids if you're not careful) equals allergy and they'll just stop using.

If you do have congestion an acid toner would be a better bet. The physical exfoliant will just scratch the surface and the acid will act deeper and encourage cell renewal and by doing that bring whatever is clogging your pores to surface.

Another alternative is to use the toner as a once/twice/thrice a week treatment. 

Dr. Dennis Gross and Alpha H have acid treatments that are made to be used once or twice a week only.