Exfoliating: which method suits your skin?

When there is less sun, the skin often looks a little duller and pigment spots become more noticeable. That makes it a good time to exfoliate: removing dead skin cells, so the fresh skin underneath becomes visible.

There are three ways to exfoliate.

Mechanical exfoliation

With a scrub containing grains and circular movements, you remove dead skin cells. This method is best suited to thicker, coarser skin.

Chemical exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation uses fruit acids, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. They loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, so the skin renews itself. This form is widely used for fine lines, acne and pigmentation.

Enzymatic exfoliation

Here, enzymes in the product loosen the dead skin cells. It is a very mild way of exfoliating, suitable for sensitive skin, for example with eczema or rosacea.

Which products do we use?

We have a suitable product at the practice for each method.

For mechanical exfoliation we like to use the Microscrub from Alpha-H. It contains a fine grain and exfoliates the skin gently. For chemical exfoliation we recommend the products from the Liquid Gold line from Alpha-H or the Daily Glycolic Cleanser from Dermalogica. If you want the mildest possible exfoliation, there is the Milkfoliant from Dermalogica, with lactic acid, oat extract and mild enzymes.

Would you like to know which method suits your skin? Then book a free appointment using the button below.