Physical exfoliation is done by mechanically removing dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This process includes gloves or abrasive pieces, various equipment and scrubs. Face scrubs are the most typical products that carry out this process. They consist of the creamy part and the abrasive part that does the exfoliation.

Physical exfoliation instantly removes your skin’s surface cells, leaving your face feeling soft and glowy even after the first use. The product you will choose to do the physical exfoliation must be gentle on the skin, not cause damage, irritation or pain. The feeling of using a scrub on the skin is very good and soothing, but you should not get carried away by it and apply more force than necessary, because you risk causing micro-cracks in the skin. Every circular motion should be done without pressure and with delicate and round particles. This is also the reason why homemade scrubs are not recommended.

Chemical exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells through certain agents called acids. Applying exfoliating acids onto the skin breaks down the ‘glue’ that keeps the dead cells attached to each other, and over time they fall away and make way for new cells.

There are different types and concentrations of acids. They are divided into two large groups: alpha hydroxy acids or AHA for short and beta hydroxy acids or BHA. AHAs work by breaking down the attachment of dead cells to the rest of the regenerated skin, thus contributing to smoother, more even-toned skin. They are suitable even for the most sensitive skin types (except for glycolic acid, which should be used carefully by sensitive skins). Whereas, BHAs work by penetrating deeper into pores and breaking down oil and dirt.