Exfoliation | Dermatologist reviews physical vs chemical methods

  / drdavinlim   More on skin care tips. Exfoliation - Dermatologist reviews physical vs chemical methods. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, thus improving skin texture. 🤔Why exfoliate: Removing dead skin cells can improve the ‘light reflex’ making the skin more vibrant &subtle. #exfoliation also allows better penetration of skin care actives such as #retinol, #niacinamide & #ascorbicacid/ #vitaminC 💡Types of exfoliation: Physical exfoliation is a mechanical method to remove dead skin cells, whist chemical, as the name suggests involves creams, lotions, gels & washes. Physical exfoliation: Can be performed with a cloth, pads, abrasive washes or devices. #clarisonic is the most well known brand. Physical exfoliation can be combined with chemicals for the ultimate exfoliation.Scrubs contain particles such as apricot seeds, coffee grounds (DIY scrubs), oatmeal, salt & sugar.Microfibre cloths & sponges can also be used to exfoliate skin, the finer & softer the pad the more gentle they are. Don’t use a heel exfoliator on the face! . 🍊Chemical exfoliation involves a quicker turnover of dead skin cells. This can be achieved via actual removal of dead cells, or a faster turnover of cell. The former is achieved via skin care acids, whist the later is achieved with retinol- retinoids. Skin care acids including #AHAs - #glycolic - #lacticacid & #BHAs including salicylic acid are powerful exfoliators. Lean towards BHAs if you have #acne prone skin or #blackheads. #retinoids can be employed as an exfoliator . Caution in: Sensitive skin, #rosacea & dermatitis. Exfoliation is also the quickest way to stuff up your skin if you don’t know what you are doing. If in doubt, consult/insult a skin care professional . 🛒Recommended Products: The #inkeylist has a really nice range of #skinacids as do many other brands. As always, titrate exfoliants into your #skincareroutine . 🎬Action: @cliniccutis we exfoliate with #chemicalpeels, #hydrafacials, #dermaplaning & lasers. Chemical peels at $89 AUD (AHAs, BHAs, Super Strength Vitamin A/VitA peels) . 😎Davin’s Protip: Don’t try exfoliation if you have rosacea or sensitive skin- chances are your skin will hate you. For patients with normal skin, exfoliation once to twice a week can form part of your skin care routine. If you understand your skin’s threshold, adding actives can further enhance the effects of exfoliation & vice versa. More on Michelle Wong’s exfoliation guide- https://labmuffin.com Dr Davin Lim, Brisbane Dermatologist Australia