6 yrs, 11 mths ago

Do I need a chemical exfoliator?

Hi beauties,
I have a fairly clear complexion, no acnes nothing. My only issue is with skin dryness and sensitivity to harsh products as it tends to get red. Since I do not exfoliate, I get dead skin and products dont absorb well. I have recently started looking at AHA/BHA exfoliators.
My query is, are they for me or will they be too harsh? Or are they more suited to acne prone/blemish prone skin? I just want to exfoliate and get that super soft skin. I am 29 so not really looking for anti ageing stuff too.
Please advise with any recommendations of AHA exfoliators.

7 comments 32 voices

Replies

  • 6 yrs, 9 mths ago

    This is a great topic. I’m afraid to use anything too harsh on my face. If it ain’t broke why fix it?

  • 6 yrs, 10 mths ago

    Went into Mecca today and the lady suggested the dermalogica cream exfoliant too but my question is, would it do the job of dissolving dead skin? I have sensitive skin that is super clear but dry.

  • 6 yrs, 11 mths ago

    If your skin tends to get sensitive, stay away from scrubs (i.e. physical exfoliation).

    Chemical exfoliation will help your other skincare penetrate better. The good thing about chemical exfoliation is that there are different % of active ingredient available in the market, so you can find a strength that your skin can tolerate.

    I highly recommend Dermalogica gentle cream exfoliant. It’s like a mask that you apply 1 to 2 times a week, after cleansing and before putting on serum and moisturiser. It is a good starter as it is really gentle and doesn’t cause me any irritation whatsoever. You can then step up to a higher % (e.g. peels) once your skin has built its tolerance.

  • 6 yrs, 11 mths ago

    When i went for an organic facial, the technician used an AHA exfoliator and mentioned it was sugar cane based, it stung my skin for a short bit but was fine afterwards hence I have tried it professionally. Just looking to buy one for home use because I agree, physical exfoliators tend to be a bit harsh.

  • 6 yrs, 11 mths ago

    I have dry and sensitive skin but LOVE chemical exfoliators. I use skinstitut glycolic peel which is super gentle and I also give myself peels with professional strength lactic acid (maybe don’t try at home). Lactic acid is great for dry skin, maybe get a lactic peel with a beautician to see what you think.

  • 6 yrs, 11 mths ago

    Personally, I like chemical exfoliators (am a big Alpha H fan) and I find them a lot easier on my skin than granular exfoliants – I find that granular ones can almost leave little “scratches” in the skin. You could try a mild AHA exfoliator once a week, that wouldn’t be too harsh especially with a good moisturiser afterward. Good luck!

  • 6 yrs, 11 mths ago

    AHA and BHA exfoliators are designed to dissolve surface oils and dead skin cells, in order to penetrate the pores and clear out debris that forms black heads, and also rid the skin of bacteria that can cause white heads. If your complexion is clear, you may not need a chemical exfoliator as a regular one may suffice in scrubbing away dead skin cells and surface oils. However if you do experience excess sebum on the skin a chemical exfoliator may manage this. If your skin is sensitive, you could try patch-testing a bit of the exfoliator before using it, to see if it causes a reaction. Most chemical exfoliators are quite gentle anyway with only around 1-2% AHA or BHA (from what I’ve seen, that is), so they shouldn’t be too harsh, just depends if you have sensitive skin. Hope that helps 🙂

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