Exfoliation Everything You Need To Know

Chemical exfoliation is all the rage right now. Everyone has realised the benefits of chemical exfoliation and has been trying to incorporate it into their skincare routines. It is imperative to follow an exfoliation guide while using chemical exfoliators. Keep reading this article to learn more about how to exfoliate your skin in the right manner.

Using gentle acids

Several chemical exfoliation products are available to help you gently and safely exfoliate your skin. They are often used to help you rejuvenate your skin and deeply target your skin concern. Using chemical exfoliators is a great way of how you can get rid of dull skin. The most widely used active ingredients include Hyaluronic acid, Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, to name a few. Each active ingredient has a beneficial property, which targets your area of concern. Let’s learn more about the benefits of these acids.

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a miracle ingredient and our top pick for this exfoliation guide. It is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), that gently exfoliates the skin. The uses of salicylic acid include, gently getting rid of dry and flaky skin, clearing clogged pores and giving your skin a brightening glow. Salicylic acid for exfoliation is also very effective in reducing sebum production and thereby reducing breakouts and acne. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro-Essence is a essence with salicylic acid and a BHA product that has the latest skincare innovation enriched with the benefits of salicylic acid. It helps you accelerate skin renewal and mildly exfoliates your skin to refine pores and skin texture. The salicylic acid benefits along with the lightweight texture of the Micro-Essence penetrates up to 10 skin layers* to reveal your bright, glowing and youthful skin.

How to use salicylic acid on face?

If you are wondering, can salicylic acid be used daily? We are here to help you out. Salicylic acid products with a very low concentration can be used every day. Take a few drops of the Micro essence on your palm and gently pat it into your cleansed skin. Use it regularly, twice a day to notice visible results. This essence is suitable for all skin types. Salicylic acid for dry skin as well as oily helps in brightening it and adding a youthful glow.

If you want a quick skin fix, the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence Sheet Mask is a sheet mask that is going to be your best friend. The tissue mask holds in 30X more essence** as compared to a normal mask. It makes your skin hydrated, smooth, radiant and glowing in just 15 minutes.

Kojic acid and retinol work a treat on uneven skin that's a result of over-exposure to the sun, but don't expect immediate results. It can take several months for the results to become visible. After sustained use, old and new dark patches should be reduced. You can find these ingredients in low concentrations in face creams, so the ingredients can get to work while you go about your day (or sleep!). If you have sensitive skin, it is important to know how to soothe sensitive skin after using products with active ingredients. Always use a soothing and cooling moisturizer after you have used a product with active ingredients.

Glycolic acid (diluted between 20% and 70%), is ideal on skin that's acne-prone to provide a deeper, exfoliating cleanse. After treatment, expect a more even tone with smoother skin and fewer blemishes. Please note that you should seek out an experienced dermatologist if you plan on using it as this strength, and be sure to start off at a milder concentration and work your way up. It is very important to know how to exfoliate your face before you begin to do so. There are many glycolic acid products that you can use at home, daily, which have a much milder concentration of the acid (usually somewhere between 2 and 10%). These often come in the form of 'exfoliating toners' or soaked face pads, which are wiped over the skin so the acids can get to work at dissolving those dead cells.

Trichloroacetic acid (or TCA), diluted between 15% and 30%, is a great treatment for wrinkles as it stimulates dermal proteins that in turn boost cell renewal, therefore allowing collagen production to go into full swing, eventually resulting in smoother, plumper skin. Again, please seek the advice of a dermatologist before using acid to this strength.

Using fruit acids

Fruit acids are a really good way to gently exfoliate the skin, and you can find plenty of them in your fridge. Lemon contains AHAs (alpha hydroxyl acids), which naturally remove dead skin cells and stimulate collagen synthesis. To use, cut a thin slice and smooth it across your face, before rinsing off. If your skin is particularly sensitive, dilute just a drop of fresh lemon juice in water or rosewater before applying and rinsing. An added bonus, lemon is also naturally antibacterial, which is great for helping to bust spot-causing bacteria. Equally, kiwi is rich in antioxidants and will treat the skin while exfoliating it. Mix with a tablespoon of natural yoghurt and apply like a face mask before rinsing off. Papaya is both an antioxidant and rich in vitamins and contains beta-carotene to boost skin healing. Run a slice over the skin and give it five minutes to go to work before removing it with a damp flannel. The acids can increase sun sensitivity so never expose your skin to bright sun immediately after applying these fruits.

*Within epidermis in the stratum corneum layer
**30X more absorbing capacity as compared to dry tissue weight