The Difference Between PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL EXFOLIATORS

Exfoliating feels so good doesn't it? It is also a vital part of any skincare regimen, and at ADS, it's taken very seriously. Exfoliation aids in dissolving stubborn grime from dirt, makeup, and sebum lodged in our pores, slushes away at dead skin cells, and encourages cell turnover for a more even, radiant, youthful complexion. It also helps with the absorption of amazing topical ingredients we apply.

I find that clients who skip or don't incorporate exfoliation into their routines, often experience more breakouts, blackheads, fine lines and wrinkles, and dull skin. We've some so far from the days of harsh (often painful) exfoliations with with ground walnut shells or apricot pits (Ouph) from old drugstore brands that shall remain nameless.

Advanced physical or mechanical exfoliators  today are made with gentler polishers such as Jojoba beads, or dissolving crystals that gently polish away at dead skin. Using these once or twice a week with alight hand is a great way to maintain your skins glow.

When exfoliating the objective is not too scrub harshly to where your skin is red and irritated, this is doing the opposite of what we want and will create inflammation, damage and may cause breakouts. 

My personal favourite, chemical or enzyme exfoliants are incredibly safe and effective, but these too can be damaging with overuse. Available in a liquid, gel or cream form it is important to respect the instructions advised by your medical aesthetician or the instructions on the packaging. Like physical exfoliants these too can cause irritation if left on too long or not used as prescribed.  

Once you find an exfoliant you love it's very easy to get carried away and over use these products. But as I always saw "slow and steady wins the race, especially with skincare". For this reason if your new to exfoliating try introducing it to your routine once a week, remember to refer back to your product packaging as they may suggest longer use apart. 

With all that said, the best advice I can give is to get to know your products and you will know what you need and when you need it.

Here are some of our current favourite exfoliating products, both mechanical and chemical:

	iS Clinical Active Peel: LOVE these 2 step wipes.  Shop Now $119
	Zo Skin Health Enzymatic Peel: An intensive resurfacing peel that leaves your skin feeling baby soft. Shop Now $104
	Zo Skin Health Exfoliating Polish: Ultra-fine magnesium crystals polish away dead skin.  Shop Now From $32
	REFLEKT: Gentle polishing beads made of jojoba  Shop Now $65