Chemical exfoliators are my jam. I’ve written about them several times in the past because I use them on the regular. I’m not a fan of physical exfoliators or scrubs because they are too rough on my semi-sensitive skin.
So when Kaylee White and Health Perch, a digital health mag, reached out with a storyline idea about how to choose the chemical exfoliator that’s right for your skin type, I was all in. In fact, Kaylee wrote the intro in the next section below. I’ll jump back in with my personal faves when it comes to chemical exfoliators, so I hope you’ll come back after checking out Kaylee and Health Perch’s helpful info.
Do You Know How to Choose the Right Chemical Exfoliator for Your Skin Type?
Interested in adding a chemical exfoliant to your beauty routine? Before you start slathering on the first serum you see, make sure you understand how to choose the best chemical exfoliant for your skin type. For example, BHAs, like salicylic acid, are great for oily or acne-prone skin since BHA helps control oil and smooths out skin irregularities. If you’re working with mature skin that has fine lines, wrinkles, or age spots, try an AHA, like glycolic or mandelic acid. Lactic acid, on the other hand, is a good option for both dry and hyperpigmented skin, since it won’t dry skin out.
Even with the right exfoliant, you should do a patch test on your forearm to try to avoid any big reactions on your face, and be careful not to overdo it, especially right at the start. Sunscreen, while always important, becomes a true non-negotiable when you begin using a chemical exfoliant, and if you’re considering using multiple acids, make sure to talk to an expert to make sure you’re not doing more harm than good. For more tips, be sure to take a peek at the graphic below and click on this link to get more information by checking out the article by Health Perch!
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My Favorite Chemical Exfoliators for My Dry, Mature Skin
Exfoliating Masks
I try to use a chemical exfoliating mask once a week. It’s a quick process, so I have no excuse not to do it. I apply a thin layer of exfoliating gel to my face, and after several seconds, I make circles on my skin with my fingers and watch the dead skin cells ball up. Then I rinse it away. The exfoliator not only removes dead skin cells, but the new skin revealed is better able to absorb skincare products and makes for a smoother palette on which to apply foundation and other makeup.
I have two favorites both of which I have mentioned previously in detail, a brand I used a long time ago and liked, as well as a budget recommendation:
- Theraderm Clinical Skin Care NuPeel Natural Enzyme Peel (reviewed here): papain-based exfoliator with HA and retinol developed by a U.S. dermatologist
- V10Plus Water Based Peeling with Rice Bran Extract & Seaweed Extract (reviewed here): Japanese organic, botanical skincare brand founded by two sisters based on their grandmother’s home-based skincare recipes
- Skin Inc. Pure Revival Peel: this was the first chemical exfoliator I ever used, a Japanese brand that contains the same cell sloughing ingredients as cult favorite, Cure Aqua Gel that I still haven’t tried. It also contains Arbutin to help fade hyperpigmentation. I could swear that when I first tried Skin Inc. Pure Revival Peel years ago, the bottle (that I received from PR) was priced at $55. I just noticed that the regular price now is $35, and it is on sale on Lovelyskin.com for $28. With such a good price, I picked up a bottle since I am almost finished with my V10Plus and Theraderm.
- budget recommendation: The Body Shop Drops of Youth Liquid Peel (reviewed here): an affordable option that works very well, but leaves an odd sticky-ish sensation on my fingers when I rinse off the peel.
These four recommendations are gentle on my dry, semi-sensitive skin. Nevertheless, I believe that they would also be appropriate for normal and combination skin.
Exfoliating Toner
In addition to the once a week chemical exfoliator, I use an AHA toner, Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Toner with Glycolic Acid every night after cleansing and before my serums and moisturizer. Again, it is gentle on my dry, mature skin, it helps lessen the look of wrinkles, and it helps my skincare products absorb better.
So, these are my choices for chemical exfoliators. Do you have a favorite or two to recommend?
Wonderful post, Allison! This is filled with so much important information about chemical exfoliators, and choosing the right one is essential for individual types of skin.
Lola Seicento recently posted…GOOD FAITH Gentle Cleanser + Vitamin E Review
Thank you xoxo
Agree! Great post, full of helpful info.
Thanks, Kim!
Great informational post. I use Differin (atralin), a type of retinol/noid (I cant remember which it is but that family) for almost daily use. But when I have breakouts I use Farmacy Deep Sweep toner a couple times in the week. Another exfoliator I like is Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant!
Thank you for your recommendations, Claudia. I hope that some of my readers who don’t share my dry mature skin type will see them. And I am going to look into Differin – sounds like something I should try!
I have pretty much stuck with Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic, but maybe I need to change it up.
Glow Tonic is a good one, I can understand why you’re loyal!
Oh, yes! That salicylic acid is a life saver for my type of skin.
I need a new toner, too. Maybe I’ll try the Derma-E one! Thanks!
Michelle, the Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Toner is more for my mature dry skin. You should enter my Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Toner/Serum giveaway. It would be perfect for your skin type. Here’s the link: https://neversaydiebeauty.com/skincare-2/another-paulas-choice-giveaway-iconic-2-bha-exfoliator/
I mostly use a Paula’s Choice exfoliator but I can’t think of the name. For a physical exfoliator I love Vasanti Brighten Up.
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I read your Vasanti Brighten Up review, but how did I miss that it was a physical exfoliator? I’m going to go back and read it again!