Which exfoliant is right for my skin?

Regular exfoliating gives the skin a fresh and even appearance. Exfoliating is possible for almost every skin type, provided you do it with care and make the right choice of exfoliating ingredient. In fact, there are several ingredients that have exfoliating properties. The most well-known are glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and retinol / vitamin A acid. But which exfoliant is right for your skin?

Is an exfoliant the same as exfoliating? 

To get right to the point: no, an exfoliant is not the same as a scrub. In fact, an exfoliant does more than just remove dead skin cells. Most people have a scrub at home with a grain in it. However, exfoliating with an acid is different from a scrub. It causes the substance between the dead skin cells to dissolve so that they themselves detach from the skin. This causes the skin to peel off, as it were, and get rid of the dead skin cells, which the skin does not need. In fact, a layer of dead skin cells makes for a very dull skin complexion. It does not damage the skin barrier, which incidentally often happens with exfoliation. Besides getting a smoother, softer, fresher and more even skin surface, an exfoliant does even more for the skin:

• It stimulates the production of collagen. 
• It increases skin hydration. 
• It improves skin texture. 
• It reduces superficial pigmentation. 
• It prevents clogging of the sebaceous glands, reducing impurities. 

What does Glycolic acid do? 

Glycolic acid is extracted from sugar cane and is partially neutralized used in many skin care products. Glycolic acid is the smallest molecule among Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). Because this molecule is so small, it penetrates deeper into the skin. This makes it ideal for dull and smoky skin, fine skin with incipient fine lines and/or pre-existing wrinkles. Consider products such as Dermaceutic’se Foamer 15,  Turn Over and more.

What does salicylic acid do? 

Salicylic acid belongs to the Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs). Salicylic acid is fat soluble and therefore very suitable for oily and blemished skin. This is because it penetrates the pores, dissolves accumulated sebum and is therefore one of the best solutions against blackheads, lumps, inflammations and pimples. Products that contain Salicylic Acid include SkinCeuticals‘ Blemish + Age Cleansing Gel, thee Mela Cream from Dermaceutic and more.

What does Vitamin A acid/Retinol do? 

Vitamin A acid( (also known as tretinoin cream) is one of the few creams, scientifically proven to reduce existing wrinkles. Because the use of vitamin A-acid can still carry some risks, vitamin A-acid is only available by doctor’s prescription. The cosmetic version of vitamin A acid is Retinol. Retinol is the sister of tretinoin cream and contains the same active ingredient as tretinoin (vitamin A acid), but in a less aggressive form. Retinol is converted by the skin into vitamin A acid. Retinol is a milder variant and the cream can be obtained without a prescription. Nevertheless, with Retinol, the skin also has to get used to the cream. Vitamin A acid, at higher concentrations, leads to skin cell activation and skin regeneration. Research has shown that 1% Retinol gives as good results as 0.05% tretinoin cream. Retinol / vitamin A acid reduces wrinkles and fine lines, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. In addition, it actively works against acne. Fine products with Retinol include Renophase Crème Retinol or Retinol 0,3 van SkinCeuticals.

What does Niacinamide do? 

Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, causes the production of so-called ceramides and free fatty acids. These natural skin fats strengthen barrier function. Niacinamide also acts as a light exfoliant. In fact, it works excellently on skin that has pigmentation spots or melasma. Moreover, it also stimulates collagen production. SkinCeuticals‘ Discoloration Defense Serum and the Ultimate W+ Whitening Toning Lotion are great examples of this.

Exfoliant for very sensitive skin 

The Retexturing Activator is a restorative and exfoliating serum that stimulates new cell renewal and strengthens the skin barrier for healthier, radiant skin. This unique serum is highly effective in optimizing the skin’s supply of amino acids and promoting cell renewal!

Thus, an exfoliant has several benefits for obtaining healthy and fresh skin. Moreover, it also helps you maintain the results and effectiveness of skin treatments. Still not sure which exfoliant is best for your skin? Let us know, we are happy to think with you!