Physical Exfoliators: Any cleanser of facial scrub that contains tiny scrubbing particles that you can feel with your hands. Some brands have the tiniest particles which are supposedly gentler but make sure to check what the beads of these products are made of.  While these scrubs help to buff and slough off the dead skin cells, some may be causing damage to the environment or to your skin. Some common physical exfoliation ingredients would include: salt, sugar (a big no for acne/oily skin), crushed nuts and baking soda (too harsh on most skin types).

Chemical Exfoliators: AHAs, BHAs and other acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) are mostly derived from natural sources, glycolic acid from sugar cane, lactic acid from milk, malic acid from apples, citric acid from citrus and tartaric acid from grapes. These acids are capable of decreasing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture and revive dull uneven skin tone.

Beta Hydroxy Acids usually refer to glycolic/ salicylic acid. They are similar to AHAs and they are usually found together with AHAs but work more deeply in our skin, inside the lining of our pores. They are great for oily/ acne prone skin as they are oil soluble.

On the whole, I would recommend the use of both physical and chemical facial exfoliaters. However, you might want to stagger the times you use them. For example, a gentle physical scrub twice a week and a chemical exfoliator once a week until your skin gets used to it or you figure out if the routine benefits your skin. You do not want to over exfoliate your skin though as this can strip the skin’s protective barrier and cause dehydrated and inflamed skin. If you experience these signs, you may be over exfoliating or using ingredients that are too harsh for your skin:

•             Redness

•             Irritation

•             Excessive dryness/dry patches

•             Flaking skin

•             Uncomfortable stinging

•             Burning sensation

While most drugstore products are largely regulated, you might want to seek professional advice or lower the frequency, strength or change the type of exfoliation. Using a cleansing brush with chemical or physical exfoliants at the same time for example, would be way too harsh for most skin types!