Exfoliating is one of the easiest ways to get brighter, smoother, softer looking skin. Not only does it help with cell turnover; it also allows your serums and moisturizers to sink into your skin a whole lot better. Whether you’re 25 or 65, exfoliating is one the best things you can do for skin. So why would you skip this step? You wouldn’t, but just in case, here’s a refresher on the different types of exfoliants and when to use them for a glow that just won’t stop.
Chemical vs Physical Exfoliation: What’s the Difference?
Both chemical and physical exfoliants technically do the same thing–slough off dead skin–but they work in very different ways. Chemical exfoliants use chemicals like acids, enzymes and fruit extracts to loosen the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Leave-on chemical exfoliants (like our new Seaglow Overnight Serum) also have some pretty incredible long-term benefits; they improve radiance, even skin tone and smooth the look of wrinkles for younger-looking skin. Physical exfoliants use granular substances to slough away dead skin and debris for instantly brighter skin.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
Just about everyone’s skin benefits from a combination of both physical and chemical exfoliation. How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type and how sensitive it is. The thing to remember for all skin types is that when it comes to exfoliation, moderation is best. More will not make your skin softer, smoother and glowier. But the right amount absolutely will.
Chemical Exfoliation for Face
Our new multi-acid blend uses over 11% AHAs, phytic acid and tropical fruit extracts to chemically exfoliate while you sleep. As the acids and extracts go to work smoothing your skin, a nourishing blend of red algae and spirulina, as well as fermented shiunko oil reinforces the skin's moisture barrier. The best part? All of this beautiful exfoliation and moisturization action happens while you’re dozing in dreamland. You don’t have to do a thing. Wake up glowing.
Chemical + Physical Exfoliation for Face
Vitamin C Enzyme Polish
This dual-action exfoliator delivers the benefits of both physical and chemical exfoliation in just one step. It uses fermented pomegranate enzymes and ultra-fine rice powder to instantly sweep away dead skin cells and even texture. This exfoliator starts out as a powder and transforms to a magical creamy paste when you activate it with water. Plus, it’s densely packed with 50% vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid for brighter-looking skin.
Physical Exfoliation for Your Body
Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
Our best-selling body scrub combines mineral salts from around the world in an ultra-moisturizing base of shea butter to smooth and hydrate every last inch of skin. It’s infused with lavender for a heavenly floral-scented experience as you scrub. Leaves skin feeling soft and unbelievably glowing long after you’ve left the shower.
Undaria Body Polish
Sweep away dead skin to instantly transform your entire body to smooth and silky-soft with our founder, Jenefer’s favorite scrub. Lychee seeds and volcanic pumice polish while Undaria seaweed and skin-loving oils like Cannabis sativa and kukui moisturize, leaving skin astonishingly soft. And the barely-there lavender and lemongrass scent smells so good.
