Journal

There are two approaches to exfoliation, and the great thing is—both are valid! The skin benefits from both chemical and physical exfoliation, and here’s why: Chemical exfoliants work by penetrating the stratum corneum (the outermost skin layer) and dissolving the bonds (desmosomes) that hold dead skin cells together. Meanwhile, physical exfoliants help sweep away these loosened cells from the surface, revealing fresher, more radiant skin underneath.

~Aminu Editorial Team

Think of physical exfoliation as an extension of your cleansing routine. Whether it’s a gentle scrub or using a soft washcloth, it enhances your cleanser’s ability to remove lingering debris. On the other hand, chemical exfoliants do the heavy lifting by preventing dead skin buildup in the first place, often making physical exfoliation unnecessary. That said, if you still enjoy a bit of manual exfoliation now and then, think of it as an occasional treat—like adding truffle fries to your order.

However, physical exfoliation has earned a bad reputation for a reason—many scrubs are too abrasive. If you opt for a scrub, ensure it contains smooth, finely milled particles (such as mineral-based exfoliants, vitamin-rich oils for hydration, or finely ground salt) rather than rough, jagged ingredients like microbeads or nutshell-based scrubs, which can cause microtears and irritation.

In general, chemical peels should be your go-to for improving skin texture, evening out tone, boosting collagen production, and unclogging pores—benefits that just physical exfoliation simply may not provide. Here’s a quick rundown of how these three exfoliators differ from each other.

Saying that, the golden rule of exfoliation is to listen to your skin. If it feels irritated, sensitive, or raw, it’s time to take a break. Over-exfoliation can do more harm than good. While The Face Scrub, Overnight Peel and The AHA Power Peel are all gentle enough to be used on a regular basis, but always pay attention to how your skin responds. After all, your skin knows best!

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