bright, even skin past 40

• What is Chemical Exfoliation?
• Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliation
• Why is Chemical Exfoliation Important?
• The Most Gentle Exfoliants
• When to Incorporate Chemical Exfoliation into Your Routine
• Commonly Misunderstood Aspects of Chemical Exfoliation
• Precautions for People with Pigmented Skin​​
• Drawing Parallels with Ayurvedic Skincare Practices

 

What is Chemical Exfoliation?
Chemical exfoliation is a skincare process that uses acids or enzymes to gently dissolve dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover. Unlike physical exfoliation, which relies on abrasive scrubs, chemical exfoliants provide a more even and less irritating method to achieve even skin.

 

Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliation: What's the Difference?
When it comes to exfoliating your skin, you have two main options: chemical exfoliation and physical exfoliation. Both methods aim to remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresher, more radiant complexion, but they do so in different ways.
Chemical Exfoliation:

• Ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it can be gentler and more precise.
• Beneficial for addressing specific concerns like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and deep congestion.
• Recommended for those seeking a more controlled and consistent exfoliation process.

​Physical exfoliation: 
Physical exfoliation involves manually scrubbing the skin with granular substances or tools to remove dead cells, offering immediate smoothness. While effective for thicker skin, it can lead to micro-tears and uneven exfoliation, making it less suitable for sensitive skin. Physical exfoliation is:

• Suitable for those who prefer immediate tactile results.
• Effective for people with thicker, less sensitive skin that can tolerate manual scrubbing.
• Convenient for those looking for a quick, once-in-a-while exfoliation.

 

Why is Chemical Exfoliation Important?
Chemical exfoliation is crucial for several reasons:

• Improves Texture: It helps smooth out rough patches and uneven skin texture.
• Brightens Complexion: By removing dead skin cells, it reveals a more radiant and even-toned complexion.
• Unclogs Pores: By dissolving sebum and dead skin cells in pores, it can be effective in preventing acne.
• Enhances Absorption: It allows other skincare products to penetrate better, making them more effective. 

 

The Most Gentle Exfoliants
When starting with chemical exfoliation, it's important to choose gentle options to minimize irritation and sun damage. Some of the most gentle exfoliants include:

• Lactic Acid: Derived from milk, it's a mild AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) suitable for sensitive skin.
• Mandelic Acid: An AHA derived from almonds, it's gentle and ideal for beginners.
• PHA (Polyhydroxy Acids): Even gentler than AHAs, PHAs provide exfoliation with minimal irritation, perfect for sensitive skin.
• Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are oil-soluble acids that penetrate deeper into the pores, making them excellent for exfoliating oily and acne-prone skin. The most common BHA used in skincare is salicylic acid. Examples of BHAs are salicylic acid and Betaine salicylate. 

Saroya Natural's Blemish Control Botanical Serum is a fantastic option for those looking to incorporate chemical exfoliation into their routine. This serum combines natural botanical extracts with gentle exfoliants like lactic, ellagic, and salicylic acids to exfoliate, unclog pores, and reduce blemishes without causing irritation. Moreover, botanical extracts of pomegranate, willow bark, and bakuchi seed, an Ayurvedic herb renowned for its skin healing properties, deliver much needed antioxidants to protect skin from photo damage. This serum is gentle enough to be used daily at night. 

 

When to Incorporate Chemical Exfoliation into Your Routine
For most skin types, incorporating chemical exfoliation 3 times a week is sufficient. Start slowly to see how your skin reacts, especially if you have sensitive skin. Evening is the best time to exfoliate, as it allows your skin to renew and repair overnight without the risk of exposure to the sun.

 

Commonly Misunderstood Aspects of Chemical Exfoliation: Using Lemons and Apple Cider Vinegar

• High Acidity: While lemons and apple cider vinegar are natural, their high acidity can disrupt the skin's pH balance and cause irritation or burns.
• Inconsistent Results: The acidity levels in these items are not standardized, leading to unpredictable results and potential damage.
• Safer Alternatives: It's better to use products formulated with controlled concentrations of exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs for safe and effective results.

 

Precautions for People with Pigmented Skin
​For individuals with pigmented skin, extra care is needed when exfoliating to avoid issues such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH):

• Patch Test: Always do a patch test before applying a new exfoliant to your entire face to check for adverse reactions.
• Start Slowly: Use a lower concentration of exfoliants and increase usage gradually to monitor your skin's response. Ideal concentrations of acids for Pigmented Skin:
  • Lactic Acid: Start with a concentration of < 5%. 
  • Glycolic Acid: Begin with a lower concentration of 5% to 8%.
  • Salicylic Acid: Use products with a concentration of 0.5% to 2%.
  • Mandelic Acid: Start with 5% to 10%, as it is gentle on the skin.
• Hydration: Keep your skin well-hydrated with a well formulated oil, cream, or balm to maintain its barrier function and reduce the risk of irritation.
• Sun Protection: Avoid excess sun exposure; use skincare rich in antioxidants (like Saroya Natural's Timeless Radiance Facial Oil), wear a hat, don't do out during peak UV radiation, use sunscreen to protect skin from sun damage. 

 

What to Expect When You First Start Exfoliating
When you first start using a chemical exfoliant, you might experience:

• Mild Tingling or Redness: This is your skin reacting to the new product and may or may not happen. If it does occur, it should not last for more than a week or so. Any reaction that persists for over two weeks indicates that your skin is sensitive to the product and its use must be stopped. 
• Smoother Texture: After a few uses, you’ll notice your skin feeling softer and more refined.
• Brighter Complexion: Over time, your skin will look more radiant and even-toned.

Skin Purging: A Potential Side EffectOne potential side effect of chemical exfoliation is skin purging. This occurs when the increased cell turnover brings underlying congestion to the surface, leading to temporary breakouts. Purging typically lasts for a few weeks. If breakouts persist beyond six weeks, it may be a sign of irritation rather than purging, and you should stop the product and consult a dermatologist.

 

Drawing Parallels with Ayurvedic Skincare Practices
Ayurvedic skincare also emphasizes gentle exfoliation and nourishment, often using natural ingredients:

• Yogurt Masks: Yogurt contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin, similar to lactic acid in chemical exfoliants. It also provides hydration and nourishment.
• Herbal Pastes: Ayurvedic pastes made from lentils were used for physical exfoliation.