How acids in chemical exfoliants gently break down dead skin

Image: Instagram (@labeautyologist)

Clean skin is a sign of healthy skin, and the less stress you put on it to get it clean, the better. Most of us are familiar with face scrubs, and probably practice the self-care activity of skin exfoliation a few times a week. The word “scrub” in “face scrub” is the perfect marketing tool to make you believe that you are solely scrubbing away dead skin. What may not be clear to many is that physically scrubbing away at your skin’s surface does more harm than good.

Exfoliation generally reduces acne, hyperpigmentation, large pores, uneven skin and fine lines. However, physical face scrubs contain granules which cause micro-tears on the skin’s surface. This abrasion worsens inflammation on acne and hyperpigmentation, in turn beating the purpose of exfoliation.