Move over, expensive sonic-cleansing devices.
There's a better, more natural way to exfoliate your skin this summer, and it has nothing to do with rapid vibrations or intense pulsations.
Unlike physical exfoliation, which uses mechanical movements to slough away dead skin cells, chemical exfoliation uses acids to reveal brighter skin, more gently.
We sat down with Dr. Tiffany J. Libby, dermatologist and surgeon at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City, to get her take on why you should be exfoliating with acids.
Q: Why should people be exfoliating with acids, and not just use physical exfoliation?
A: "While physical exfoliation may give you the sensation that you’re getting a “deeper” clean, chemical exfoliation with acids is what actually penetrates into your skin, to the level of the papillary dermis, removing dead skin cells to exfoliate and brighten your complexion. Chemical exfoliation is also much gentler on the skin than physical scrubs, which often leaves skin more irritated.
Chemical exfoliation encompass two groups of acids: AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids). The most well-known AHA is glycolic acid, which is water-soluble and helps break down layers of dead skin. Lactic acid is also another AHA, and is great for dry skin types since it’s gentle and effective without stripping too many oils from the skin's surface."
Q: Why and/or when would one use a BHA over an AHA?
A: "For patients with more oily skin types, I would highly recommend a BHA (i.e. salicylic acid), because it is oil-soluble and removes sebum, decongests pores effectively, and treats acneic skin."
Guess what? The Yuzu Lemonade Peel, contains beta hydroxy acids (like 2% salicylic acid) to help unclog pores, treat acne, and exfoliate the skin. Our peel is ideal for those with problematic or oily skin looking for a stronger exfoliation. 💪
Q: Why and/or when would one use an AHA over a BHA?
A: "I would use an AHA for overall rejuvenation, exfoliation, and treatment of dyspigmentation, which is an abnormality in the formation or distribution of pigment, especially in the skin.
AHAs still work very well for acne -- in particular, glycolic acid is one of the few safe and effective products we can use in pregnancy to treat acne and achieve skin rejuvenation. I love lactic acid for drier skin types and for a gentler peel with more frequent use.
I love the Pumpkin Enzyme Peel with 5% lactic acid by Savor Beauty -- it leaves my skin radiant, smooth, and feeling revitalized."
The Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, uses alpha hydroxy acids (like lactic acid) and polyhydroxy acids (like gluconic acid) to lightly promote cell turnover and collagen production, fade dark spots and brighten the skin.
The Pumpkin Enzyme Peel is best for those looking for a lighter exfoliant (lactic acid is super gentle on the skin) but still wants brightening results. ☀️
Considering summertime = major sun damage for your skin, it’s in your best interest to try and chemically exfoliate any damage done as much as your skin will safely tolerate (we recommend applying one of these masks 1-2 times per week).
Believe us, your skin will thank you come fall.