What type of exfoliant is best for your skin?

There is an art to skin care.  Finding balance is key, and routine exfoliation is essential in order to maintain a fresh, bright complexion.  When searching for the best exfoliant to compliment your skin type it is wise to pay attention to the differences among exfoliants.  Below is a list of some of the exfoliants we use at Face & Body Suite.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) soften strong, defining lines and reduce wrinkles.  Derived from milk, sugars, fruits, and nuts, water soluble AHAs gently dissolve the intercellular bonds that make old, dead skin cells stick to the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin).  AHAs are best when used on thickened, sun-damaged skin.

Glycolic Acid is an AHA derived from sugar.  It is the smallest AHA molecule.  This small molecular size allows for deeper penetration into the skin’s service.  Glycolic acid improves skin texture and appearance by diminishing blackheads, reducing wrinkles, acne scarring, hyper pigmentation, and actinic keratosis.  As glycolic acid is an extremely effective exfoliant, it can also be very drying to the skin.  

Lactic Acid is derived from milk and sugar.  It is an AHA that is made up of larger molecules, allowing for slower penetration into the skin.  Lactic acid is known to be more gentle than glycolic acid, and is often used to increase hydration while helping to diminish pigmentation.

Citric Acid is derived from citrus fruits and is also known as Vitamin C.  This AHA serves as an antioxidant to the skin, helping to diminish cell-damaging free radicals.  Vitamin C brightens the skin and stimulates collagen production.

Mandelic Acid is ideal for delicate and sensitive skin types.  Mandelic acid is derived from bitter almond.  It is made of larger molecules that allow for slow and even penetration.  Anti fungal properties also make mandelic acid ideal for acne and pigmentation.

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), also known as Salicylic Acid, is an exfoliant with oil soluble properties.  BHA is able to penetrate through sebum and into the pore to clear out dead skin cells.  Because this BHA also contains anti-inflammatory properties, Rosacea and oily skin types will benefit from salicylic acid use.

Each of these exfoliants are effective at resurfacing the skin.  In order to protect your fresh complexion, it is extremely important to apply sunscreen as your skin will become more sensitive to sun damage. 

To find out more about the right exfoliant to use on your skin please feel free to email us at sarahzackavecskin@gmail.com or kristagodfreyskin@gmail.com.