This post is all about the best chemical exfoliation picks for dry skin
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Ever wonder why your skin looks dull and depleted? No matter how consistent you are with your skincare, for some reason, dry skin and clogged pores plague you. You start to think, “Okay, maybe if I switch up what I’m using, I’ll get a better result!”. Only to do that and end up right back where you started.
However, the answer may be much simpler than you think! You are probably skipping over the chemical exfoliation step. If you have a skincare routine that doesn’t include exfoliation, you are truly missing out. Exfoliation is what gets rid of dead skin cells, unclogs and minimizes the appearance of pores, and increases cell turnover. You will be left with brightened, smoother, and refined skin when this is done. You can finally kiss your dull skin goodbye!
Using a chemical exfoliant is a great way to achieve that dream skin because they provide a deeper exfoliation without the potential micro tears you can get from physical exfoliation. Keep reading to find out more about chemical exfoliators and the best ones for dry skin.
The Best Exfoliators For Dry Skin
1. IS Clinical Active Peel System
This 2 step peel works like an absolute charm! The first peel pad contains gentle botanical acids that work to provide a controlled exfoliation. The second peel pad neutralizes the first step to replenish a burst of hydration back into the skin. The next morning you will see quick results because you will be left with beautiful smooth glass skin.
2. Truth Treatments AHA Mineral Exfoliator
This AHA exfoliator uses fruit acids to encourage collagen, elastin, and moisture production in combination with Polyelectrolytes to calm the skin from any potential inflammation or irritation. It gives such a soft, glowy effect and will make your skin clear and bright!
3. HydroPeptide 5x Power Peel
With dry skin, we want to stay in hydration station territory and these peel pads do the trick! It uses 5 different types of chemical exfoliants to really bust through that dead skin on your face, neck, and chest, to reveal rejuvenated, and brightened skin without sacrificing moisture. Your fine lines and wrinkles will be diminished and you will look instantly refreshed and radiant.
4. Cosmedix PHA Hydration Peel
Because this uses PHA’s it’s more gentle than the other acids. It also uses Aloe Vera and chamomile extracts to reduce or prevent burning or irritation. It gently breaks up the unwanted skin on your face, and will certainly help you achieve an even-toned, healthy look that others will definitely envy.
5. HoliFrog Halo AHA + BHA Evening Serum
To combat lackluster and sluggish-looking skin, this evening serum will banish that. It uses AHA’s and BHA’s in conjunction to reveal clear, baby smooth skin. Also, the antioxidants and mouth bean extract are a natural alternative for retinol for overnight use to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores.
6. Le Mieux 5% Glyco Polymer
Using lactic and glycolic acid, this exfoliator will shrink the look of your pores and renew your skin making you look younger and healthier. Your skin will be more even toned and it will prevent future breakouts for those with acne-prone skin. Be prepared for some seriously glowing skin!
7. Glytone Exfoliating Serum 11
Another amazing option for dry skin! Reverse aging with this potent glycolic acid serum. It has an exfoliation level of 11 which means it provides a truly significant increase in cell turnover which translates to results! It will plump up your skin and minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles, lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation while keeping your skin moisturized.
8. Glo Skin Beauty HydraBright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant
This gentle but mighty exfoliant performs. It uses 5 alpha hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acid to clarify, brighten, and refine the skin. Not only is it a super effective exfoliant, but it also improves the efficacy of your other skin care products like serums and moisturizers so you can get the best results you are looking for.
9. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Peeling Formulation
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that works just as good as others, look no further. It uses lactic acid and hyaluronic acid to decongest the pores, banish unwanted skin cells, and even out the complexion for a glowing, breakout free face. Show your skin with confidence and leave that dull dry skin behind!
What Is A Chemical Exfoliant?
A chemical exfoliant is an acid that removes dead skin cells by dissolving the cellular bonds that hold the dead skin together which is what causes large pores and breakouts. It increases cell turnover so that your skin will be brand new all the time instead of looking uneven and dull.
There are 3 categories of chemical exfoliators which are AHA’s, BHA’s, and PHA’s.
Types Of Chemical Exfoliants
1. AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
AHAs are acids that are naturally derived from substances like fruits and sugar canes, meaning the chemicals are extracted from them. Because they are made from natural ingredients, this makes AHAs suitable for all skin types since they are more gentle on the skin.
However, because it is water-soluble, that means it can’t penetrate as deep into the pores as other types of chemical exfoliators can. It only gets through the epidermis of your skin which is the surface, but not the dermis which is the deeper skin, but it still removes dead skin cells, brightens, nourishes, and evens out your skin.
Types of AHAs include malic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid.
Glycolic Acid –
This acid is usually derived from sugar cane. It is known for penetrating the epidermis deeper than other AHA’s due to its smaller molecular size making it a popular choice in AHA products.
Lactic Acid –
This acid is a more gentle version of glycolic that is usually derived from milk. While it exfoliates the skin, it is working to moisturize and hydrate as well. Because it’s more gentle, it won’t cause irritation or redness.
Mandelic Acid –
This acid is derived from bitter almonds and it’s even milder and less irritative due to its larger molecular size. This makes it great for problematic acne-prone skin. It’s also anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.
Malic Acid –
This acid is usually derived from fruits like apples. It is not as potent and strong as lactic and glycolic acid and is often used as a booster to these AHAs. It’s commonly known for aiding in brightening the skin.
2. BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids)
BHA’s are derived from sweet birch trees and willow bark trees. It penetrates deeper into the skin because it is oil-soluble. This means that not only does it penetrate the surface (epidermis) of your skin, but it can also get into the deeper layers of your skin (dermis) as well to knock out the excess sebum that clogs your pores. This makes it great for clearing breakouts and acne and reducing inflammation and bacterial growth.
The most common BHA is salicylic acid.
Salicylic Acid –
This acid is anti-inflammatory and is most commonly used to keep dead skin at bay and combat acne and unclog your pores to allow them to shrink.
3. PHA’s (Poly Hydroxy Acids)
PHAs are the acid that is most mild compared to AHAs and BHAs. Because they are the largest in molecular size, they won’t penetrate your skin as deeply but will still be effective at breaking down dead skin cells and getting rid of even texture without the potential of irritation. This makes it great for those with sensitive skin.
Types of PHA’s include galactose, lactobionic acid, and gluconolactone
Galactose –
Since this acid is the mildest, it is most likely used in conjunction with gluconolactone and lactobionic acid. It’s most known to assist in healing the skin more rapidly without being disruptive to the skin barrier.
Gluconolactone –
Gluconolactone is a sugar acid that only penetrates the surface of the skin and is most similar to lactobionic acid because while it is exfoliating, it is also hydrating the skin. This allows your skin to look healthier and more youthful over time.
Lactobionic Acid –
This PHA is derived from lactose which is the sugar found in milk. Not only does it help to dissolve dead skin cells, but it also is moisturizing and helps your skin keep that moisture so that your skin remains smooth and plump.
Tips When Using Chemical Exfoliants
1. Use Sunscreen
When you exfoliate your skin and reveal new skin there’s less protection, so the UV rays can cause more damage and burn your skin if you don’t wear sunscreen. So always make sure to protect your skin from the sun!
2. Go For Leave On Exfoliants
Because chemical exfoliants take some time to work and actually be effective, using a product that can be left on the skin for some time without washing it off immediately will be more beneficial. Using something like a cleanser that has an exfoliating acid will be less effective because you are washing it off right away. Stick to products like serums, lotions, or masks.
3. Read The Directions
Always read the directions before you use any sort of acid. Exfoliants can come in different forms like toners, serums, moisturizers, masks, etc. which are all used in different ways, and every product has different concentrations and potencies. Also, there are different lengths of time you should have the product on so if you don’t use the product as it is intended, you can end up burning or irritating your skin.
4. Listen To Your Skin
Due to the nature of chemical exfoliants, it’s normal for them to tingle a bit for a few minutes. However, if you feel like you can’t handle the burn, you’re developing a rash, or your skin feels like it’s on fire, wash it off immediately. You know your skin more than anyone else so if something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut!
