Proven Ingredients / Guide to Skincare Ingredients / Skin care Routines / Skincare Tips

Benefits of Exfoliation and which one to choose?

Regular exfoliation removes the build-up of older skin cells, to bring luminosity and clarity. For younger complexions, exfoliation helps to unblock pores and keeps skin clear and smooth. For more mature skin, exfoliation is essential to help revive sluggish skin, remove dead skin cells, minimize fine lines, and improve skin tone & texture.

The Benefits:

– Minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

– Improving skintone and texture

– Increasing hydration

–  de-clogging, refining and reducing enlarged pores

Which Exfoliate?

All exfoliates whether it’s a AHA – Alpha Hydroxy Acid (Glycolic acid, Lactic Acid), PHA – Polyhydroxy acids ( gluconolactone lactobionic acid) or a  BHA- Beta-Hydroxy Acid (salicylic acid) help reduce wrinkles, pores, improve skin tone & texture by stimulating the production of collagen.

Exfoliating acids are a common additive to numerous skin care products including moisturisers, cleanser, toners, peels, and masks.

 

Glycolic Acid (AHA):

Recommended for:

– Sun damaged skin

– Ageing skin

- Acne scarring

Benefits:

– Removes dead skin cells on the skin’s surface

– Improves skin tone & texture

GLYCOLIC ACID CLEANSERS

GLYCOLIC ACID TONERS

GLYCOLIC ACID TARGET TREATMENTS 

GLYCOLIC ACID MOISTURISERS

GLYCOLIC ACID PEELS

GLYCOLIC ACID BODY PRODUCTS 

 

Lactic Acid (AHA):

Recommended for:

– Dry skin types

– Sensitive Skin types (cannot tolerate glycolic acid)

 

Benefits:

– Increases skin hydration

–  Improve skin tone and reduce pore appearance

LACTIC ACID CLEANSERS

LACTIC ACID TONERS

LACTIC ACID TARGET TREATMENTS 

LACTIC ACID MOISTURISERS

LACTIC ACID PEELS

LACTIC ACID BODY PRODUCTS 

 

 

Polyhydroxy acids (PHA)

Recommended for:

– Ezcema or dry skin condition

– Rosacea-prone skin

– Sensitive skin

Benefits:

–  Gentler on the skin & less irritating

– helps strengthen skin barrier function

–  Antioxidant properties 

 

PHA CLEANSERS

PHA TONERS

PHA TARGET TREATMENTS

PHA MOISTURISERS 

PHA PEELS

PHA BODY PRODUCTS 

 

 

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Recommended for:

–  Oily skin

–  Acne and breakouts

– Enlarged pores

–  Acne Rosacea-prone skin

 

Benefits:

– Removes dead skin cells on the surface and in the pores

– Fights breakouts, Milia and enlarged pores 

– Anti-inflammatory properties

 

SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSERS

SALICYLIC ACID TONERS

SALICYLIC ACID TARGET TREATMENTS

SALICYLIC ACID MOISTURISERS 

SALICYLIC ACID PEELS

SALICYLIC ACID BODY PRODUCTS 

 

Do’s & Don’t of using an exfoliate:

– Increase % slowly start low and work up

– Trial with different strengths of exfoliates to see which concentration gives you the best results

– Don’t introduce all exfoliating products at once

– Don’t use around the eye area or to remove make-up

– Make sure you are applying sunscreen daily

Caution: When you initially start using exfoliating products you can experience breakouts, flaking and tinglying.

If you’re still a bit confused about which exfoliant to choose, contact our advice team for help

A photo of Andrea Patel
Andrea Patel Dermatology Nurse Practitioner & Director Author
View all posts by Andrea Patel