Why Both Physical & Chemical Exfoliation are Important
May 16, 2022
We have all heard that we need to exfoliate, but is it part of your routine? Exfoliation isn't an option. Excess sweat and sebum can trap dead skin cells and suffocate skin, creating dullness and breakouts. Now that the weather is warmer, the more time spent outside, the skin is even more susceptible to extra dirt and grime. Exfoliation is an incredibly important part of a skincare regimen regardless of your skin concerns. Whether you have flawless skin, looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, decrease hyperpigmentation or anti-aging ... exfoliating is an essential part of achieving bright and even toned skin.
As we age, cell turnover slows down and dead skin cells accumulate more and more on our skin. This can create a dull or uneven complexion. These dead skin cells often cling to healthy skin, causing issues from clogged pores to worsening of fine lines and wrinkles. Extra oil and impurities (thanks, sweat and humidity!) on the skin can build dead skin cells and blocks pores. This cycle of cellular turnover happens around the clock, so without the proper care, dead skin cells that is on the skin can truly accumulate.
Exfoliating regularly lets your skin breathe by removing the top layer of dead cells and
revealing the refreshed, soft skin underneath. Both chemical and physical exfoliants remove dead skin cells and other debris, helping speed cell turnover, so your skin becomes fresher, brighter, and clearer, with minimized pores and a smoother surface. There are two types of exfoliation: physical and chemical.
Chemical exfoliants use acids or enzymes to dissolve and loosen the cells, while physical exfoliants—products containing small particles, or any sort of textured surface, like a washcloth—work by scrubbing away the dead skin and debris. The two approaches complement each other if used correctly, optimizing cell turnover to smooth, polish, and retexturize your skin.
It’s important to note that whether you’re using physical, chemical, or both types of exfoliants, it’s possible to over-exfoliate. Exfoliating too much strips away the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to sun damage, dryness, and even infection. To figure out your skin’s perfect exfoliation balance, begin slowly. Never use a product more often than recommended (Vivre SkinLabs Radiante Tissu and Correct & Control Tissu, you always start at 2-3 times a week in the evening unless otherwise instructed). As your skin acclimates to exfoliation, you may be able to increase the frequency with which you use some products, but the moment the skin starts to feel at all irritated or stripped, dial it back down. When you find a happy medium, your skin will instantly become brighter, smoother with a natural glow that won''t fade away.
The Vivre SkinLab's prep pads are engineered for the perfect physical and chemical exfoliation. Both Radiante Tissu and Correct & Control Tissu, affectionately known as Les Tissu, here at our Vivre SkinLabs' office, are formulated with a proprietary SEXFuse Technology, where six different AHA & BHA acids are combined together. When combined, these acids synergistically fuse together to penetrate to SIX different layers of the skin for thorough cleansing and stimulating the skin's own extracellular matrix to boost collagen and hydration production. The special cotton that Les Tissu is made on itself is dual sided. The textured side provides a gentle physical exfoliation at first swipe. Then the smooth side of the cotton is for the second cleanse and toning. Two swipes, and skin is instantly brightened. The SEXFuse Technology will continue to work in the skin as you sleep helping your treatment product penetrate the skin to where they need to be delivered to.
Additionally, we often recommend the use of the V-Enzyme Nettoyant face wash. Complete, natural enzymes in the face wash are a gentle and effective way to slough away surface skin cells and dissolve buildup to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. Similarly to AHA’s, enzymes work to “eat away” or dissolve any unwanted dead skin cells, revealing your glowiest skin. Additional peptides are formulated into the face wash to immediately balance the skin's pH and to hydrate and protect the skin barrier.
Do note, that acids do increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun, so it is even more important to wear sunscreen everyday.
