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Exfoliation is the secret to glowing, smooth skin, but with so many options out there, how do you know which type is best for you? Whether you're a fan of the instant gratification of physical exfoliators or prefer the gradual renewal of chemical exfoliants, understanding the difference will help you choose the right product for your needs.

Physical Exfoliators

Just like the name suggests, physical exfoliators contain physical particles that buff off dead skin through friction. In the past, microbeads (tiny plastic beads) were commonly used in exfoliating products to remove dead cells on the skin's surface and lift them away. However, due to their environmental impact (bioaccumulating in our oceans and harming marine life), they were banned in 2015 under the Microbead-Free Waters Act. At Q+A, we only use natural, biodegradable alternatives like sugar, recycled corn kernels, and jojoba beads to provide gentle yet effective exfoliation.

The skin on your face is delicate, so a gentle exfoliant is essential. Jojoba esters, found in our Niacinamide Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, provide a microplastic-free alternative. Their smooth, rounded shape ensures effective exfoliation without damaging the delicate skin barrier.

The skin on our body is much tougher, and often requires a more abrasive approach when trying to exfoliate stubborn dead skin cells. That’s where our new Vitamin C Body Scrub comes in! Powered by sugar, it sloughs away dead skin while boosting hydration to reveal softer, smoother skin.

Physical exfoliators provide instant skin-smoothing results, making them a favourite for many. Just be sure to use them in moderation. We recommend 2-3 times a week to avoid over-exfoliation.

Chemical Exfoliators

Chemical exfoliators break down the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells together, allowing them to be easily lifted away. These exfoliants tend to be gentler than physical scrubs, making them a great choice for those with sensitive or blemish-prone skin. The two main types of chemical exfoliants are AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids).

AHAs, such as Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Malic Acid, are water-soluble, making them ideal for surface-level exfoliation. They help to even out fine lines, brighten skin tone, and smooth skin. AHAs are ideal for dry, stressed, or mature skin, as they gently resurface while maintaining hydration. Our AHA Exfoliator Body Lotion is packed with Fruit AHAs, Glycolic Acid, and Lactic Acid to smooth unwanted texture while delivering long-lasting hydration.

BHAs like Salicylic Acid are oil-soluble, allowing them to penetrate deep into the pores to breakdown excess sebum and unclog congestion. This makes them ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin. Our Salicylic Acid Facial Serum combines exfoliating Salicylic Acid with Succinic Acid and Betaine to target breakouts, reduce congestion, and rebalance the skin without stripping away moisture.

While chemical exfoliators tend to be gentler than physical scrubs, they should still be used with care. We recommend starting with exfoliation once or twice a week and adjusting based on your skin's tolerance. Since AHAs and BHAs remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh, new skin, they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. To keep your skin protected and healthy, always follow up with SPF in the morning to keep your skin protected. Even on cloudy days!

And that's everything you need to know! Whether you're team physical, chemical, or love to mix and match, exfoliation is the key to smoother, healthier-looking skin. Whatever your skin type or concern, we've got the perfect exfoliator for you! Discover our newest launches and take your skincare routine to the next level.

Until next time,

Charlee @ Team Q+A