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Routine Help

ecand user profile picture

ecand

Dry/Sensitive

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What do you think about using physical and chemical exfoliators alternately?

Hi everyone, recently I'm interested in the skin exfoliating routine. I have sensitive skin, so I'm a bit confused about which type of exfoliator is safe. But on the other hand, I also have a blackhead problem. I want to try combining two types of exfoliators (physical and chemical) in my skincare routine, by using them alternately once a week. What do you think guys, is this reasonable or excessive?
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19 Comments

Yourskintellectual user profile picture

Yourskintellectual

Oily/Resilient

Physical exfoliants aren't really effective as they can't reach deep into the pores, so they won't help with blackheads. Some can also be abrasive and damage the skin. Chemical exfoliation is still an option for sensitive skin, but you should start with low concentrations of the exfoliating ingredient (AHA/BHA 2% or less). I believe Mandelic acid is one of the gentler ones, otherwise there's Lactic, Salicylic, Glycolic acid etc. Once a week should be perfectly fine and not excessive. After exfoliating, use a gentle non fragranced moisturiser, avoid other actives in the same routine.
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ecand user profile picture

ecand

Dry/Sensitive

Thank You,, it really helps❤
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mq user profile picture

mq

Oily/Resilient

I used to do that but I noticed that physical exfoliants doesn't really have a long term effect compared to chemical exfoliators. 😅 I still have some physical exfoliators left but I now use it as a body scrub hehe
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ecand user profile picture

ecand

Dry/Sensitive

I still use my physical exfoliator anyway. Some said chemical one can make sensitive skin feel burn and tingling. That makes me doubt
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jojobeauty16 user profile picture

jojobeauty16

Oily/Resilient

you can use both no problem they do different things therefore it is advisable to alternate. there is alot of fear mongering going around about micro tears to the skin. in all honesty any exfoliant whether it be physical or chemical can cause micro tears but that's only if they are used wrong. like a physical exfoliant should not be used for longer than 1 to 2 minutes before rinsing off. us we have to remember our skin needs exfoliated, so even on the off chance you do cause a micro tear, our skin is so good at repairing itself as long as you give it time. xx
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ecand user profile picture

ecand

Dry/Sensitive

Thank You,, nice info❤
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Z

zoozoo

Dry/Sensitive

physical is exfoliate top of your skin noot like chemical that exfoliate into pores physical exfoliate (clay mask,washed off aha/bha) chemical (leaves on product like,exfo toner or exfo serum)you can try chemical with low percentages first and if your skin is well adapted you can fidn other product that have higher percentage(AHA/BHA) or PHA(pha have bigger particles than aha bha that more gentle to skin)for how many times the product should be used is depends on the product there are daily(usually daily exfoliator have smaller percentages that exfoliate gently)and weekly exfoliating product.Dont forget to used sunscreen and hydrating/calming product after exfo(skin get more sensitive after exfoliating)
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lixm user profile picture

lixm

Oily/Resilient

agree with this. PHA’s are the most gentle of the chemical exfoliants I’d absolutely try one of those first. This one here is a good starting point ❤️
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

The Ordinary
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

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heyitsmikaaa user profile picture

heyitsmikaaa

Dry/Sensitive

I would stick to one. Preferably chemical. They’re a lot more effective. Start with a weaker concentration!!
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ecand user profile picture

ecand

Dry/Sensitive

how about sensitivity to sunlight after using chemical exfoliators. are you having problems?
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