Chemical Exfoliants 101 with Pure Enzymes
Ready to give chemical exfoliation a try?
If there was any silver lining to this past year, it was a newfound appreciation for our beauty and at-home skincare routines. And, if you haven’t ventured into the realms of chemical exfoliants, you might be missing out. While the name might sound like something you brewed up in chemistry class, it is actually a popular method of skin exfoliation that has been used in the skincare industry for years. Nothing to fear here!
So, if you are looking to up your at-home skincare routine, join us as we deep dive into everything you need to know about chemical exfoliants, including a how to with one of our favorite COSMEDIX chemical exfoliants, Pure Enzymes:
What is a Chemical Exfoliant?
Let’s start with the basics. We’ve all heard of a physical exfoliator (think sugar scrub, walnut scrub, or scrub brush), but what about its chemical alter ego? Popular among skincare professionals, a chemical exfoliant is an acid and/or enzyme that is added to a skincare product to help exfoliate dead skin. Often available in a variety of different strengthens, these exfoliants can be applied to the complexion in the form of a cleanser, toner, lotion or face mask. And, while the word “chemical” might sound a little more advanced, don’t let that make you apprehensive! A number of chemical exfoliants are actually gentler than traditional scrubs.
How Does it Work?
Rather than using gritty skincare ingredients to remove dry skin, chemical exfoliators help slough away dead skin by encouraging healthy skin renewal. Examples of chemical exfoliants include AHAs, BHA and Fruit Enzymes—all of which work at different levels to help exfoliate the complexion:
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid): Ideal for normal to sensitive skin types, AHAs work to exfoliate the outermost layer of skin to help improve the look of uneven skin tone, texture and dark spots.
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid): Great for acne-prone or oily skin types, BHAs work deeper into the skin to help cut through pore-clogging impurities and refine the look of congested pores.
Fruit Enzymes: Unsurprisingly, Fruit Enzymes are derived from… well, fruit. Papaya, Pineapple and Cranberry are popular forms of fruit enzymes that can be applied to skincare formulations to help exfoliate away dull, dry skin. They are also a gentle alternative to AHA and BHA exfoliants.
So, What’s the Deal with Pure Enzymes
Pure Enzymes Cranberry Exfoliating Mask combines L-Lactic Acid—an AHA—and Cranberry Enzymes to help polish away dull, dry surface skin. Powered with refreshing and moisture-boosting ingredients, this antioxidant rich formula also helps protect the skin from environmental stressors while locking in long-lasting hydration for a softer, plumper-looking complexion.
How to Apply + How Often to Use…
The most important key to exfoliating with Pure Enzymes is knowing HOW to use it and what to expect. Pure Enzymes can be used 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin type. Because of the chemical properties in this face mask, a little redness and tingling is to be expected—so don’t panic! That’s just the exfoliating and uber-hydrating skincare ingredients doing their best work!
To apply:
Step #1: Use COSMEDIX Dual-Sided Silicone Mask Applicator to apply Pure Enzymes to the face in sections. Don’t forget your neck!
Step #2: Allow to the mask to sit on the skin from 3-10 minutes. 3 minutes is usually best for sensitive skin types, where more oily or normal skin types can benefit from a longer application.
Step #3: Use warm water to gently remove the mask with your hands or a washcloth. Pat dry and follow up with your favorite COSMEDIX serum and moisturizer.