Types of Exfoliation

Types of Exfoliation

There are two main types of exfoliation: Physical Exfoliation and Chemical. Both methods have many benefits and advantages of using them.



Physical Exfoliation is a method of exfoliation that needs to be manipulated in some way for it to work. This method includes gommage and scrub methods, (the product actually has to be worked with on the surface of the skin for exfoliation to take place).

The ideal candidate for a physcial exfoliation method is a client who prefers to feel the product working, who may have an oilier skin type or one that does not need a deep exfoliation, as chemical exfoliants go deeper into the epidermis than physical exfoliants do.

Chemical Exfoliation goes deeper into the top layer of skin than physical exfoliants do. Chemical Exfoliants can include Glycolic Acids, AHA’s and enzymatic ingredients (such as Papain, or Papaya extract). These Exfoliants lie on the surface of the epidermis (stratum corneum) and “eat” or “dissolve” dead skin cells. They do not need to be manipulated in any way to exfoliate the skin.

The ideal candidate for chemical exfoliants is someone who may have a thick, keratinized outer layer of skin build-up or who has hyper-pigmentation problems, acne or scarring.

Which method is right for you?

Not sure of which exfoliation method is right for your skin type? Have a professional Esthetician determine your skin type and decide which exfoliation methods are right for you, visit www.lepetitspa.ca for more information.