Exfoliation is often talked about as an "extra step" in a skincare routine that happens from time to time. But really, it's part of your skin's natural processes, where your skin renews itself. Often, the skin needs help getting rid of dead skin cells that build up as a result of this.
That's when using exfoliating skincare products comes into play – let us talk you trough it! 👇
Your skin renews itself like a snake
Your skin is constantly exfoliating itself by pushing new fresh skin cells from deep within the skin layers towards the surface. This causes older dead skin cells to flake off. Think of it like a snake shedding its skin – but not all at once, instead, a tiny bit at a time.
However, this shedding does not always happen. Dead skin cells can pile up on the surface of the skin, making it rough, dull and causing clogged pores.
⚫️ Read more: How to get rid of blackheads
What can cause clogged pores?
There are many reasons why skin cells do not come off normally. Age, lifestyle, stress, hormones and the environment can all affect:
- How quickly new skin cells rise to the surface
- How well dead ones flake off and
- How easily dead skin cells clog pores
Why should I exfoliate?
By exfoliating your skin with skincare products, you can achieve smoother, brighter, clearer skin and even help fade fine lines.
Mechanical or chemical exfoliation?
Exfoliation can be done either mechanically with granules or chemically with acids and enzymes.
Both mechanical and chemical exfoliation have their perks – and you can even combine the two!
Mechanical exfoliation: polish your skin with gentle scrubs
When choosing a mechanically exfoliating product (often called scrubs), we always recommend using soft ones, like cellulose scrubs insted of harsh scrubs made with sugar or nut shells. These have hard edges that can cause micro-tears in your skin and damage your skin barrier. Yikes!
Scrubs are like magic wands for your skin, turning it into a smooth, soft, glowing canvas! Our innovative Pear Cleansing Balm is the first 2-in-1 makeup remover and scrub on the market. It has a moisturizing oil base with soft cellulose particles, making it ideal for buffing away that dry, flaky skin texture.
Chemical exfoliation: gentle multitaskers
Chemical exfoliants can be more effective at removing dead skin cells, while also being more gentle – that's why they're a great option for everyone. The key is to choose the right acid and the right concentration.
Chemical exfoliants also have other beneficial properties:
- Antibacterial and calming
- Firming
- Moisturizing
- Strengthening the skin
Choose the right acid for your skin type
It’s best to exfoliate according to your skin type. Oily and blemish-prone skin can benefit significantly from BHA, which an oil-soluble acid. This means it helps dissolve the oil that's stuck in your clogged pores. Unclogging pores helps reduce blackheads, blemishes and enlarged pores. Our Pear Cleansing Gel is equipped with 0.5% BHA (Salicylic Acid) for gentle daily pore care.
AHAs are the water-soluble sister of BHAs. They are great for smoothing, brightening and plumping the skin. However, AHAs are also known for being really irritating and hard to use.
That’s why our Pear Balance Toner uses PHAs instead. PHAs are also water-soluble and give the same benefits as AHAs, while staying gentle on the skin – that's why they're great for all skin types. PHAs are also more hydrating, so you can expect instant glass skin with Pear Balance Toner!
🍐 Read more: Treat the 4 most common skin problems with Pear Balance
Don't forget to soothe and repair afterwards
When using chemical exfoliants, it’s best to pair them with soothing products and ingredients. Pear Balance Serum was designed with this exact mission in mind! It uses Centella Asiatica and Bisabolol for soothing and balancing effect on all skin types, with a lovely milky texture.
More is not more – don't over-exfoliate
If you're using stronger exfoliants, you want to exfoliate 1–3 times a week at night time. With Smuuti, we wanted to make exfoliation easier and more gentle. That’s why you can use all of the Pear Balance products together and daily, if needed. Do still listen to your skin, as too much exfoliation causes more harm than good.
🧼 Shop products for oily/blemish-prone skin