Exfoliating is one of the easiest ways to get brighter, smoother, softer-looking skin. Not only does it help with cell turnover; it also allows your serums and moisturizers to sink into your skin a whole lot better. Whether you’re 25 or 65, exfoliating is one the best things you can do for skin. So why would you skip this step? You wouldn’t, but just in case, here’s a refresher on the different types of exfoliants and when to use them to unlock your smoothest, glowiest skin yet.
Chemical vs Physical Exfoliation: What’s the Difference?
Both chemical and physical exfoliants technically do the same thing–slough off dead skin–but they work in very different ways. Chemical exfoliants use acids, enzymes and fruit extracts to loosen the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Physical exfoliants use granular substances to slough away dead skin and debris, instantly revealing a brighter-looking complexion. Our products feature both physical and chemical exfoliants, with some even combining the two for maximum effectiveness.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
Just about everyone’s skin benefits from both physical and chemical exfoliation. How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type and how sensitive it is. The thing to remember for all skin types is that when it comes to exfoliation, moderation is key. More will not make your skin softer, smoother and glowier. But the right amount absolutely will.
Chemical Exfoliation for Face
Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub Cleansing Face Exoliator
This multi-tasking product cleanses, exfoliates and restores radiance in one simple step. Our dual-action scrub delivers both physical and chemical exfoliation to promote cell renewal, smooth uneven texture, and clarify, and minimize the look of pores for a noticeable glow that just gets better over time. The unique marshmallow-like texture washes away debris and excess oils, imparting a fantastic sensation to your skin. And the blend of jasmine, floral geranium and subtle citrus scent is completely transporting.
Seaglow Overnight Serum AHA Treatment
Our high-performance treatment uses over 11% AHAs, phytic acid and tropical fruit extracts to chemically exfoliate while you sleep. As the acids and extracts go to work smoothing your skin, a nourishing blend of red algae and spirulina, as well as fermented shiunko oil reinforces the skin's moisture barrier. The best part? All of this beautiful exfoliation and moisturization action happens effortlessly as you rest in your bed. You don’t have to do a thing. Wake up glowing.
Dual-Action Exfoliation for Face
Vitamin C Enzyme Polish
This dual-action exfoliator features the best of both physical and chemical exfoliation. It uses fermented pomegranate enzymes and ultra-fine rice powder to instantly sweep away dead skin cells and even texture. This exfoliator starts out as a powder and transforms to a soft, creamy paste when you activate it with water. Plus, it’s densely packed with 50% vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid for brighter-looking skin.
Dual-Action Exfoliation for Body
Undaria Cleansing Body Polish
Our new three-in-one body polish exfoliates, cleanses and moisturizes in one easy step. This multi-tasking powerhouse delivers the benefits of both physical and chemical exfoliation, instantly polishing away roughness, smoothing bumpy texture, and revealing soft, glowing skin.
We crafted our microbiome-friendly scrub with Kiwi AHA-infused rice microparticles, a dual-action physical and chemical exfoliant that promotes cell turnover for healthy-looking skin. A potent blend of mineral-rich Undaria seaweed and ultrafine natural pumice sweeps away impurities, while nourishing glycerin and sunflower seed oil moisturize, making it gentle for all skin types. The unique whipped-oil texture transforms into a milky lather as it is worked into skin. And it smells so good, courtesy of an all-natural blend of grapefruit, lime and cypress, evoking the same uplifting, citrusy scent as our beloved Undaria Algae™ Body Oil.
Physical Exfoliation for Body
Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
Our best-selling body scrub combines mineral salts from around the world in an ultra-moisturizing base of shea butter to smooth and hydrate every last inch of skin. It’s infused with lavender for a heavenly floral-scented experience as you scrub. Leaves skin feeling soft and unbelievably glowing long after you’ve left the shower.
