Is this a chemical exfoliator?

Oct 20, 2016

Dana E.

I got the Skin Inc Pure Revival Peel in my Sephora play box this month. I just tried it and OMG! It exfoliated so much dead skin I never even knew I had on my face.

I see so many people recommending chemical exfoliants on here all the time. Is this product considered a chemical exfoliant??

Oct 21, 2016

Dana E.

Okay, got it! Thank you Hailey! :)

Oct 21, 2016

Leuca S.

Looking at the ingredient list.. I'm not seeing any actual chemical exfoliating agents. This appears to be using a similar action to that Cure exfoliator that was all the rage in Japan for a minute.

This may provide some exfoliation, but much of what you're seeing is the product itself.

A little explanation of how the film-forming ingredients work in products like these:

http://colinsbeautypages.co.uk/skin-peeling-from-peeling-gels/

Oct 21, 2016

Leuca S.

True chemical exfoliators do not need to be worked into the skin; they stimulate the skin's natural desquamation process simply by sitting on it.

At any rate this is a product not worth 55$ if the good ingredients it actually has are going be rinsed off, because the ingredients it's using for exfoliation are quite easy to formulate and not hard to come by.

Oct 21, 2016

Roz X.

Leuca is correct.
This is exfoliation & removing dead skin cells through what is known as sloughing. There is no chemical penetration of the skin, nor stimulation of collagen that occurs with what science would consider true chemical exfoliation. This works in the same fashion a scrub would, only without granules.

Sloughing removes surface, dead skin cells, which will leave skin softer, brighter, and often smoother, but so does a washcloth. If you've ever used a body scrub or loofah, that is just another form of sloughing. I've been sloughing my feet and hands with lotion (which involves rubbing to encourage the shedding of dead skin cells) for years.

I'm glad you enjoy it, however, but just wanted to share a bit more info on their differences. I agree, the price tag doesn't reflect high quality ingredients that penetrate skin and bring about greater benefits in the way I'd expect. I'd also avoid daily use as to not overexfoliate.

Oct 21, 2016

Dana E.

Got it thank you! What is a chemical exfoliant that you would recommend then? I have normal to dry skin!

Oct 21, 2016

Roz X.

Do you have blackheads or cystic/hormonal acne issues?

Oct 21, 2016

Dana E.

A few blackheads on my nose but that's it. And cystic acne occasionally yes.

Oct 21, 2016

Roz X.

I would use a gentle formulation of a BHA. Paula's Choice has many, but I find her gel to be the most gentle. My own skin runs very dry and is sensitive and I've had only success with the gel. You can find it in trial sizes if you please. I'd prep skin first with a toner formulated for your skin type..the skin balacing toner for pores from her line. I'd use the toner daily and begin the BHA every 3rd day and adjust bumping up or easing back based on skin needs. After gel dries, I suggest using CeraVe PM to keep skin's moisture barrier in tact. You'll need a broad spectrum sun protection. Paul has a tinted Resist formulation that is glorious, alone or under make up. Elta MD is also fantastic.

For spot trwatment, you can use PTR skin clearing, clear medicated dots for sleeping or around the house. A great Benzoyl Peroxide for spots is also good to keep on hand. I like Paula's Clear treatment as the pH is perfect. Again, a sample or (when available) trial size is always a great idea for new products. I would not layer BHA or AHA with the Clear on days I used it. You may find one in the AM, another in PM works.

You want to ease into any exfoliating program and be sure to moisturize, protect, and listen to your skin.

Since you sometimes run dry. I'd pick up Alpha skincare's AHA serum to use weekly, agsin, topping with CeraVe PM. I'd wait until my skin adjusted to the BHA before bringing AHA into the fold. The toner will also help bring calm and moisture to your skin.

If you feel you need more moisture, jojoba or evening primrose oils are acne friendly. CeraVe in the jar (pump available) is great for winter dryness.
Hope that helps. :)

Oct 21, 2016

Dana E.

Extremely helpful wow!! Thank you so much :)

Oct 22, 2016

Roz X.

You are quite welcome. Typos with these nails in the app. argh!