MECHANICAL vs CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION. WHICH IS FOR YOU?

It’s time to bid farewell to the sunny days of summer and prepare for the cozy embrace of fall. Whilst I actually love fall, and all its pumpkin spice good-ness, my skin does not.

My summer tan fades, my skin dries up, and I begin plotting a trip to the studio to pinch as many scrubs that my over-crowded vanity can house. This stealth mission sparked me to write a quick piece on exfoliators and the difference between “mechanical” and “chemical” options. Whether you are a skincare novice or a seasoned pro, read on to discover their differences, their suitability for certain skin types and why our Vanilla Pink Grapefruit Coffee Scrub is stealing the spotlight at Bear & Joey Cosmetics.

Mechanical Exfoliation: Scrub-a-dub-dub!

Mechanical exfoliation is like a mini spa day for your skin, using physical abrasives to whisk away dead skin cells. Here are some key players in the world of mechanical exfoliation:

1. Exfoliating Mitts / brushes: These nifty tools help you slough away dead skin cells and are relatively inexpensive. But remember, your skin isn't a dirty pot – so be gentle!
2. Sugar Scrubs: Made from the natural sweet stuff, sugar scrubs are perfect for sensitive skin, leaving you feeling smoother than silky pajamas.
3. Salt Scrubs: If you're feeling like your skin can take some grit, salt scrubs are typically coarser and ideal for tougher skin or stubborn dry patches.
4. Coffee Scrubs: Now let's talk about the underdog- exfoliating coffee scrubs, and why they continue to gain popularity. Our coffee scrubs feature upcycled, Arabica coffee, organic coconut oil, Vitamin e, Dead Sea Salt, brown sugar and essential oils. The combination of super finely ground ingredients are incredibly effective without being too abrasive, whilst simultaneously moisturizing the new layer of skin revealed. More on these later!

Chemical Exfoliation:

Chemical exfoliation may sound intimidating, but it's all about using acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells. Meet the chemical exfoliation squad:

1. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): These, like glycolic acid and lactic acid, work on the skin's surface, ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
2. Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): BHAs, like salicylic acid, dive deep into pores, perfect for oily and acne-prone skin.
3. Enzymes: Derived from fruits like papaya and pineapple, enzyme exfoliants are gentle and ideal for sensitive souls.

What's Best for Your Skin Type?

• Dry Skin: AHAs and enzyme exfoliants are your best friends. They remove flakes without drying your skin.
• Oily Skin: BHAs are the go-to heroes, unclogging pores and controlling oil.
• Sensitive Skin: Be gentle with mechanical exfoliants or opt for enzyme exfoliants and avoid overdoing it.
• Normal Skin: You're in luck! You can explore both mechanical and chemical exfoliation. Just remember, moderation is key.

Your Skin, Your Rules.

Remember, skincare isn't one-size-fits-all. Take advantage of online skin quizzes and tests to understand your skin's needs better. Consulting a dermatologist can be a smart move to avoid wasting money on the wrong products, and provide personalized advice tailored to your skin's quirks.

Our (perhaps bias) pick: Vanilla & Pink Grapefruit Coffee Scrub

Our second-born scent has proven to be the star of our lineup and has achieved phenomenal results for a wide range of skin types. Not only does it exfoliate, but it also takes aim at reducing the appearance of cellulite, lines, and wrinkles (thanks to beloved caffeine), all the while promoting new cell growth with Vitamin E. It’s relatively inexpensive compared to other options, and with a 30-day money back guarantee, you won’t be stuck with a product that you’re not totally in love with!

In the end, fall and winter does not have to mean dry & flakey skin, but it will need some extra TLC. Some folks experiment with their routine, while others stay in their lane and buy the one product religiously. Either way, its critical to trial new products on a small area of your skin first, and always use sunscreen and moisturize after exfoliating!

Stephanie Wood - Co-Founder
Bear & Joey Cosmetics