Exfoliated, the one I gave you: basics to show off the “I feel on your face” effect

AHA, BHA, PHA… WTF?

Everything related to exfoliation sounds like K-pop boy band stuff, but in short, it's about achieving skin as flawless as BTS's…

Today we're going over the basics of exfoliation: types, how often, how to exfoliate without damaging your skin…

We'll tell you how the movie goes, and then you can exfoliate however you like.

What is exfoliation and what are its benefits?

Before we begin, a little context in case you missed the Environmental Studies class (or our cosmetics tutorial For guys who want to go from noob to final boss of the creams).

Your skin (at least the outermost layer) renews itself in a reptilian way. roughly every 30 days. It sheds dead cells and produces a new season naturally each month.

With age, this slows down. And that translates into expression lines, clogged pores, blemishes that don't go away after summer... more of a face like you haven't slept 8 hours straight in the last 8 years.

That's where exfoliation comes in: it helps to "unclog" dead cells that have been stuck on your face forever and accelerates cell regeneration.

Cutlet. Exfoliation is good because:

Cleans impurities, grease and contamination.
It makes your pores less visible.
Blurs stains.
It conceals the signs of aging.
Prepare the ground (like a good petting session) so that any asset (cosmetic, it is understood) penetrates better.

In short, skin that feels like you could eat your face and a good exfoliation always go hand in hand.

What types of exfoliants are there and which one might be right for you?

Physical or mechanical exfoliants.

They're, to put it simply, "the old-fashioned kind." Microparticles or "little grains" that remove dead skin cells when you rub.

Chemical exfoliants.

Liquids. These are acids or enzymes (don't worry, they won't leave your face looking like the Joker's). The most well-known are AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. Heads up:

AHAs, or alpha hydroxy acids, are best suited for dry or sun-damaged skin. They have moisturizing properties. The most well-known are glycolic acid and lactic acid.

BHAs, or hydroxy acids. For combination, oily, or rosacea-prone skin. They work great against blackheads and enlarged pores, like the well in The Ring. The most well-known is salicylic acid.

PHAs or polyhydroxy acids. A distant cousin of AHAs. Their molecules are smaller than those of AHAs and therefore do not penetrate the skin as deeply.So they're great for very sensitive skin

❌ "Okay, but every brand claims theirs is the best. Which one is THE GOAT?"

It depends on what you're looking for in your skin and how sensitive your skin is.

If it's more sensitive than the beginning of a Pixar movie, PHA once a week…
If you're prone to oily skin, blackheads, or enlarged pores… go for physical and chemical (BHA) treatments. Don't be afraid.

❌“I’ve read that physical exfoliants cause micro-abrasions on the skin.”

Meeec. Error.

Press myth. No matter how much they insist that physical exfoliants cause micro-aggressions on the face.

The latest evidence (We're talking about April 2022) The thing is, physical exfoliants... exfoliate. 'Micro-tears' in English, or its (poor) Spanish translation 'micro-abrasions,' is a marketing term, not a scientific one. They don't exist.

❌ “Can I combine exfoliation with other ingredients (vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol)?”

Contrary to what you might read elsewhere, you can combine it with any ingredients you want.

Scientific studies only support positive synergies (that is, that positive things multiply) if you combine them... WELL.

It's a different story if your skin is damaged or irritated from everyday life. In that case, the problem isn't the cosmetics you're using... it's that you've overdone it and need to recover and gradually return to your routine.

In summary? Here are some final tips.

✔️ Exfoliate always after a good face wash. Remember that a clean face is worth more than 1000 nudes.

✔️ Then apply exfoliant in circular motions to your face.

✔️ If it hurts, you're doing it wrong. Don't act tough. This isn't BDSM.

✔️ Don't forget the "I'll give you lotion, you give me lotion" routine. After exfoliating, a shot of... moisturizing.

P.S. And if you want to experience the literal "put that ass on my face" effect, then use nOur Coffee Crush: our brand-new exfoliator with an intense coffee scent that tackles blemishes, marks, and everyday impurities relentlessly. A real gem!.