The Difference between Chemical and Physical Exfoliation

We’ve all heard of exfoliation and know that we should be incorporating it into our skincare routine somehow. But, it can be confusing and there are many questions that are frequently asked when it comes to exfoliation:

Why do we need to exfoliate?

How often should I exfoliate?

What exfoliant is best for my skin type?

What is the difference between physical and chemical exfoliation?

If you’re unsure about any of the above questions - this article is for you. 

What Is Exfoliation — And Why Do We Need It?

Our skin has a natural shedding process with a turnaround of approximately 1 month. However, this natural exfoliation process doesn’t always shed evenly, and as we age our skin’s renewal process begins to slow - which is why helping our skin along with exfoliation via our skincare is so important.

Over time, the outermost layer of skin (the stratum corneum) accumulates dead skin cells, environmental residue and excess oil. If left to sit on the skin, this layer can cause your complexion to look dull, feel rough, impede absorption of active ingredients, and even contribute to clogged pores or breakouts.

By removing that top layer, exfoliation helps:

• Reveal a fresher, brighter-looking complexion

• Smooth texture and minimise rough patches

• Allow subsequent skincare products (serums, moisturisers) to penetrate more effectively

• Help manage congestion, dullness, and signs of skin ageing
  
  

However, exfoliation can be a little complicated and is not “one size fits all” treatment. Taking an aggressive exfoliation approach or using the wrong products for your skin type can lead to irritation, micro-tears, broken capillaries, and a compromised barrier. That’s why understanding chemical vs. physical exfoliation — their modes of action, benefits, risks, and suitability for different skin types is essential to your skin’s health.

Chemical Exfoliation vs Physical Exfoliation: Key Differences

Chemical and physical exfoliation both have one common goal - to assist your skin’s renewal process, preventing dead skin build up that can lead to dullness, rough patches and breakouts. However, they achieve this in very different ways.

Chemical Exfoliation

Chemical Exfoliation uses acids and enzymes to dissolve the “glue” that holds dead cells together. Chemical exfoliants break down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to slough off naturally. Some examples include AHAs, BHAs and Fruit Enzymes.

Physical Exfoliation 

Physical Exfoliation uses plant particles or mechanical motion to manually slough off the topmost dead skin cells. Some examples of a physical scrub includes the use of jojoba beads, bamboo particles, diatomaceous earth, exfoliating cloths and mitts, along with professional exfoliation treatments such as microdermabrasion.

Pros and Cons of Chemical and Physical Exfoliation

Chemical Exfoliation

Pros:

• If used correctly, chemical exfoliation can be a gentler option than scrubs.

• Gives the skin an all-over refresh while helping brighten and reducing pigmentation.

• Less risk of micro-tears compared to harsh scrubbing.

Cons & Risks:

• Chemical exfoliants can increase photosensitivity so must be used at night.

• Overuse or too-high concentration can cause irritation, peeling, stinging, or dryness.

• Some people with extremely reactive skin (eczema, rosacea) may find even mild acids cause irritation.

Physical Exfoliation

Pros:

• Physical Exfoliation gives instant results: skin feels smoother and rough patches are immediately buffed away.

• Physical exfoliation is ideal for the body - smoothing rough areas such as knees, elbows and feet.

Cons / Risks:

• If the particles are too sharp within physical exfoliants, or you scrub too hard, you can damage your skin barrier with micro-tears and cause inflammation.

• Uneven application or overuse can lead to sensitivity or a damaged barrier.

• Physical exfoliation isn’t always suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin as you risk further damage to broken and inflamed skin.

Do You Need Both Chemical and Physical Exfoliation?

You don’t necessarily need both chemical and physical exfoliation, however many people get excellent results by either combining or alternating the two types - provided they are suitable for your skin type.

• Physical exfoliation gives immediate smoothing, while chemical exfoliation works deeper and more uniformly.

• Using them on alternating days or weeks can help avoid overuse of one method.

If you choose to combine exfoliant methods, always monitor your skin carefully. Signs of over-exfoliation can include tightness, redness, flaking or stinging - all signs it’s time to give your skin a break.

Choosing Exfoliation According to Skin Type and Concerns

Sensitive / Reactive Skin

If you have sensitive skin and are looking to incorporate exfoliation into your routine it’s best to introduce exfoliants slowly, beginning with one treatment per week. Mild, chemical exfoliants that contain gentle fruit acids in low concentration are best. 

LAMAV’s Sensitive Skin Exfoliation Routine: 

• LAMAV Hydra Calm Cream Cleanser— use daily as a balancing, gentle cleanser to maintain a healthy skin environment before any exfoliation.

• LAMAV Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser 2-3 times per week to encourage cellular turnover from fruit derived AHAs 

• LAMAV Jojoba Exfoliating Scrub weekly to gently buff away dead skin with soft, melting jojoba beads

• Finish with LAMAV Omega 3 Advanced Night Cream or Omega Antioxidant Oil to soothe the skin barrier and prevent irritation post exfoliation

Normal / Combination Skin

Normal and combination skin has a little more flexibility with both chemical and physical exfoliation as this skin type tends to be less reactive. Including both exfoliation types and alternating every few days or each week will help your skin remain smooth and flake free.

LAMAV’s Normal Skin Exfoliation Routine:

• Use LAMAV’s Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser daily to maintain clarity.

• Use LAMAV’s AHA Face Exfoliant 2–3 times per week in the evenings to maintain a smooth complexion with combined chemical and physical exfoliation benefits

• Follow up with LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Hydra-Max Serum and your favourite LAMAV Moisturiser to sooth skin post exfoliation

Oily / Acne-Prone Skin

Oily skin types are often recommended BHAs such as salicylic acid as these are able to reach deeper into the pores where they can help clear excess oil. AHAs also help with skin tone and prevent dead skin build up that can contribute to blocked pores. Many dermatologists consider chemical exfoliation better for acne-prone types than scrubs, which risk aggravating active blemishes and open wounds. 

LAMAV’s Oily Skin Exfoliation Routine:

• Cleanse with LAMAV’s Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser to balance excess oil, reduce inflammation and encourage cellular turnover.  

• Use LAMAVs AHA Face Exfoliant 2-3 times per week, being careful to avoid any active blemishes.

• Use LAMAV’s Bakuchiol 4% Booster on nights when you don’t exfoliate to support cell renewal and a smooth complexion.

Mature Skin

Chemical exfoliation is often more beneficial for mature as the skin can become thinner and more prone to tearing as you age. Chemical exfoliants also support brightening to reduce the signs of age spots and sun damage - skin concerns that are more common in mature skin.

LAMAV’s Mature Skin Exfoliation Routine:

• Use LAMAV’s Hydra Calm Cream Cleanser or Marula Oil Cleanser for a gentle and nourishing cleanse.

• Use LAMAV’s Jojoba Exfoliating Scrub 2-3 times per week for a gentle exfoliation that won’t scratch the skin

• Use LAMAV’s Vitamin A Repair Oil as your natural retinol alternative treatment on alternate nights to support skin renewal while strengthening the skin without irritation 

Award Winning Exfoliants to support all Skin Types

At LAMAV, we create skin-loving formulas designed to support and nourish - never irritate. Our exfoliating products are created with all skin types in mind - formulated with gentle, fruit derived AHAs and blended with smooth particles that won’t damage your skin - such as soft jojoba beads and diatomaceous earth. 

Discover our Award Winning exfoliating products below.

LAMAV Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser

This gentle but effective cleanser is gentle enough for all skin types, but is particularly beneficial for oily and acne prone skin. The inclusion of fruit derived AHAs supports dead skin breakdown while clearing surface oil and impurities without harsh stripping.

LAMAV AHA Face Exfoliant

Our multi award winning exfoliator is a 2-in-1 that stimulates cell turnover leaving the skin smooth, invigorated and fresh. Alpha Hydroxy Acids from Desert Lime, Sugar Cane and Bilberry break down dead skin cells for deep exfoliation, while Kakadu Plum promotes collagen production. Fine Bamboo particles and Diatomaceous Earth gently clear dead cells for a brighter and clearer complexion.

LAMAV Jojoba Exfoliating Scrub

Our gentle Jojoba Exfoliating Scrub leaves your skin smooth, polished, and nourished and is an ideal treatment for those with sensitive and mature skin. This natural face exfoliator is formulated with soft-melting Jojoba Beads and AHA Fruit Acids to effectively remove dead skin cells and impurities, revealing a softer, brighter complexion.

LAMAV Bakuchiol 4% Booster (Natural Retinol Alternative)

Formulated with 4% Bakuchiol—this natural retinol alternative fights wrinkles, dullness and acne. It combines the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with Australian native bio-actives to supercharge your routine by improving skin structure and reducing the appearance of texture, fine lines and wrinkles,

Bakuchiol is suitable for all skin types—including sensitive or ageing complexions.

Exfoliation Tips & Precautions

Exfoliation delivers many benefits to skin health and supports the effectiveness of our leave-on products, however they can cause damage and irritation if not used correctly so it’s important to research before buying and use with caution.

• Always patch test new exfoliation products before full use

• Never layer strong acids or exfoliant ingredients on the same night

• Limit Exfoliating Scrubs to 1-3 uses per week, and use very gentle pressure

• If your skin tingles, stings, becomes red or flaky during or after exfoliation - stop use immediately and reduce frequency

• Always use a SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen, particularly on days when you have exfoliated as your skin will be more vulnerable to irritation and UV damage

• After exfoliation, prioritise barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and calming antioxidants

Final Thoughts on Chemical and Physical Exfoliation

With mindful use, chemical and physical exfoliation can be powerful tools in your skincare routine to keep skin clear, smooth and support the effectiveness of your leave-on products. Choosing gentle exfoliants such as LAMAV’s AHA and Jojoba Exfoliating scrubs and combining them with a gentle cleanser and barrier friendly serums and moisturisers will create an environment for your skin that is balanced, smooth and nourished.