You know by now that exfoliating your skin is key to keep it looking smooth and glowing. Whether you want to remove dead skin cells, oil, dirt and grime sitting on the surface of your skin or want to treat concerns such as dark spots, acne, pigmentation and inflammation, exfoliating regularly can take your skincare game to an all new level. Physical exfoliants are gritty scrubs that slough off the dead skin buildup on your skin and unclog pores. But if you have sensitive skin or problem prone skin, chemical exfoliants in the form of serums may be what you need. Here is everything you need to know before you invest in exfoliating serums.
01What are exfoliating serums?
Exfoliation is the one-stop solution to getting rid of dull skin and uneven tone, without a doubt. If you've ever noticed your complexion looking dull, then including exfoliation in your regular skincare regimen is what you need to do in order to get brighter, even skin. While physical exfoliants such as brown sugar and honey have been the more popular exfoliating options, it's time to add a serum to your routine to enjoy similar benefits. So, how exactly do exfoliating serums help? These serums are made up of a mixture of acids (AHAs or BHAs) that work on your skin to help you get rid of any buildup that may be clogging your pores. Exfoliating serums are the best option for all those who experience excessive dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The acids present in an exfoliating serum will help slough off dead skin and fight skin concerns such as discolouration, dark spots and premature signs of ageing. And that's not all! Some acids also have the power to tackle acne as they target bacteria and other impurities that are clogging your pores and dissolve them.
02What ingredients should you look for in an exfoliating serum?
Ingredients that help lift dead skin cells and increase skin cell turnover are what you need in your exfoliating serum. Make sure your exfoliating serum has at least one or more of the below acids:
- Salicylic acid: This beta hydroxy acid is the perfect solution for acne. Using an exfoliating serum infused with salicylic acid can soothe skin by easing inflammation and unclogging pores.
- Malic acid: This is a fruit acid derived from apples and is used to slough away dead cells.
- Glycolic acid: It is an alpha hydroxy acid used to treat hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and dull complexion.
- Lactic acid: Lactic acid infused serums can work well to plump your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Citric acid: Derived from citrus fruits, this alpha hydroxy acid helps exfoliate and soothe inflamed skin.
