What is exfoliation?
In simple terms, exfoliation is a process that encourages the removal of skin cells from the surface layer of the skin. When this occurs, it encourages the skin to make new fresh cells.
Why should we exfoliate?
Exfoliation can assist in making your skin bright and clear, and it can aid with certain skin conditions and concerns, for example; ageing, pigmentation and acne. As we age, cell renewal slows down and this can lead to the skin looking dull and uneven, so exfoliation can encourage a brighter and smoother complexion.
For a skin disorder like acne or congestion conditions, exfoliation can help with keeping the skin follicles clear because one of the many attributing factors of an acne skin may be retention keratosis, whereby the skin doesn’t shed cells easily and therefore creates a backlog of skin cells (amongst other factors) that can contribute to blockages.
What is key, is understanding your skin, its specific needs, when to exfoliate, when not to exfoliate and what type of exfoliant to use. A naturally healthy skin should move through its cell renewal cycle and desquamate itself and a good skin care regime allowing and assisting the skin to function the way it should.
Physical Exfoliants
How physical exfoliants work and their advantages
Physical exfoliants manually buff and polish the skin, helping to remove surface cells while smoothing, refining, and invigorating your complexion. Think gentle scrubs that reveal fresher, brighter skin.
They are quick and easy to use and can be recommended for all skins, particularly a young skin for example, that does not need hydroxy acids.
Be super gentle and avoid scrubs with scratchy particles that can leave damage the skin, leaving it red and irritated. When choosing a physical type exfoliant, we recommend a physical exfoliant that is gentle, with particles that are soft and smooth.
Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants like hydroxy acids are compounds that are common in many skincare exfoliants, like AHA’s which are water soluble and work to break down the intercellular glue that holds cells in place, encouraging new cell renewal from within and BHA’s which are oil soluble, excellent for congested and breakouts, known for their ability to penetrate and assist in unclogging pores.
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are water soluble acids with the most common being lactic acid and Glycolic Acid. Lactic Acid is a popular choice because it is gentle and hydrating, whilst glycolic acid may penetrate faster with potential irritation. Tartaric, Mandelic, Malic Acid are also classed as AHAs, which help increase cellular turnover for the skin.
AHAs remove cells from the surface layer to reveal fresh new cells and encourage new cell production from below. They are excellent for ageing, pigmentation, sun damage, brightening, smoothing, firming, and reducing fine lines.
BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids)
Salicylic Acid is a BHA that penetrates the skin, ideal for congested, breakout, and acne-prone skin. It also offers anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits.
PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids)
PHAs are gentler chemical exfoliants, suitable for sensitive skin, and can help reduce ageing, pigmentation, and sun damage.
Potential risks and how to avoid them
- Avoid overuse, more is not more!
- Understand what type of ingredients are in your exfoliant.
- Never exfoliate if your skin barrier is impaired or sensitised.
- Never exfoliate if you are on specific medications like Roaccutane.
- Don’t mix or combine exfoliants.
- Be aware you may be more sun sensitive after exfoliation.
- Always follow the advice from your skin specialist.
- Don’t exfoliate after professional treatments (e.g., skin needling).
Where Bx Reveal Exfoliant fits in
Bx Reveal Exfoliant is a plant-powered exfoliant exclusive to Biologi with triple action benefits.
The soft powders gently smooth and exfoliate the skin physically, while providing superior conditioning, brightening, and increased cell regeneration.
How to use our Bx Reveal Exfoliant
Mask Exfoliant (1–2 times per week)
- Use one sachet and mix with Bc Refresh Cleanser to a smooth paste
- Apply to face and neck
- Leave on for 5–8 minutes
- Rinse well
Quick Exfoliation Method
- Dispense one sachet into hands
- Mix with Bc Refresh Cleanser
- Apply to skin and lightly massage for 2 minutes
- Rinse well
Weekly DIY Skin Boost
For an easy weekly treatment:
- Cleanse
- Exfoliate with Bx Reveal Exfoliant
- Apply a Biologi Bio Cellulose Sheet Mask of choice