Chemical Exfoliants and Physical Exfoliants Compared

Back in September I was blessed with the opportunity to speak to a crowd of about 120 people at the HBA Expo on social media and the beauty industry. Imagine my surprise when the very lovely Renee Rouleau was sitting in the crowd (and came up to introduce herself afterwards!) Renee has an amazing skin care line based on 9 different skin types. Below is the comparison of chemical exfoliants and physical exfoliants, which used in combination, is an effective way to reveal more youthful, radiant skin.

Chemical Exfoliants:
These are mild acids that are applied to the skin at night to dissolve dry skin cells while you sleep. Studies show the effectiveness of exfoliation given by glycolic acid in reducing the appearance of sun damage and large pores, smoothing, softening and promoting blemish-free skin is far superior to any other acid out on the market. Renee has some great glycolic serums to choose from.

Physical Exfoliants:
These are the facial scrubs that contain synthetic beads that gently roll across the skin. For best results, you use them twice a week to physically lift off and polish away dry damaged skin cells. Natural scrubs using almonds, apricots or walnuts are an absolute no-no! They have sharp edges and will scratch the skin causing irritation and the spread of bacteria resulting in increased break outs (note to my sister-in-law Natalie–toss that St. Ives Apricot Scrub!)

I admit, I am totally eyeing up that Pumpkin Smoothing Peel.

Check out all of the products Renee has to offer at www.reneerouleau.com


10 Responses

  1. Good post Shannon on exfoliants! It’s soooo important for women too understand how important it is to exfoliate. Once you do it regularly, you’ll be amazed at how much better your skin looks and feels.

    And yes, the apricot, walnut shell and almond scrubs should NOT be applied to the face. Save it for the body and feet!

    PRIIA Cosmetics - October 26th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
  2. Thank you Shannon, for sharing my information with your loyal readers!
    -Renee Rouleau
    http://www.reneerouleau.com

    Renee Rouleau - October 27th, 2008 at 9:11 am
  3. Oh my – I love Renee’s products. Her glycolic serums and Vitamin C productsare amazing – and that pumpkin peel is great too.

    Teri - October 28th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
  4. Beware of the environmental costs of using scrubs made from synthetic beads. Micro plastics harm a wide variety of marine life, such as mussels and other filter feeders.

    Amanda - November 2nd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
  5. [...] friend Renee Rouleau taught me that there are 9 different skin types. And now Solavie has shown me that the key to good [...]

    Review: Solavie Face Wash and Face Nourish | A Girl's Gotta Spa Beauty Blog! - March 7th, 2009 at 8:14 am
  6. Thanks for introducing me (us) to Renee, Shannon. I’m very much into glycolics (for all the reasons mentioned above) and will have to look into her serums and other products!

    Suzy - August 21st, 2009 at 2:18 pm
  7. no apricot or nut based scrubs? oh no, i always scrub my face like i scrub my plates! especially when i get pimples, then I scrub like a maniac. I have some acne that is cystic (i guess, that is the correct term, acne that leaves bumps and scars on your face) and i just keep scrubbing it. Now i see why i keep getting more and more acne.

    i really like that she has 9 skin types. it is easier to pick out my skin type that way- by reading all the symptoms.

    Anna S. - August 22nd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
  8. I love that she avoids Mineral Oil & Petrolatum (pore-clogging and suffocating to the skin)!!

    Tina - August 23rd, 2009 at 6:06 am
  9. I think it’s fantastic that she offers 9 different skin types!

    Tina - August 23rd, 2009 at 6:07 am
  10. [...] just a scrub? Then be sure to check out my previous write up regarding Renée’s comparison of chemical exfoliants and physical exfoliants. This peel is going to make your skin feel baby soft and because this product contains vasodilators [...]

    Review: Renée Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel | A Girl's Gotta Spa Beauty Blog! - August 31st, 2009 at 11:19 pm

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