Why You Shouldn’t Fear the Word ‘Chemical’ When It Comes To Skin Care

In our minds when we hear ‘chemical’, we shy away from using scientifically effective products beneficial to our skin. Nowadays it’s easier to research what’s in our skincare products and the rise of natural clean beauty has made us warier.

It’s a common misconception that chemical means unnatural and dangerous but this tends to be more of a clever marketing concept to buy the brands that label themselves as ‘green’. 

What we really aren’t told is that ‘natural’ isn’t always as beneficial for the skin just as non-clean beauty isn’t always safe.

However, both natural and synthetic ingredients have advantages and disadvantages so it’s best to know what works for you and not run away from fear words like chemical.

Products like chemical exfoliants are very different from the bad chemicals we immediately think of. While there are numerous harmful chemicals used in skincare there are also good chemicals that we need to welcome more often as they’re scientifically proven to improve the look and elasticity of our skin. 

Remember, this isn’t to make you scared to use skincare products but to instead be more aware of what you’re putting onto your skin.

What are the good chemicals?

We know of the harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, fragrance, synthetic colors among many others but are we able to differ what the good chemicals are in skincare? A popular name in the good chemicals list is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid has always popped up in the acne treatment realm of skincare as a go-to ingredient to solve skin concerns. It actually is a beta hydroxy acid that occurs as a natural compound in plants. This ingredient prevents pores from clogging up and allows room for new cell growth. It’s commonly known to reduce acne and decrease redness and inflammation which then speeds the healing of breakouts.

Glycolic acid is another chemical I’ve discussed a few times in the past. It’s a very helpful ingredient in promoting a youthful glow in the skin. Glycolic acid aids in the shedding process of dead skin cells, then making way for new skin cell growth to prevent dryness and dullness on the first layer of the skin. In technical terms when applied, it reacts with the first layer of the skin also known as the epidermis, weakening the binding properties of lipids that hold dead skin cells together. This then allows new skin cell growth revealing more youthful and glowy skin. 

Another chemical ingredient that has gained popularity recently is AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids which are often found in glycolic products. AHAs aid in pigmentation, fine lines, firming, as well as clogged and enlarged pores. Of course, along with glycolic acid AHAs stimulate the exfoliation of the epidermal cells and promote cell renewal. AHAs including glycolic acid are also naturally-occurring organic acids that are found in many foods and milk sugars! 

Chemical Exfoliation and its benefits 

Our skin cells typically regenerate every 28 days and ensuring your skin is properly cared for can maintain its health and elasticity. Chemical exfoliation is the most effective way of helping skin cells shed in an indirect way compared to physical exfoliation (a tool or scrub and skin) that may be too harsh for some, especially if done too abrasively. Chemical exfoliants are actually gentler than physical as they’re less intimidating than they appear and with the proper product for your skin, it will really make the difference in appearance and elasticity of the skin. There are different ways you can use chemical exfoliants, either one that is a leave-on or one that you should wash off after a certain amount of time.

With leave-on exfoliants, it’s better to use a small amount just a few minutes after cleansing the skin so as to not let it soak in the skin. After application, you’re able to apply the rest of the products in your skincare routine. It’s best to use a few times a week rather than daily as to not irritate the skin, especially if you already have sensitive skin. 

With a wash off chemical exfoliant or ‘chemical peel’, you’re meant to apply a thin layer to the skin which leaves a tingling/burning sensation in the skin. After a few minutes pass, wash off the skin with cool water in order to neutralize it. This is another chemical exfoliation product that you need to allow your skin time to adjust to and it’s best to use these once a week to not irritate the skin. 

Possible common mistakes…

When it comes to any type of skincare it can be a struggle to fully understand how to correctly apply without making any mistakes. One common mistake people tend to make is using too much of these ingredients on a weekly or daily basis which can cause skin irritation. It’s better to gradually apply this product by using it once a week then work your way up to every day. Keep in mind that some products may have a stronger percentage of the chemical ingredients and should only be used once or twice a week.

It’s best to pay attention to what works best for your skin and avoid sensitizing it by overusing a product. 

Many people also get a red flag once they begin to use these products as it can oftentimes give a burning/stinging feeling on the skin, but this isn’t something you need to run away from. This tingling sensation is normal and once your skin adjusts most people don’t notice it anymore.

Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! A product one should never neglect especially when using chemical exfoliants. When it comes to these ingredients in chemical exfoliants it can cause sun sensitivity. It’s even more vital to your skin’s health to wear sunscreen when using a chemical product because if not, you can end up with more wrinkles and pigmentation than before. We especially want to avoid getting skin cancer!