The difference between chemical and physical exfoliants is all in the name. Physical exfoliants use something physical, like the bristles of a brush or particles in a sugar scrub, while chemical exfoliants use acids (such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid, etc.) to remove dead skin cells.
Exfoliating is GP’s favorite skin trick, and it really works. One of the easiest ways to boost glow, help clear up your skin, minimize the appearance of sun damage, and maintain a beautiful complexion is to exfoliate regularly. Not only does sweeping away dead skin cells, grime, pollution, and makeup residue have the instant benefit of deep-cleaning your pores to make your skin look brighter and feel silkier; it also allows any serums, treatments, and moisturizers you apply afterward to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. How often and how intensely you exfoliate depends on your skin type and how sensitive it is, but just about everyone’s skin benefits from a combination of both physical and chemical exfoliation.