The benefits of face scrubs and chemical peels

YOU can find them as gels, creams or masks: Skin peels are designed for either the face or body and intended to exfoliate and smoothen the surface skin.

Most peels rely on abrasion to remove dead skin, often using a fine granular substance, while chemical peels rely more on chemical ingredients. The desired effect is that skin becomes softer and smoother, while reducing

“Depending on the skin type and skin condition, peels can be used once or twice a week as a supplement to a daily cleansing

Face peels should be gently applied while avoiding the most sensitive area around the eyes. Application time varies widely from product to product, which can usually be easily washed away with water.

The abrasive particles are often natural substances such as fruit peels and wax. However sometimes the micro-particles are artificial and made from plastic and may feature a solid shell and liquid core.

The use of plastic particles in beauty products is a controversial topic. These microplastics have been identified as posing a significant threat to the environment, in particular to marine life. In Britain, products with plastic microbeads were recently banned.

Along with environmental considerations, you should also be sure to choose a product carefully as they can be quite harsh and contain other active ingredients that will not suit all skin types.

“Consumers should consider their skin type when choosing a peeling product,” says Huber. There are scrub products that exfoliate without the peeling effect, some that are even soap free.

In chemical peels using fruit acid, the skin is treated with acids from fruits that are well suited to removing dead skin cells. These scrubs also give the skin a smoother appearance. But Huber says to proceed with caution as chemical peels can cause a reaction on sensitive skin. – dpa