There are many various skin exfoliating products out there, but all of them can be divided into two main types: mechanical exfoliators (scrubs), containing abrasive particles, and chemical exfoliators (peels), formulated with acids and/or enzymes. What makes skin peeling gels special is that they combine chemical exfoliation with elements of mechanical scrubbing. Let’s figure out what skin peeling gels are and how they work.
Like many popular beauty products, skin peeling gels were first marketed by Korean companies, but today they are produced by cosmetic manufacturers across the world. Basically, skin peeling gels are chemical exfoliants based on organic acids (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, citric acid, etc.) and/or fruit enzymes, which slough off dirt and dead skin cells. Their formulations don’t include abrasive particles, so where does mechanical exfoliation come from?
The thing is, peeling gels usually contain cellulose or carbomer. These substances interact with the oil on your face, making the gel clump as you rub it into your skin. These tiny clumps gently exfoliate and polish your skin without irritating or scratching it, like abrasive particles might. Contrary to common misconception, these clumps are not made of dead skin cells, but they do help to remove dead cells from your skin, alongside grime, makeup residue, and excess sebum.
Skin peeling gels were originally designed for sensitive skin, which can’t be safely exfoliated with abrasive scrubs or chemical peels with high concentrations of organic acids/enzymes. However, today cosmetic companies produce peeling gels for all skin types.
As we’ve already said, skin peeling gels contain no abrasive particles (cellulose clumps don’t count, as they’re much gentler than any of the abrasives used in facial scrubs), so, unlike scrubs, they won’t scratch your skin. At the same time, such gels are formulated with low concentrations of acids and/or enzymes, making them completely safe even for very sensitive skin.
In addition to acids, enzymes and cellulose/carbomer, skin peeling gels usually contains other ingredients, such as carrier oils or plant extracts. Botanical ingredients help to prevent dehydration, restore the skin’s natural protective barrier, and help to cope with some common skin problems.
When used regularly, skin peeling gels unclog skin pores and make them appear smaller, stimulate microcirculation in the epidermis, make the skin smoother, boost skin cell metabolism, improve skin regeneration and renewal, even out skin tone, and give a healthy and radiant complexion. Thanks to them, your skin will look fresh and well-rested at all times.
Depending of your skin type and the concentration of acids/enzymes in your skin peeling gel, you can use it from 2–3 times a week to once every 7–10 days. You should keep in mind that, despite their gentleness, skin peeling gels belong to deep cleansing products, which means they are not intended for everyday use.
How to understand whether you use skin peeling gel too often? Problems such as skin hypersensitivity, couperose skin, pigmentation, dryness and flaking mean that you should lay off peeling gel for a while. Besides, it is important to use skin peeling gel properly for it to be really effective.
Before applying skin peeling gel, wash your face and gently pat it dry with a soft towel. Apply the product to your skin, avoiding the area around the eyes, and let it sit for 1–2 minutes to give acids/enzymes time to start working. Then, begin to rub your face in light circular motions until the gel begins to clump. Finally, wash cellulose granules off with warm water, pat your skin dry once more and apply moisturiser.
As we’ve already mentioned, skin peeling gels are suitable for all skin types. However, certain skin types will benefit from them more than others. For example, if you have oily or combination skin prone to blackheads, pimples, enlarged pores, acne scars and oily shine in the T-zone, skin peeling gel will produce a mattifying effect, prevent breakouts, and control sebum production. In addition, peeling gels can be used to treat keratosis.
Skin peeling gels have long ceased to be a hard to find novelty, and you can easily buy them online. For example, in our online shop Organic Store, you can find facial peeling gels produced by Cafe Mimi. In addition, we offer a great selection of chemical peels, gommages and face scrubs produced by other brands. Keep your skin smooth, clean and healthy with Organic Store!