Which YTTP Exfoliator Is Right For You

If you are not exfoliating, then you may be missing a crucial part of any skincare regimen. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, resulting in skin that looks brighter, smoother, and even toned—so long as you start slow and use the correct exfoliant for your skin type and skin goals.   

When choosing the right exfoliant for you, it is important to keep in mind that there are two common types of exfoliants: chemical exfoliants and physical exfoliants. A straightforward way to remember the difference is that chemical exfoliants contain enzymes and/or acids while physical exfoliants contain small particles, or beads, commonly referred to as scrubs. Despite their name, chemical exfoliants can sometimes be a bit gentler on the skin, depending on the overall formulation.  

Chemical exfoliants formulated with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid work to remove surface dead skin cells and help reveal a smoother, brighter-looking complexion. AHAs are water-soluble and are known to be humectants, so they are ideal for people with dry skin, rough texture, and discoloration. On the other hand, there are beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, which not only removes surface dead skin cells, but also absorbs into the pores to clear out excess oil build-up and dirt that could lead to breakout activity. BHAs are oil-soluble, so they are ideal for people with oilier, acne-prone skin. As explained by Jacob Tomás del Rosario, Youth To The People’s Director of Field Sales + Education, “AHAs and BHAs are skin smoothing—they help polish the skin, remove any evident texture, help to encourage the skin's natural shedding process, and even the appearance of tonal quality.”   

Youth To The People’s lineup of exfoliants offers something for everyone. The Kombucha +10% AHA Power Exfoliant is a lightweight liquid chemical exfoliant formulated with 7% lactic acid and 3% glycolic acid. These well-known AHAs work together to revitalize dull, dry skin, and visibly smooth skin texture while fading the appearance of dark spots and discoloration, presenting a more even-looking skin tone. The kombucha black tea ferment provides antioxidant protection from pollutants while betaine, glycerin, and arginine attract and maintain moisture, leaving the skin looking and feeling more hydrated. The Power Exfoliant is suitable for all skin types and recommended to use one night per week to begin, gradually working up to 2-3 nights per week if needed. It is a leave-on exfoliant, so apply after cleansing using a cotton round, and be sure to avoid the eye area. Follow with YTTP’s Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask, an overnight, leave-on hydrating mask that will boost the effects of the Kombucha Power Exfoliant making the skin look and feel nourished, plump, and radiant the next morning. 

YTTP’s Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask is a thick, whipped mask formulated with 2% BHA, or salicylic acid, so it is ideal for treating breakout activity. While the 2% BHA is at work clearing the pores, there are volcanic, white, and green clays absorbing excess oil without stripping the skin, 2% niacinamide working to reduce visibility of large pores and even skin tone, and that same kombucha black tea ferment as the Kombucha Power Exfoliant for antioxidant protection. It is recommended to use the Power Mask one night per week to begin, gradually working up to 2-3 nights per week in needed. It is a wash-off mask, so apply after cleansing, leave on for up to ten minutes, then rinse off. It can be applied all over the face and neck, except for the eye area, or as a spot treatment on breakouts and congested areas. Follow with YTTP’s Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream to hydrate and replenish the skin without clogging the pores. 

YTTP’s Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial is a powerful two-in-one exfoliant, containing papaya and pineapple fruit enzymes as well as sustainable micro-exfoliants made from bamboo and diatomaceous earth. Enzymes are another type of chemical exfoliant mostly derived from fruits that break down surface dead skin cells. What is nice about the Energy Facial and different from other scrubs you may have used is that the micro-exfoliants are small, rounded beads that resurface the skin’s texture without causing microtears in the skin. This at-home facial reveals a more radiant, smooth, and soft canvas perfect for enhancing absorption of serums and moisturizers. It is friendly for all skin types and recommended to use once per week after cleansing, and gradually increasing to 2-3 times per week if needed. Leave on for up to two minutes, add water and gently massage in circular motions, then rinse off. For more sensitive skin, dilute the product in the palm of your hand with water before applying.  

No matter which exfoliant you try, it’s important to always start slow and listen to your skin. Increasing frequency of use too quickly can do more harm than good, and sometimes may not even be necessary. Always follow up with moisturizer and remember to use a broad spectrum SPF30 or higher during the day and reapply every two hours if exposed to UV rays through windows or outdoor activity, regardless of weather and skin type! If you have more questions about picking the right exfoliant for you, or how to incorporate exfoliation into your current routine, book a Skin Session with one of our skincare experts here.