Kylie Jenner announced the launch of her Kylie Cosmetics skincare line, Kylie Skin, on May 10, 2019. The announcement left some estheticians and skin care enthusiasts side-eying one particular product: the Walnut Face Scrub.
Without yet knowing the formulations of any products within the Kylie Skin line, skincare experts are already warning against this facial scrub, because it’s a physical exfoliant.
Exfoliating is a crucial step within your skincare routine, with numerous benefits, such as fading age spots, unclogging pores, minimizing pore size and wrinkles and allowing for better absorption of moisturizers, and serums. However, physical exfoliants, such as the notorious St. Ives Apricot Scrub and the Kylie Skin Walnut Scrub, actually do more harm than good when it comes to the face.
Esthetician, Nayamka Roberts-Smith, also known online as LA Beautyologist, explained in a Tweet that physical exfoliants, meaning those with gritty or abrasive granular particles, can cause micro-cuts in the skin which worsen inflammation and hyperpigmentation on the face.
For those who use facial brushes, such as the Clarisonic, you might want to reconsider. Spin brushes are far too abrasive to use as an exfoliant. They can also trap bacteria and spread it throughout the face, causing breakouts to become more common. Silicone brushes are acceptable, said Roberts-Smith, but they must be cleaned regularly or they will transfer bacteria as well.
For regular facial exfoliation, chemical exfoliants are actually far safer for the skin. Some may find the idea of exfoliating with chemicals to be a bit scary, but what chemical exfoliants actually do is dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells the same way scrubs do, but without harming your healthy skin cells.
So what should you look for in a chemical exfoliant?
Chemical exfoliants can usually be found in chemical peels or serums. These products, when concentrated, can be used as a mask, however, if they are formulated within other products, such as toners or serums, they work more slowly over time.
Chemical exfoliant ingredients consist of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), which include glycolic acid and lactic acid. They also may consist of beta hydroxy acids (BHA), such as salicylic acid, which also helps to treat acne prone skin. A popular AHA and BHA mask is The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.
Enzyme exfoliants work similarly, but are easier on sensitive skin. Many contain enzymes from acidic fruits, such as pineapple or papaya. A popular enzyme exfoliant, and a staple in Kim Kardashian’s skincare routine, is The Rice Polish: Classic from Tatcha.
Photo Source: Allure.com
