Beauty

[hyacinth003]

Seems like there is no consensus on which to use.

I do it way less these days as my skin is drier and more sensitive.  I could have scrubbed my face with anything in the past - no more!

My skin feels softest after using a physical exfoliation - presently, Serious Skin Care Glycolic Gommage.

The chemical one I like is Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle peel pads.

Any opinions on this?

Hyacinth

[Texasmouse]

Personally, I prefer chemical exfoliation only because I don't like the gritty feel of scrubs, although I try to use one weekly, just to cover my bases.

[Azcowgirl]

I agree. Used to be able to scrub with buff puffs, shower gloves etc. but skin is too sensitive and dry now. After showering and moisturizing, arms would get a prickly uncomfortable feeling. Have to be very gentle now.

[KaySD]

Probably a combination of both (at different times, of course) would be ideal. However, like you, I can't use any kind of "scrub" these days. The PTR glycolic face wash and peel pads are my go to chemical peels. PTR also has a "firm-x" peel that feels like it goes a little deeper. I'm pretty sure most masks do some amount of exfoliation as well. One thing I tried and I am really liking is using that Campinelli microfiber face cloth--the brown one. You can remove makeup, clean, and exfoliate by using the two sides of the cloth with just water. Like the idea, and it feels really effective--I'm just careful to be gentle when I use it.

[Drythe]

As a long time Retin-A user, I avoid additional chemical peels, except every other day 'C'.  Just a personal choice

[SilleeMee]

I mostly use a chemical peel (glycolic acid). But sometimes I like to "polish" my skin with bentonite clay. This clay contains silica particles which are microscopically spherical and do not tear the skin but polish it, resulting in incredibly smooth skin...it glows! Believe it or not, I use a damp beautyblender-type sponge to do the polishing by light, circular strokes around my face. It's a great pore cleanser, too.  It's all very gentle. I can't use any physical exfoliation because of my broken caps...they get worse with any aggravation.

[suzyQ3]

I use just chemical -- Paula's Choice liquid BHA 2%.

[maestra]

I prefer mild chemical. I'm using First Aid Beauty Radiance pads, which are playing nicely w/my sensitivities.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

Both kinds for me, at different times.

[River Song]

@hyacinth003,

I doubt you'll ever see a consensus since the ladies on this board are different ages, have different skin types, and live in different climates.  What works great for one person doesn't work for another.

I use a combination of physical and chemical exfoliants.  I use Paula's Choice BHA every other morning.  Once a week I alternate between Pixie Peel & Polish enzyme scrub or PTR's peel pads or Pixie Glow Tonic (AHA toner).  I use Derma E microdermabrasion scrub as needed, maybe once a week.