Back in September I was blessed with the opportunity to speak to a crowd of about 120 people at the HBA Expo on social media and the beauty industry. Imagine my surprise when the very lovely Renee Rouleau was sitting in the crowd (and came up to introduce herself afterwards!) Renee has an amazing skin care line based on 9 different skin types. Below is the comparison of chemical exfoliants and physical exfoliants, which used in combination, is an effective way to reveal more youthful, radiant skin.

Chemical Exfoliants:
These are mild acids that are applied to the skin at night to dissolve dry skin cells while you sleep. Studies show the effectiveness of exfoliation given by glycolic acid in reducing the appearance of sun damage and large pores, smoothing, softening and promoting blemish-free skin is far superior to any other acid out on the market. Renee has some great glycolic serums to choose from.

Physical Exfoliants:
These are the facial scrubs that contain synthetic beads that gently roll across the skin. For best results, you use them twice a week to physically lift off and polish away dry damaged skin cells. Natural scrubs using almonds, apricots or walnuts are an absolute no-no! They have sharp edges and will scratch the skin causing irritation and the spread of bacteria resulting in increased break outs (note to my sister-in-law Natalie–toss that St. Ives Apricot Scrub!)

I admit, I am totally eyeing up that Pumpkin Smoothing Peel.

Check out all of the products Renee has to offer at www.reneerouleau.com

Posted on October 26, 2008 by Shannon Nelson in anti-aging, beauty, skin care 10 Comments

About the author

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences. You can also see her every Tuesday on PA Live!

10 Responses to Chemical Exfoliants and Physical Exfoliants Compared

PRIIA Cosmetics October 26, 2008
Good post Shannon on exfoliants! It’s soooo important for women too understand how important it is to exfoliate. Once you do it regularly, you’ll be amazed at how much better your skin looks and feels.

And yes, the apricot, walnut shell and almond scrubs should NOT be applied to the face. Save it for the body and feet!
Renee Rouleau October 27, 2008
Thank you Shannon, for sharing my information with your loyal readers!
-Renee Rouleau
http://www.reneerouleau.com
Teri October 28, 2008
Oh my – I love Renee’s products. Her glycolic serums and Vitamin C productsare amazing – and that pumpkin peel is great too.
Amanda November 2, 2008
Beware of the environmental costs of using scrubs made from synthetic beads. Micro plastics harm a wide variety of marine life, such as mussels and other filter feeders.
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Suzy August 21, 2009
Thanks for introducing me (us) to Renee, Shannon. I’m very much into glycolics (for all the reasons mentioned above) and will have to look into her serums and other products!
Anna S. August 22, 2009
no apricot or nut based scrubs? oh no, i always scrub my face like i scrub my plates! especially when i get pimples, then I scrub like a maniac. I have some acne that is cystic (i guess, that is the correct term, acne that leaves bumps and scars on your face) and i just keep scrubbing it. Now i see why i keep getting more and more acne.

i really like that she has 9 skin types. it is easier to pick out my skin type that way- by reading all the symptoms.
Tina August 23, 2009
I love that she avoids Mineral Oil & Petrolatum (pore-clogging and suffocating to the skin)!!
Tina August 23, 2009
I think it’s fantastic that she offers 9 different skin types!
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