How To (Safely) Use Liquid Exfoliants
Erin Cook is a beauty and lifestyle journalist who has been slinging words for magazines, such as marie claire, ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Cosmopolitan and Body+Soul, for the better part of a decade. As part of this role, she's had the pleasure of interviewing countless experts, such as dermatologists, trichologists, makeup artists and brand founders, to get their two cents on the latest beauty trends or to answer consumer questions. She loves a good hyaluronic serum, tinted moisturiser or glossy lipstick almost as much as she loves her cats. Almost.
Fancy seeing you here! If we haven’t met before, allow me to introduce myself, as a prerequisite to explain why I feel so comfortable gently bullying you into using liquid exfoliants (more on that in a moment).
I’m a beauty editor who has been slinging words in magazines for almost 10 years.
It also means I’ve been lucky enough to trial loaaads of fun new products and treatments so I can share my experience with readers like yourself. (Tough gig, right?)
All of this is to say that I love beauty. Lots! Especially when the aforementioned research can help a friend, colleague or reader behind the screen to find the right product for their skin type or concerns.
Now, introductions aside, let’s move on to the topic of conversation that we’re all here for: liquid exfoliants.
Should You Use a Liquid Exfoliant?
I still remember my first foray into the world of liquid exfoliants, back when I was new to covering the beauty beat.
Someone sent me a bottle of Alpha-H Liquid Gold and initially, I was apprehensive to use it.
At that point in time, the word ‘chemical exfoliant’ in my skincare sounded… scary.
But then I used it and I was hooked.
Liquid Gold is one of the products in this category that has a cult following. Why? Because it provides visible results. After just one use, I felt that my skin was smoother, pimples were less pronounced, and my complexion a low-key can’t-put-my-finger-on-it kind of glow.
So I used it again the next night.
And then again a few nights later. Until I was using it almost every night…
That’s when I learned that over-exfoliating skin with acids can compromise the skin barrier, which made my skin itchy, irritated and generally angry with me.
Luckily, I recognised that the chemical exfoliant was the source of the issue and my skin recovered pretty quickly when I gave it a break.
Eventually, once my skin had a moment to reset, I resumed using Liquid Gold bi-weekly and our love affair continued.
Long story short, liquid exfoliants can be amazing for skin.
However, there is a limit on how often you should use them.
Let’s get into the nitty gritty of exactly how to (safely) use chemical exfoliants as part of your skincare routine, shall we?
How to Use a Chemical Exfoliant.
What does a liquid exfoliant do?
Liquid or chemical exfoliants are the broader names given to a category of ingredients, including AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) and enzymes.
While they might have slightly different pros and cons, each of these ingredients perform the same basic function: exfoliating skin by dissolving the glue that binds dead cells to our skin, revealing the softer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin beneath.
By increasing the cell turnover rate, liquid exfoliants can have secondary benefits and target skin concerns that may have resulted in the skin’s natural functions slowing down.
This means that they can also help with mild acne, pigmentation or fine lines and wrinkles.
The catch? (Because, unfortunately, there is a catch.) When it comes to liquid exfoliants, more does not always equal more.
Every complexion is unique and it could take time to determine the strength and frequency of use that works best for your skin.
Over-exfoliation can lead to a compromised skin barrier which is uncomfortable and can show up as itchiness, redness, increased sensitivity and tightness.
Or it could even trigger a skin condition like perioral dermatitis.
If you’re new to this realm of skincare, start small and slowly increase your frequency of use.
Always follow the directions on the label and refrain from using it “just one more time” during the week.
Ready to get started? Here are my favourite products...
My Top Liquid Exfoliant Picks.
1. Alpha-H Liquid Gold.
Best for: Anti-ageing and gold-star all rounder.
She’s an icon, she’s a legend, she is the moment.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold is the cult-favourite AHA skin treatment containing 5% glycolic acid to improve elasticity, even out texture and give skin an all-round glow.
According to the brand, it's the formula’s low pH that allows it to delve deeper into the layers of the skin, creating visible results.
If you’re looking for something to target fine lines and other signs of ageing, Liquid Gold is a good place to start.
2. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid.
Best for: Blackheads and acne-prone skin.
Got stubborn blackheads or clogged pores?
Look for a formula containing BHAs, such as salicylic acid, as these ingredients are oil-soluble, making them better able to deep-dive into pores and clear out debris, while also working on the surface of the skin.
This essence by Korean brand COSRX helps to reduce the appearance of pores, nix blackheads and control the excess sebum production that can lead to breakouts.
4. Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel.
Best for: Sensitive skin.
If your skin leans on the sensitive side, you’re probably hesitant to try any new products, regardless of how good the reviews are.
Sound familiar? A formula containing enzymes is probably the gentlest way to exfoliate your skin.
Similar to PHAs, enzymes work on a surface level to gently smooth and refine skin with limited risk of irritation or over-use.
Usually extracted from plants, fruits and vegetables, such as pineapple, papaya or green tea, enzymes are antioxidant-rich and can even help calm the skin.
With over 300 5-star reviews on the Adore Beauty website, Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel has a dedicated following, thanks to its ability to exfoliate, cleanse pores and repair damage.
According to the brand, it’s even suitable for rosacea, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis sufferers (but it’s best to speak to your dermatologist first, promise?).
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