Why We Love Chemical Exfoliation At The Bothy 🧖🏼‍♀️💕

We love talking about why chemical exfoliation is better for your face than physical exfoliation - we recently spoke at a wonderful fashion event at the beautiful Grantley Hall where we performed a masterclass in exfoliation to get your skin ready for a big event!

When it comes to skincare, exfoliation is a must. It sloughs off dead skin cells, unclogs pores, smooths texture, and reveals a brighter, healthier complexion. But not all exfoliation methods are created equal. If you're still scrubbing your face with rough particles or textured tools, it's time to consider a gentler, smarter alternative: our favourite - chemical exfoliation.

We've pulled together a handy guide on why chemical exfoliation is often a better choice for your face over traditional physical exfoliation, especially when prepping for a big event like a wedding, race day or party.

What’s the Difference?

Physical Exfoliation involves manually scrubbing the skin with gritty particles (like sugar, salt, or crushed walnut shells) or tools (like brushes or scrubbing pads) to remove dead skin.

Chemical Exfoliation uses acids or enzymes—such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), and PHAs (polyhydroxy acids)—to dissolve the glue that holds dead skin cells together, allowing them to shed naturally.

5 Reasons Chemical Exfoliation Wins ✨

1. It’s Gentler on the Skin

Physical exfoliants can be harsh, especially on sensitive or acne-prone skin. They can create tiny tears in the skin’s surface, leading to irritation, inflammation, or even breakouts. Chemical exfoliants work on a cellular level to loosen dead skin—no scrubbing required. This means less trauma, redness, and sensitivity.

2. It Provides Even, Consistent Results

Manual exfoliation depends on how much pressure you apply and how evenly you scrub—which can vary every time. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, offer consistent, controlled exfoliation. They treat the entire face evenly and can penetrate deeper into pores for a more thorough cleanse.

3. It Targets Specific Skin Concerns

Chemical exfoliants come in different forms, each tailored to address specific issues:

AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid): Great for dry, dull, or aging skin. They help smooth texture, fade dark spots, and promote cell turnover.

BHAs (like salicylic acid): Perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. They penetrate deep into pores to remove buildup and prevent breakouts.

PHAs: A gentler option for those with sensitive skin, offering similar benefits with less irritation.

4. It Improves Skin Over Time

With consistent use, chemical exfoliants do more than just slough off dead skin. They help stimulate collagen production, improve skin tone and elasticity, reduce fine lines, and enhance overall radiance. Physical scrubs can’t offer the same long-term benefits—and overuse can actually damage your skin barrier.

5. It’s Safer for Acne and Rosacea-Prone Skin

If you have active breakouts, scrubbing your skin can spread bacteria and worsen inflammation. Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, making them a much safer and more effective option for managing acne or sensitive conditions like rosacea.

Chemical exfoliants are powerful—so start slowly (1–3 times per week), follow product instructions, and always use suncream, as exfoliated skin is more sun-sensitive.

The Bottom Line

If you want smoother, clearer, healthier-looking skin without risking irritation or damage, chemical exfoliation is the way to go. It’s more precise, more effective, and kinder to your skin—especially the delicate skin on your face.

Ready to upgrade your skincare routine? Book a free skin consultaiton at The Bothy to start exploring exfoliants that suit your skin type and concerns—and let chemistry do the heavy lifting x