Peeling or facial cleansing: what is better and what is the difference

Since you asked this question, then you most likely have oily or problem skin. Exfoliation and cleansing are completely different techniques, but they share the championship when it comes to fighting acne. We tell you what’s what and help you figure out which method is right for you.

Types of professional cleaning

What is a purge? In fact, this is a mechanical removal of acne elements, impurities, sebum, decorative cosmetics and other excesses from the pores. In the recent past, it was possible to get rid of hated black dots only manually, but today hardware techniques have come to the aid of cosmetologists. However, the old proven way of cleaning the face does not lose its relevance.

Manual cleaning

Nothing can replace human hands, the main thing is that these hands know their job. Modern manual cleaning is no longer as traumatic as it used to be, thanks to special cosmetics that prepare the skin for the procedure and make it easier for the beautician to work.

Hardware

This variety includes any cleaning that is not carried out by hand, but with the help of equipment.

Ultrasonic

The procedure is carried out using a special spatula, which vibrates under the influence of ultrasound and literally knocks out everything superfluous from the pores: sebum, dead cells, impurities.

Vacuum

Works like a vacuum cleaner. The skin is pre-prepared with steam and special masks.

Electroplating

The alkaline solution saponifies the fatty acids of the sebum by electric current, turning them into foam, which is removed from the skin.

Hardware techniques are often combined with manual cleaning – comedones that the device could not cope with are removed by hand.

Take our quiz to find out which beauty treatment your skin needs.

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Varieties of peeling

One of the main features of oily and problematic skin is the thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, which is the cause of clogged pores and comedones. The purpose of peeling is precisely to exfoliate old cells and activate the process of natural skin renewal.

Thanks to peeling, the skin gets rid of a layer of dead cells.

Mechanical

Old cells are exfoliated with abrasives. With pustular formations and inflammations, this method of cleaning is not suitable.

Chemical (fruit)

Various acids destroy the bonds between the cells of the epidermis, thereby stimulating skin renewal.

Enzyme

Light peeling is carried out using plant keratolytic enzymes that exfoliate cells. It will not solve serious problems, but as a care for oily skin and prevention of black spots, it justifies itself.
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The main differences between cleaning and peeling

Despite the fact that both procedures are used for acne, there is nothing in common between them, except for the final goal and result. These are completely different methods, which, however, do not contradict each other.

Cleaning It will help you to get rid of such problems literally overnight:

  • black dots;

  • single and superficial acne elements;

  • excess sebum.

The cleaning procedure always includes follow-up care – a mask or special preparations that have a sebum-regulating, soothing and regenerating effect.

Cleaning can be done both episodically and regularly, depending on the needs and degree of contamination of the skin.

Peeling is a more complex procedure compared to cleaning, because we are talking about chemical damage to the skin. The doctor individually selects a set of acids and their concentration.

  • Peeling is carried out in a course and has a cumulative effect.

  • As a rule, the procedure requires a period of rehabilitation, during which the skin flakes off, that is, dead cells come off its surface.

  • Acids have a therapeutic effect.

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Safety measures

The main rule is not to engage in amateur performances. Do not try to get rid of acne on your own: in no case should you pick out, squeeze out, cauterize acne. Below we will talk about cosmetic products (including cosmetics with acids) that will help to intensively cleanse and renew the skin. In the meantime, let’s hear what the experts have to say.

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expert Tips

Alexander Prokofiev, medical expert at La Roche-Posay

“Acne cleansing frees pores from impurities, promotes optimal penetration of drugs, and stimulates the skin’s defense mechanisms.

Facial cleansing is most appropriate for mild acne, that is, with closed and open comedones, in other words, “black dots”.

Forms of acne with a large number of pustules are a contraindication for facial cleansing. It is also impossible to carry out this procedure for viral skin diseases, boils.

Ekaterina Turubara, Vichy medical expert

“If there are inflammatory elements on the skin (especially for pustules), all types of mechanical peeling are contraindicated, since an accidental injury to the abscess cover will lead to infection of the entire face. Only mild chemical peels are allowed, and they are performed as carefully as possible, thoroughly disinfecting the skin and bypassing large foci.

Chemical peels are suitable for acne-prone skin, as the pH of the sebum is abnormally elevated in this condition, and acids help to reduce it. Retinoic or yellow peeling also works well.”
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Overview of home care products

Cosmetic products will not replace either the hands of a professional or the impact of the apparatus, but they are quite capable of maintaining the result after going to the beautician and, in general, improving the condition of oily, acne-prone skin.

Products for oily skin containing acids

Acid-containing cosmetics renew the skin and have a sebum-regulating effect.

Ultra-cleansing gel with a brush “Clean Skin Active”, Garnier combines the properties of means for mechanical and chemical exfoliation. The main active agents are soft bristles and salicylic acid.

Correcting cream-gel for problem skin Effaclar Duo (+), La Roche-Posay contains lipohydroxy acid, a milder modification of salicylic acid, which helps the skin renew itself and prevents clogged pores.

Cleansing lotion, narrowing pores, Normaderm, Vichy Fights for clear skin with a combination of glycolic and salicylic acids.

Serum for mature skin against imperfections Blemish & Age Defense, SkinCeuticals contains a whole set of acids: salicylic, glycolic and citric – to combat imperfections and post-acne phenomena in the form of residual spots.

Skin cleansers

Remember that with pustules, any mechanical effect (scrubbering) is strictly prohibited.

Steaming face mask against blackheads and oily sheen “Clean Skin”, Garnier cleans pores with clay and tightens with zinc.

Purifying mask “Magic clay. Cleansing and matting, L’Oréal Paris contains three types of clay that absorb sebum and impurities, plus eucalyptus, which has an antiseptic effect.

Cleansing Charcoal + Black Algae Black Sheet Mask, Garnier tightens pores, combines detox with hydration.

Facial Sugar Scrub Cleansing, Reduces Blackheads, L’Oréal Paris has a warming effect, exfoliates dead cells with the help of three types of sugar granules and kiwi grains, while peppermint and lemongrass oils soothe and fight imperfections.

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