Facial Peeling Gels: How Do They Work & Are They an Effective Way to Exfoliate?

The world of exfoliation can seem a little daunting. With so many different types of exfoliants out there, it can be tempting for some to take the safe route and reach for the same face scrub that they’ve been using since their teenage years.

However, times have changed and things have moved on, exfoliants included. Today, Lionesse is going to be talking to you about one particular type of exfoliant that has been gaining traction in the skincare sphere; facial peeling gels. Read on as we explain how they work, what they do, and how to include a facial peeling product in your skincare routine.

What are Facial Peeling Gels and How Do They Work?

There are two main ways to exfoliate; physically and chemically. Facial peeling products fall in the former category. They’re a physical exfoliant, yet they’re far gentler than the average face scrub.

They look and feel just like a silky gel, making them quite satisfying to apply, especially when you can literally see them go to work.

How?

Well, a facial peeling gel contains special ingredients that interact with the dead skin cells and excess sebum on your skin. As you massage the product into your skin, it’ll start to form tiny clumps. As you continue to gently rub, these clumps will pick up even more debris, taking all of that away with them once you wash your face.

Pretty clever, right?

Why Use a Facial Peeling Gel Instead of Another Type of Exfoliant?

For starters, facial peeling gels are suitable for all skin types. For many, this is reason enough to invest in a facial peeling treatment – there’s nothing quite like the ease of not having to worry about whether or not a skincare product is suitable for your skin type.

However, other than convenience, facial peeling gels are also very effective. You’ll see a clear difference in your skin after each use. You’ll notice that your complexion takes on a much brighter, smoother, and softer finish.

How to Choose a Good Facial Peeling Gel

Want to give facial peeling gels a try?

The first step is finding a good product. Just like with all other skincare products, there are good and bad. Here at Lionesse, we have our own facial peeling gel available. However, before we get into that, here are a few tips on how to choose a good facial peeling product. This way, you’ll be well-informed to make the right decision for yourself.

Choose a Gel Designed for the Face

If you plan on using your facial peeling treatment on your face, then make sure that the product has been designed for this. A gel designed for the body will likely be too harsh. This is due to how the skin on the face is far more sensitive than the skin on the body.

Choose a Hydrating Formula

Some facial peeling products can be quite drying. So, make sure that you pick a formula that’ll hydrate your skin, in addition to exfoliating it.

Choose a Company That Has Good Ethics and Morals

No matter what you may be purchasing, it’s important to consider who you’re buying from. Although it may be generally shunned upon now, many skincare companies continue to test their products on animals. With so many other options out there, this is simply not necessary in this day and age. If this matters to you, go with a company that never tests their products on animals, such as Lionesse.

For many, an environmentally conscious brand is important too. We completely agree with that, which is why we ensure that all Lionesse product packaging is 100% recyclable. That said, it’s so pretty that you’ll probably end up keeping it and using it for something else!

Don’t Buy an Acne Gel if You Don’t Have Acne

Facial peeling products are fantastic for those with acne. As a result, there are many facial peeling treatments that are designed specifically for this purpose. If you have acne, then great, go for one of those. They’ll contain additional acne-fighting ingredients that should hopefully leave you pimple-free.

However, if you don’t have acne, then all of those ingredients will end up drying out your skin. So, stay away from acne facial peeling gels unless you actually need them!

The Lionesse White Pearl Facial Peeling

Whether you’re a facial peeling newbie or you already have a growing collection of facial peeling products, let us introduce you to our favorite; the White Pearl Facial Peeling.

This exquisite gel is infused with a selection of unique ingredients. As a result, not only does it effectively cleanse and exfoliate the skin, but it also helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. As you can see, it’s one that will appeal to many of you!

Wondering what these unique ingredients are?

Let us talk you through a couple of the main players:

Pearl Powder

Pearl powder has been used for cosmetic purposes for centuries, by cultures all over the world. It also makes an appearance in everything from traditional Chinese medicine to Ayurvedic medicine. It’s truly revered for both its skin and health benefits.

What does pearl powder actually do for the skin?

It helps to give the skin a firmer, smoother, and more even appearance.

Love the sound of pearl powder? We love it too! That’s why you’ll find it infused into all of the products in the Lionesse White Pearl Collection.

Glycerin

When it comes to humectants, hyaluronic acid seems to take all the credit. There’s no denying that it’s a fantastic ingredient (you’ll find it in several Lionesse products), but glycerin is just as worthy.

In fact, one study found glycerin to be the most effective humectant out there. That’s right – hyaluronic acid may be all the rage at the moment, but glycerin actually works much more effectively when it comes to moisture binding.

So, this is why we included glycerin in our White Pearl Facial Peeling. It’ll leave your skin looking plumper and fresher once you rinse your face.

Nut Shell Powder

Nut shell powder gives our facial peeling its subtle abrasive properties. This isn’t the same nut shell powder used in drugstore facial scrubs – the ones that you can literally feel tearing at your skin. Instead, ours has been ground up until it’s almost dust-like – it exfoliates without causing any harm.

How to Use a Facial Peeling Gel

Whether you’re using the White Pearl Facial Peeling or another facial peeling treatment, the usage method is usually the same.

Apply it to dry skin, massaging it in in circular motions for about 30 seconds. Then, simply rinse it off and follow up with the rest of your skincare routine.

It’s important to apply your next product pretty quickly. All of those dead skin cells that your facial peeling product removed may have given your skin a rough and dull finish, but they were also providing an additional physical barrier against the environment. Without this, your skin will be a little more vulnerable, so don’t wait too long before applying a serum or a moisturizer.

If you’d like to treat yourself to a moisturizer that pairs perfectly with our White Pearl Facial Peeling, try the Lionesse White Pearl Day Moisturizer. This rich cream is infused with vitamins and botanical oils.

That said, if you’ve got some time to spare, treat yourself to a face mask after using your facial peeling gel, and then apply your moisturizer after that. Now that your skin is freshly exfoliated, it will be so much more receptive to any ingredients delivered by a mask.

We would recommend our Opal Sheer Melting Mask. It’s a leave-on mask that will leave your skin looking beautifully glowy.

How Often Can You Use a Facial Peeling Gel?

When you first start using a facial peeling product, you’ll be undeniably impressed at how effective it is. You’ll soon start using it more often – after all, who wouldn’t want a beautifully clear face to look back at you from the mirror each day?

However, don’t forget that facial peeling products are a form of exfoliation. Do this too much and you’ll subject your skin to the redness, dryness, and sensitivities that come from over-exfoliation. Trust us when we say that you really don’t want to be dealing with that. It can take your skin several months to recover from being over-exfoliated.

So, back to the main question, how often should you use a facial peeling gel?

We would recommend 1-3 times a week. It’s up to you to decide, but there are a couple of things that you’ll need to take into consideration.

The first is your skin type. Those with dry or sensitive skin should only exfoliate once, or twice at most, a week. However, those with normal, oily, or combination skin types can amp things up a bit and use a facial peeling gel 2-3 times a week.

The second point to consider is the gel that you’re using. Some formulas will be far harsher than others – those should be used sparingly. On the other hand, other facial peeling products, including the one from Lionesse, are gentle on the skin, so could potentially be used slightly more often.

Is it Worth Adding a Facial Peeling Product to Your Skincare Routine?

In our opinion, everyone should have a facial peeling product in their skincare arsenal. Even if you alternate between different exfoliants, a facial peeling should definitely be in that rotation.

These gels serve as effective yet gentle exfoliants. They strike the perfect balance between the two, which most other exfoliants struggle to do. No matter your skin type, you’ll more than likely experience numerous benefits after introducing a facial peeling gel into your skincare routine.

Want to treat yourself to the pearl-infused facial peeling gel from Lionesse? Click here to shop now!