How to Exfoliate: Skin of Color | Options for ALL Skin Types and Skin Tones

[@SheReaDelSol]

Whew. Needed this.

[@amarimiles-reid7396]

Everytime I see you in other videos, I'm just gonna say hi from now on. I love that your getting into the skincare space.

Hope you found it helpful! ❤️

[@SheReaDelSol]

@@amarimiles-reid7396 I’m a bit obsessed so love being here

[@SheReaDelSol]

@ And did!

[@jsp11b]

As someone with oilier skin I always gravitated towards BHAs, but I reeeally enjoyed learning about AHAs in-depth! You do a great job explaining things in a way that keeps my attention and is straight to the point! One of my favorite content creators 💖

[@tyresseferguson2462]

I started using exfoliants with Pixi then moved up. Love TO's toning solution for my body and of course the Good Molecules glycolic toner is good it's at 3%. I have the Beauty of Joseon green plum AHA bubble toner, looking forward to using it with the serums and ginseng essence water. Also, love Naturium's mandelic and PHA exfoliants.

[@kellyc3897]

Love mandelic acid and probably have yet to come across a bad product that contains it. The Ordinary's version is also quite excellent and affordable. The Allies of Skin pigmentation corrector is pricey but worth it. Thanks for the video Ramon 😊

[@sheralyncaupain9481]

I just started with the Skin1004 toning toner which is a super hydrating toner with PHA and its so gentle! Perfect for sensitive skin too

[@sophia6812]

Retinols for skin of color?? 👀👀 Ive been loving the peach and lily super reboot mask its an AHA/ BHA wash off mask, its a lil spicy so I dont to use it a lot, but its great at preventing my hormonal breakouts, treating texture and hyperpigmentation

Stay tuned for retinols 👀

[@MrMark28]

For me, my to go tos are Paula’s BHA or Glow Recipe PHA- BHA. I really been only en with the Glow Recipe. I use it every day, it’s so nice really love it!!! It really does minimize the appearance of the pores. I love it!!!! Than you so much for the video!!! Love you so much Ramon!!!! ❤️

[@zaidmoges374]

I learned I cannot use exfoliating acid often so I look for super low Glycolic acid and lactic acid. Also I had a really bad reaction to using the Ordinary's Glycolic acid and their Niacinamide on the same night...😵 So I go low and slow rather than ridiculous high concentrates. Started using the Good molecules Glycolic one. Have the Joseon foam on my wish list. 😍 Cheers.

[@agiles6483]

I have not yet have an opportunity to try any of the three Geek and Gorgeous liquid exfoliates, but understand they are gentle and very nice affordable products. They are next on my list to try.

[@sidesalad8769]

You answered a bunch of my questions and confirmed I’m on track with my product selection for trying acids for the first time. I just started using the Inkey List PHA toner yesterday. Seems like a good start for my sensitive SOC. Thank you!

[@whitepaper5241]

Unfortunately, my skin just doesn't love AHAs, except Mandelic. I've never experienced any irritation from using lactic and glycolic, but i always wake up with a lot of small bumps and cystic acne the next morning every time i use them - i use them 1-2 times a week. Mandelic acid used to be my favorite exfoliant. It's super effective at treating small pimples and blackheads. It's also super effective at controlling sebum production, minimizing the appearance of pores and brightening the skin. It's much better than salicylic acid, but the experience of using it feels like hell. It's almost 10x more irritating than glycolic. Applying it feels like getting a red ant bite. Now i don't use any AHAs or BHAs at all. I don't even know how to incorporate them into my routine, as i already use tretinoin at night and benzoyl peroxide in the morning.

[@Chandarochelle]

Just found your channel and I love it! Just binge it all - watching every video! ❤️❤️

[@smita7060]

You deserve more subscribers! Thank you 🙏💋

[@mmaolisae3675]

This was wonderful, thanks Ramon! I'm glad you mentioned that ppl shouldn't exfoliate everyday even if a product says to do that. In the beginning of my skincare journey I found those instructions very confusing and unhelpful. Thankfully I know better now. Can't wait to see your video on BHAs, those are my favorite exfoliants! 😊

[@rayradiance666]

Hi babe!! Your skin tone is to DIE FOR! ***smooches***

[@mimimoon6082]

Thanks for reviewing Ramon! I'm currently using the TO Lactic acid 5% and it's just ok. The Versed sound promising and it has ingredients I need. I also like that's available at Target. Have a glowy week ahead!

[@morgianasartre6709]

The 10% one works wayyy better than the 5%, I tried both and just couldn't get the same results with the 5%

[@ceciliagovea]

this video is IT!!!!!! especially you stating multiple times to not go in for a daily use when you first start, regardless of the dumb ass labels that say 2x a day 🥴 as a KP cutie, lactic acid is my best friend fr

[@just.nena.]

Yay! Love videos about my beautiful brown skin 😍

[@Lillisssss]

I love the Glow Recipe PHA+BHA toner. It's so gentle and let's not forget the wonderful scent 🍉😍 I have a question. Is azelaic acid exfoliating?

[@bdet313]

Two more mandelic acids to add to the list are the ones from The Ordinary and FaceTheory.

[@Laylanotlayla]

Hola Ramon, new esthi here! 👋🏼 I was wondering how you incorporate new products into your routine? There’s so much new products I want to try but I’m not sure how long I should be using them to give it a fair chance. Thanks for sharing your knowledge ☺️

[@lifestyleplus5845]

Hi please do a video on topical steroid withdrawal and how to heal it fast

[@syedashyra4170]

I need more info about PHA’s!!!! I have rocasea and texture so I wanna exfoliate but not burn my face off !!

[@jaydsh]

idk if im the only one but i HATE the ordinary's marketing for the glycolic acid 7%. they market it as a DAILY toning solution and a lot of people use it as such, but there's no way using 7% glycolic acid every single day can be good for your skin, especially not for skin of colour. no derm would recommend doing that :(

A lot of brands market their exfoliators like the, unfortunately. The Ordinary is definitely the poster child for that, but I think that’s because they’re a lot of peoples intro to skincare and they’re so popular as a result

[@jaydsh]

@ Exactly! The Ordinary definitely made skincare more accessible and affordable, but most of their products are really an intro to skincare and aren't very suitable for long term usage imo

[@kategray6634]

Brilliant video Ramon, just found your channel recently, needed a break from James Welsh, Lol, I use The ordinary lactic acid 10 %, currently using Geek and gorgeous A game retinol at night, can I still use glow recipe sleep mask alongside my retinol at night??

[@MegaFit3]

Hi Ramón have you tried Neostrata products?

[@adto0930]

HOLA HOLA! thank you for this ! Which Mandelic one did you like the best ? 🙏🏼

[@twilight8413]

Can I use vitamin c or nicinamide when I use an exfoliating toner with aha?

[@kategray6634]

I have oily blemished mature skin, currently use the ordinary lactic acid 10 percent, large pores very oily sensitive skin, what would you recommend I add to my skincare Ramon xx

[@skincarecataloger]

I use the Birch Milk Refining Toner which has 1% AHA/PHAs. I only use it twice a week. How do you know when it’s okay to increase usage?

[@racheljackson3182]

RIGHT👏🏿ON👏🏿TIME👏🏿 How did you know I was knee deep in these shopping carts strewn and confused on exfoliants! LOL I’m def going to be sticking with PHA, even the Wishtrend is “spicy” for me chile. Also speaking of PHAs have you peeped EqualRXN Oat PHA serum? I’m a sensitive dry bb with congestion and that ingredient list looks like heaven. Love to see you review it in the future ☺️

I actually have been trying it out! It’s plush and hydrating. Love how they made the product

[@racheljackson3182]

@ aaaaaaaahhhhjtrdjggvkyugkuyblkugjhfxckuyvkh 😜 That’s so good to know! I already clicked buy lol I def think that after everyone going skincare crazy thought this pandemic, the gentle plush textures are gonna be next wave! Thanks again for all the content you put out for freeeee always a pleasure always a good kiki 💕💕💕💕 stay healthy and safe Ramon!

[@nancykerrigan]

I'm team PHA too though I haven't really tried other acids like mandelic and lactic. Haven't had an issue with PHAs I've tried; from the inkey list pha toner to klavuu green pearlsation PHA toner which I highly recommend. Good size (I mostly use it for my body). I think it has green tea or an extract of it.. in it.

[@racheljackson3182]

@@nancykerrigan oooooh put me on then! That spray is bout tah be added to cart 😅

[@shreyagupta9186]

I have been using a salicylic acid serum for a while now. (More than 4 months) I still get really bad acne. do I need to change something? I can't really understand my skin right now.

[@richgebbia3594]

The fact that Krave Beauty’s Kale-lalu-yaha glycolic toner wasn’t in here is homophobic… (jkjk) love naturium and Purito’s!

Omg I forgot all about Kale-lalu-YAHA! That’s actually a really nice gentle glycolic toner

[@jessicag1431]

I thought the Glow Recipe sleeping mask was at a ph at which the AHA's dont work as exfoliants--

Where’d you hear that?

[@jessicag1431]

@ No BS beauty did a ph test and it was quite high

How high?

I will say testing pH can be a semi reductive practice considering there’s a lot of innuendo in the formulation of a product. Case and point: I remember someone making a similar comment when they tested a vitamin C serum that had a higher pH, only to completely ignore the encapsulation technology of the ascorbic acid in the product as well. They claimed the product was ineffective due to the high pH. meanwhile the encapsulation technology allowed the vitamin C to be more stable, penetrate better and have slow release, while also allowing it live in a more tolerable skin pH. Testing the pH doesn’t tell you all that. Also, as a sleeping mask, having a higher pH, allowing a for a more low intensity exfoliation due to weaker exfoliation capability with the AHAs would be better for a gentle option, especially as a leave on treatment, like the brand wanted.

I had another comment similar to this where I answered the following: This is a really great point! That being said, as you mention, brands don’t disclose pka, PH, or any formulation details. Regardless, as a formulator, I understand to consider these factors when working on formulating an exfoliation product to ensure adequate exfoliating benefit. I would hope that most of these brands products work since most work with contract manufacturers to develop and formulate their products as well. When it comes to free acid content vs free salt content, while certain pH guarantees more of the acid form, which generally ensures better exfoliation benefit, having less of that acid form doesn’t mean it doesn’t exfoliate at all since that acid form is still present. Overall, I make my content for individuals to better choose products based on their needs and budgets, and while I know and understand these things, they’re concepts that overwhelm most and go over their heads. If I don’t feel it’s relevant, I don’t feel the need to science-wash and condescend when it’s not necessary.

[@rifatasfiah92]

glycolic acid burns like a bitch tho... and thats the only one I have

It’s definitely the spiciest! I usually recommend starting with mandelic or PHAs if that’s the case and build up tolerance. How’re you incorporating it into your routine?

[@capricorneum7745]

👏👏👏👏

[@caleb-kun]

One point I didn’t notice be touched on is free acid value - as a consumer at the mercy of brands deciding whether or not to report the value, it’s not necessary to look for per say. It is an important consideration when choosing a percentage strength tho, since it’s my understanding that neither more nor less is necessarily “better” when the free acid value is unknown. It could also mean that one should search for AHA products by more reputable brands, who can be trusted to formulate their AHA at a free acid value appropriate for efficacy and safety

This is a really great point! That being said, as you mention, brands don’t disclose pka, PH, or any formulation details. Regardless, as a formulator, I understand to consider these factors when working on formulating an exfoliation product to ensure adequate exfoliating benefit. I would hope that most of these brands products work since most work with contract manufacturers to develop and formulate their products as well. When it comes to free acid content vs free salt content, while certain pH guarantees more of the acid form, which generally ensures better exfoliation benefit, having less of that acid form doesn’t mean it doesn’t exfoliate at all since that acid form is still present. Overall, I make my content for individuals to better choose products based on their needs and budgets, and while I know and understand these things, they’re concepts that overwhelm most and go over their heads. If I don’t feel it’s relevant, I don’t feel the need to science-wash and condescend when it’s not necessary.

[@aarontheabc]

❤️👏

[@jasminemw1]

1st ?

Yes you are! ❤️

[@joserosa5342]

I just saw your video, u dont really sound like an expert. I follow Cassandra Bankson and her expert but U dont sound like it. Wheres your license?

I’m an esthetician and a cosmetic chemist. What’s your concern with what I’m saying?

[@capricorneum7745]

What does an expert sound like?

[@SkintitaApril]

Sorry but my anxiety is on the roof when I listen to Cassandra. I prefer Ramon and his approach to skincare. It's much simpler and easier to understand. 🤷