Skin Biology's Exfol Serum and Exfol Cream are gentle exfoliators that contain 2% Salicylic Acid, 3.2 pH. An exfoliator helps remove damage skin proteins and dead skin cells, which is helpful in acheiving the desired results of "remodeled" skin. Salicylic acid is lipid soluble and hence penetrates the fatty sebum produced by sebaceous glands, eliminates acne causing bacteria, and reduces the clogging of infected pores and acne. Salicylic acid is effective at concentration between 1 and 3%. Glycolic acid becomes effective at concentrations of about 7% to 10%.

As the skin ages the turnover of dead skin cells slows down and tends to clump together especially of the upper-layer, epidermal section of the skin. This can leave the skin feeling rough and looking dull. For smoother skin an exfoliator should be used to remove dead skin cells, rejuvenating the natural skin process of new cells being brought to the epidermal layer.

Exfol Serum or Exfol Cream should be started slowly on the face, body, or scar area. A good method, if other products are applied, is to first apply the Exfol Serum or Cream in the morning and Copper Serum in the evening (although this is not a 'hard-and-fast rule'). There is no set rule of application but one may allow sufficient interval time between applications so that the product can effectively penetrate the skin. For best penetration of the formula ingredients, we would recommend that you wash first and then apply the Exfol Serum or Cream.

Hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, are widely used as exfoliating agents and for skin peels. They remove dead skin cells and also loosen and slowly dissolve skin lesions such as acne scars, keloid scars, surgical scars, burn scars, moles, skin tags, stretch marks, age spots, and sun damage marks. The secret of hydroxy acid actions is that your healthy, normal skin is very tough and has a high resistance to such acids. In contrast, most skin lesions have less structural integrity and are more easily broken down by the acids. The repeated use of such acids over periods of a month or longer slowly dissolves most skin lesions.

Some research suggests that BHAs, especially salicylic acid, may be more effective in exfoliating the lower dermal skin layers and may be less irritating. Synthetic salicylic acid has long been in dermatology for treating adult acne. Salicylic acid is lipid soluble and hence penetrates the fatty sebum produced by sebaceous glands, eliminates acne causing bacteria, and reduces the clogging of infected pores and acne. A small amount of the salicylic acid is converted into copper salicylate, a powerful and safe anti-inflammatory. This blends skin exfoliation with skin soothing actions. Salicylate also has ultraviolet absorbing properties. Prof. John Sorenson has researched and written extensively on beneficial actions of copper salicylate on skin, general health, and the anti-cancer properties of copper salicylates. Leading dermatologist, Dr. Albert Kligman, in particular salicylic, at concentrations of about 2%, are better than Glycolic acid for anti-aging and for skin exfoliation. Professor Kligman is well known in dermatology for his research on the anti-aging actions of retinoic acid (Retin-A). Results from Dr. Kligman's laboratory found that the outermost stratum corneum layer is renewed after applications of salicylic acid.