As the seasons change, our skin often changes with them. Cooler temperatures, lower humidity and the return of central heating can leave skin feeling direr, tougher or a little less radiant. At the same time, the natural process of shedding dead skin cells can slow, leaving a build-up on the surface of the skin.
This is where exfoliation takes it's place in your skincare routine. By removing a loosening dead skin cells, exfoliation can help skin feel smoother and look brighter, while allowing the rest of your skincare routine to work more effectively.
But not all exfoliators work in the same way.
At Bramley, we have two facial exfoliators: Apple Peel AHA Facial Exfoliator and Walnut Shell revitalising Face Scrub. Both are designed to refresh and smooth the complexion, but they use two very different methods.
So, which approach is right for your skin?
Chemical or physical exfoliation?
The simplest way to understand the difference is to think about how the dead skin cells are removed.
A chemical exfoliant uses acids to loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed from the skin's surface. A physical exfoliant uses fine particles to gently lift those cells away through massage.
The right choice depends on your skin, how it feels and what you want your exfoliation to achieve.
Apple Peel AHA Facial Exfoliator
For a brighter, smoother-looking complexion.
Our Apple Peel AHA is a chemical exfoliator, formulated with a blend of glycolic, lactic and malic acids.
Glycolic acid helps to refine the appearance of skin texture, fine lines and dark spots. Lactic acid provides gentle exfoliation alongside hydrating properties, while malic acid (naturally found in apples!) helps to smooth and refine the complexion.
We've paired these AHAs with papaya to help restore radiance and cucumber to hydrate and help reduce the appearance of redness.
Rather than physically scrubbing the skin, the formula works by loosening dead skin cells at the surface. This makes it particularly suited to those looking to improve the appearance of dullness, uneven texture, fine lines and pigmentation.
If your skin tends to feel sensitive to physical scrubs, this can also be a useful alternative, There is no need to massage or buff the skin, simply apply, leave for 10 minutes and remove with a cool, damp cloth.
Apple Peel AHA may be right for you if:
- Your complexion looks dull of lacklustre
- You want to refine the appearance of uneven texture
- You're concerned with the appearance of fine lines or dark spots
- You prefer a chemical rather than physical exfoliation
- You find traditional face scrubs too abbrasive
How to use: Once a week, apply a thin layer to cleansed, dry skin. Leave for 10 minutes, then remove with a cool, damp cloth.
Shop Apple Peel AHA Face Exfolaitor
Walnut Shell Revitalising Face Scrub
For a softer, smoother-feeling complexion
Our Walnut Shell Face Scrub takes the more traditional approach of exfoliation. It is a physical exfoliator, using finely milled walnut shell to gently polish away dead skin cells from the surface.
The formula also contains sweet almond and avocado oils, chosen for their nourishing and moisturising properties, helping to leave the skin feeling soft and comfortable after exfoliation.
This can be particularly appealing when skin feels rough, dry or congested, or when you want that immediate feeling of smoother, freshly polished skin.
Unlike and AHA, you can feel the physical exfoliation as you massage the scrub over damp skin. The key is to use a light touch, exfoliation should never require vigorous scrubbing.
Walnut Shell may be right for you if:
- Your skin feels rough or dry
- Your complexion looks dull
- You enjoy a traditional face scrub
- You like the immediate feeling of polished, smooth skin
- You prefer a hands-on skincare ritual
How to use: Once a week, gently massage a small amount over damp skin and your neck, then remove with a warm, damp cloth.
Shop Walnut Shell Revitalising Face Scrub
So, Which One Should You Choose?
It comes down to what your skin needs and the type of exfoliation you prefer.
If your skin feel rough, dry or dull and you enjoy the tactile ritual of a traditional scrub, Walnut Shell may be the better fit.
If you're more concerned with dullness, uneven texture, fine lines or the appearance of dark spots, Apple Peel AHA may be the one to reach for.
For sensitive skin, the Apple Peel AHA may be preferable to a physical scrub because it doesn't require rubbing or buffing. However, AHAs can still cause sensitivity for some people, so introduce any new exfoliant gradually and follow the directions carefully.
Still not sure which one if for you?
This weekend, we're making it a little easier to find out.
Spend £10 or more in a single transaction and choose a FREE sample of either our Apple Peel AHA Exfoliator or Walnut Shell Face Scrub. At checkout, eligible orders will see a pop-up allowing you to choose your sample. No code required. Offer valid from 03.10.26 until 04.10.26.
T&Cs: Offer valid from midnight 03.10.26 until 23:59 on 05.10.26. Spend £10 or more in a single transaction to receive one free exfoliator sample of your choice. No code required. Subject to availability and eligible items only. Not valid alongside Subscriptions, Create Your Own Gift Sets, Compostable Refill Pouches, Pick & Mix or e-Gift Cards. No other discount codes, promotions or offers can be used in conjunction with this promotion. The offer cannot be applied retrospectively. If items purchased as part of the promotion are returned and the remaining order value falls below £10, the free sample must also be returned. If the free item is not returned, Bramley reserves the right to deduct its full retail value from the refund. Refunds and exchanges will be processed at the value paid at the time of purchase. Bramley reserves the right to amend or withdraw this promotion at any time without prior notice.
