Pam Zagula, LE, LPN
Between the ages of 15 and 25 years, healthy skin renews itself about every 21 days. As we age the rate of cell turnover declines significantly. Removing dead skin cells naturally stimulates collagen and accelerates cell renewal. Regular exfoliation improves the skin’s ability to absorb water, serum, lotions, creams or medications. Over time, this will improve skin texture and tone, leaving the skin firm and smooth. Fine lines and wrinkles are diminished and a more even skin color is unveiled. The cumulative effect of exfoliation leads to improvement in acne, rosacea, and environmental damage.
Whether done at home or professionally, regular exfoliation is a very important step in the cleansing process and is an essential component to all age management and acne control skin care regimes. Virtually everyone needs to exfoliate.
Exfoliation falls into two basic categories – mechanical and chemical.
In my opinion, the best at home mechanical exfoliation is accomplished using the Clairsonic Pro Skin Care system, a great cleanser and the simple act of shaving.
Clairsonic’s sonic vibration and oscillating brush head gently removes 6X more dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and makeup than regular washing.
Shaving with a razor regularly, stimulates collagen and elastin production, removes superficial uneven pigment, as well as keeps your face hair free.
The best professional mechanical exfoliation treatments are Vibraderm, dermaplaning and LASER skin resurfacing.
Vibraderm is crystal and suction free microdermabrasion. A sterile abrasive stainless steel paddle vibrates over the skin surface to efficiently remove dead cells, massage muscle and stimulate tiny vessels that feed the skin. At the cellular level the cell wall becomes more permeable and the cellular channels open for deep penetration of products. Unlike conventional microdermabrasion, the chance of creating new broken blood vessels is not an issue.
Dermaplaning is quite simply, dry skin shaving. The sterile surgical blade gently glides over the surface scraping off surface dead cells, superficial pigment and unwanted hair. Dermaplaning the skin is great prior to or after other treatment modalities such as LED, oxygen, micro-current, Broad Band Light Photorejuvenation, chemical peel, LASER , Vibradermabrasion, antioxidant or medication infusion and will enhance treatment efficacy.
LASER resurfacing is performed with a CO2 LASER. The damaged layers of skin are vaporized with controlled precision. You may require a five to ten day recovery depending on the LASER used, the depth of the peel and your skin’s unique reaction.
Chemical peels stimulate the skin to do just that; peel. The most commonly used chemicals are Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acids, TriChlorocetic Acid, Retinoic Acid and Fruit enzymes. Most chemical peels will cause the skin to shed three to five days after application. Some may leave you peeling five to fourteen days after. The type of chemical, its potency and your skin’s unique reaction determines your post peel recovery time.
No matter how you choose to exfoliate, the goal is to restore skin health and beauty. The accumulation of home and in office treatments will absolutely assist you in your desired result. Healthy skin is beautiful.
Remember to always apply an appropriate moisturizer, sunscreen and practice sun safety.
