SERIOUS SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
EXFOLIATION FOR BEAUTIFUL, YOUNGER SKIN
| Master Cleanse Secrets |
While worldwide awareness of exfoliation has exploded in the last decade, it's a concept that is thousands of years old. Even Cleopatra's exfoliation secrets are well documented.
Generally speaking, exfoliation refers to any technique that removes cells from the skin surface, not only immediately "refreshing" the skin's appearance but also stimulating cell renewal. The benefits are dramatic and, when used with professional guidance, exfoliation can treat a wide variety of skin problems - including acne, hyperpigmentation, premature again, and scarring to name a few.
Of course, there is huge variety in these techniques - scrubs, peels, masques, dermabrasion, and lasers! Fortunately, your skin care therapist can help you identify which will help you best achieve your goals.
What are Hydroxy Acids?
Unlike physical exfoliants that remove debris through gentle abrasion, hydroxyl acid-based exfoliants smooth the skin by dissolving the intercellular "glue" that attaches the cells to the surface. Hydroxy acids are the most common form of at-home exfoliant because they are extremely effective and, when used properly, very safe.
Of course, there are several different hydroxyl acids. Glycolic Acid was the first to be used in a cosmetic application, and is still widely-used despite its high incidence of skin irritation. Lactic and Salicylic Acids, which are as effective as Glycolic Acid, are not the choice of leading skin care professionals because they deliver the same level of results with considerably less irritation. NutriMinC RE9 Anti-Aging Facial Scrub and Bio-Hydria Gentle Exfoliant are two great at-home exfoliants that use the combination of Lactic and Salicylic Acids.
Well, everyone exfoliates naturally. In fact, as you're reading this, thousands of tiny skin cells are falling off your body - about a million every minute! An exfoliation regimen simply helps your body along in the process, which becomes especially vital as we age. Teenagers completely regenerate their external layer of skin, on average, every 14 days. By the time you're 40, however, that rate has increased to 30-40 days. The result is dull, ashy, or mottled-looking skin. An exfoliation regimen can reduce the time that dulling skin cells sit at the surface of our skin for a healthier, more vibrant complexion. Depending on your age and skin condition, your therapist might prescribe a combination of exfoliation therapies. Here are some examples:
- Acne-Prone Skin: A masque-style exfoliant, such as Extra Strength Masque, can help the skin combat extra oiliness and congestion without aggravating acne conditions.
- Dehydrated Skin: Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, you might select a masque-style or scrub-style exfoliant to help remove the dry, dead debris and reveal healthy cells. Combining Facial Scrub with Moisture Cream (Normal to Dry) is another great option.
- Prematurely-Aging Skin: Prematurely aged skin is often the result of sun exposure. Sun exposure causes a build-up of surface skin cells, which results in a dull, dehydrated appearance. A physical exfoliant such as NutriMinC RE9 Facial Scrub, will help slough away dead skin cells.
- Uneven Pigmentation: Exfoliation is an important component of every hyperpigmentation treatment because it helps remove the pigmented surface cells. Thermal Fusion Enzyme Masque, when used as part of the Skin Brightening System, is the most effective choice.
After-Care Treatment
Depending on the strength of your treatment, your skin may feel a little tight and sensitized for a little while when you leave the skin care center. This is perfectly normal, and should dissipate quickly.
The most important consideration after any form of exfoliation is to protect your super-vulnerable skin against the sun. An application of Damage Control SPF 30 will help protect your skin without any chance of sensitization. You will also want to cleanse with a super-gentle cleanser, such as Cleansing Lotion (Normal to Oily) or Cleansing Cream (Normal to Dry), and follow with Moisture Cream (Normal to Oily or Normal to Dry) to prevent dehydration.
Stronger Isn't Always Better
Many people get a little exfoliation-crazy under the mistaken notion that if a little is good, a lot has to be great! (Ironically, this is why people often mistakenly opt for the more irritating Glycolic Acid - they assume that more irritation equals better results.) While every skin condition is different, and reacts to exfoliation differently, you should tame down your exfoliation regimen if your skin feels chapped, irritated, or is unusually red for a prolonged period of time. At this point, you're not removing dead debris - you're scrubbing away the protective barrier of the epidermis, which can result in permanent sensitization, premature aging and a host of other concerns.
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