Mechanical Methods of Skin Exfoliation:

The method of using tiny particles to “sand” off the dead skin cells
from the outer most layer of skin.

Home Microdermabrasion kits remove the dead skin cells by using:

• a cream infused with tiny micro-crystals to remove the top layer of dead skin cells that are dulling your complexion.
• a little battery operated machine for scrubbing or
• a spongy applicator for scrubbing or
• you can use your finger tips to massage in the micro-crystal cream.

Some people love doing microdermabrasion at home and for some it is just too rough for their skin. But if you think this is for you, the big point here is to look for products with the right micro-crystals.The micro-crystals added to these products can be anything from ground nut shells to pink quartz crystals to jojoba beads.

What to look for:

• cheap is not necessarily the way to go here
• look for aluminum oxide crystals – the same used in professional microdermabrasion
• look for products with a crystal that are smoother and less cutting to your skin
• micro-crystals that are like beads or round will do the job without the damage
• too rough of a crystal will put tiny little cuts into your skin that can let in bacteria

Don’t get to enthusiastic with your scrubbing either. If using a machine, let it do the work. Just run the pad softly over your skin. The same goes for an applicator or your fingers. If this is going to be your first exfoliation or you have not exfoliated in awhile, then it will take a few times before all the dead cells are removed. Don’t try to do it all at once. The results will come!

A few extra tips when using microdermabrasion creams:

• Do not apply AHA’s or BHA’s within 12 hours of the treatment.
• You are using the microdermabrasion cream too often if your skin is becoming irritated or more sensitive to your other skin care products. You will need to cut back on how often you exfoliate with this method.
• Always use sunscreen.

---

Microdermabrasion by a professional is a quick, non-invasive method used to -

• resurface the skin revealing plumper, fresh skin cells
• reduce fine lines,
• improve sun damaged skin
• reduce large pores
• lessen or eliminate brown spots

Microdermabrasion uses a stream of extremely fine crystals of either aluminum oxide, salt or baking soda sprayed over the skin under great pressure with a hand held suction device. The crystals and dead skin cells are vacuumed up at the same time into a medical waste container to be disposed of.

It is a safe and effective treatment for all skin types including black, Asian and Hispanic.  However, people with rosacea or dilated capillaries should be careful and check with your professional.

 

Microdermabrasion is a gradual process requiring -

• A series of treatments, each lasting from 30 to 45 minutes
• The number of treatments and how often will depend upon your specific skin needs
• Two to four treatments will be most likely
• You will be given home care products to help the healing process
• There will be a little pinkness otherwise, there is virtually no down time

Again, make sure you use your sunscreen afterwards!

Skin Care Product Directory

---

Professional Laser Peels

Laser Peels by a Physician use a beam of light to take off dead skin cells, layer by layer. Lasers are used to diminish the appearance of fine lines, particularly around the mouth and the eyes. Lasers are also effective in treating facial scars or areas of irregular pigmentation. Laser peels may be performed on the entire face or in specific areas. The laser also has a mild tightening effect on the skin, especially in the lower eyelid region.

Levels of penetration available with laser peels:

• Micro Laser Peels (superficial peels)
• Laser Peels (moderate peels)
• Resurfacing Laser Peels (deep peels)

Lasers most commonly used today:

CO₂  Laser

• Used to treat a variety of skin problems
• A carbon dioxide laser
• Uses either short pulses of light energy (ultrapulsed) or nonstop light beams
• Are delivered in a scanning pattern to accurately take off thin layers of skin
• Produces minimal heat damage to surrounding tissue
• Recovery time can be up to 2 weeks

Erbium Laser

• Used for superficial to moderately deep lines and wrinkles
• Minimal burning to surrounding tissue
• Less side effects than CO₂ lasers
• Shorter recovery time – around 1 week
• May work better for pigmented skin

Your physician can inform you about the specific laser that would be most effective in meeting your goals.

Most laser treatments are done as an outpatient. Your skin will be numbed with a local anesthesia and you are usually given a mild sedative. General anesthesia may be used when the entire face is treated.

Risks associated with Laser Peels:

• burns from the heat
• scarring but this is rare
• noticeable darkening or lightening of the treated skin
• can activate herpes virus infection (cold sores)
• patients with darker skin color have an increased risk of healing with darker pigmentation

What to expect after your laser peel:

• you will probably have some mild swelling and tenderness
• a sunburn like feeling
• lighter or darker skin color in the treated area
• you will remain pinkish for  a few weeks

Lasers can be a great choice for dramatic results if you have the time and money.
Please choose a physician that has a lot of experience with lasers to avoid complications.

---

Methods of Body Skin Exfoliation:

Loofa sponges or sisal scrubbing pads can be harsh for your face, but OK for your body if you don’t over do.

So use them with a mild body cleanser for your arms and legs. These parts need exfoliation too! Again, don’t go overboard, it’s still skin.

You could also try a sugar body scrub for legs and arms. Just massage scrub over skin to loosen up the dead skin cells and rinse off.

---

Dry brush exfoliation is interesting. Before starting this website, we had never thought about doing body exfoliation this way. Like other exfoliation methods, it removes dead skin cells and can improve blood circulation.  You will need a soft, natural bristle brush.

To dry brush exfolitate

• Get into your shower but keep the water off.
• Using a natural bristle brush with light pressure avoiding any cuts, start at the bottom with your feet and brush in small circles heading up towards your chest. Then repeat with other leg.
• Then brush whatever you can reach on your back.
• From your fingertips, brush up each arm.
• Then shower.

Do this a few times a week and you will have helped shed those extra dead skin cells.

Lets move on.

How to incorporate exfoliation into your skin care system

 

 

 

 

Back to top of page