What to know about exfoliation
While skin naturally sheds dead skin cells to make room for new cells, the speed at which this happens tends to slow considerably as we age. The result? Clogged pores and dull skin. But exfoliation can help. Here are three things Kathe Malinowski, lead esthetician and marketing manager for Eterna MedSpa & Laser Vein Center, wants you to know:
1. Chemical exfoliators
Chemical exfoliation involves the use of acids to dissolve dead skin cell buildup on the surface. At Eterna, clients will find a variety of chemical peel options geared toward their skin types and conditions, including the glycolic acid peel, salicylic acid peel, trichloroethanoic acid (TCA) peel, mandelic acid peel, lactic acid peel, and the Jessner peel.
“Glycolic acid, for instance, reduces visible signs of aging, fine lines wrinkles and photodamage,” Malinowski said. “It also helps to increase hydration in the stratum corneum layer of the skin, and improves skin texture, tone, and smoothness.”
Eterna also carries several glycolic-based product brands for at-home exfoliations, including Glytone, Jan Marini, and Obagi.
2. Mechanical exfoliation
Mechanical exfoliation involves the use of products such as scrubs or gommages to remove dead cells from the skin’s surface.
“A gommage comes in the form of a serum or paste and is massaged through. The rubbing motion helps to roll off the outermost layer of dead skin,” Malinowski said.
The Obagi Professional-C L-ascorbic microdermabrasion carried by Eterna is a form of gommage which is applied to the dry skin.
“As it is massaged on the skin it rolls off the dead skin cells,” Malinowski said.
The SkinMedica AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser, also found at Eterna, is both mechanical and chemical.
“It has little granular beads to mechanically exfoliate and also has alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Used together they help to brighten up the complexion and give a nice smooth skin feeling,”Malinowski said.
The Avene Gentle exfoliating cleanser offered by Eterna is ideal for sensitive skin.
3. Over-exfoliation
Too much exfoliation can lead to redness and irritation.
“It’s important not to overdo it,” Malinowski said. “Once a week is plenty.”