5 Benefits of Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a process that removes dead skin cells from the upper layer of the skin, revealing the healthy skin underneath. Regular exfoliation can help keep skin looking fresh, removing any dry patches or flakiness. In addition to cleansing your skin, exfoliating on a regular basis (once or twice a week at home and once or twice a month professionally) can improve the results of your skin care routine and help rejuvenate your skin. 

Whether you have dry, normal, oily or sensitive skin, exfoliation can bring new life to your complexion. The removal of dead skin cells helps keep pores from becoming clogged and leaves skin with a refreshed and clean feeling. Why would you want clean and clear pores? Clogged pores can result in blackheads and acne. Likewise, when pores are clogged, they appear larger. Although you cannot reduce the actual size of your pores, you can help to minimize their appearance by keeping them clog-free.

In addition to the immediate visual benefits of exfoliation, the removal of dead skin cells speeds up the skin renewal process, allowing smoother, healthier skin cells to take their place. Not only will this help with fine lines and wrinkles, but it will help to lessen discoloration as well.

There are two basic types of exfoliants: physical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants. Physical exfoliants work to remove dead skin cells by friction. Examples of physical exfoliants include scrubs, microdermabrasion, and dermaplaning. Chemical exfoliants do the work for you by essentially dissolving the "glue" that is binding the dead cells to your skin. Enzymes, chemical peels, and acids are examples of chemical exfoliants. A combination of both physical and chemical exfoliation is an ideal way to address damage in the skin from the top down, as well as from the bottom up.

Top 5 Benefits of Exfoliation

1. Improves the results of your skin care products

2. Keeps your pores from clogging, keeping acne under control

3. Speeds up the skin renewal process, allowing smoother, healthier skin cells to take their place

4. Helps to lessen skin discoloration (uneven skin tone)

5. Leads to visibly brighter skin and softens fine lines and wrinkles

Ingredient Spotlight: Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) found in skin rejuvenation products and treatments. It is considered to be a gentle, yet very effective anti-aging treatment. Derived from milk, lactic acid is well known for its skin hydrating properties and is one of the gentler AHA exfoliants.

The use of lactic acid dates back to Cleopatra, who legend has it, luxuriated in milk baths filled with rose petals. At this point, you might be tempted to jump in the bath with a glass of milk as well, but lactic acid doesn't necessarily work that way (if only it were that easy). However, there are a number of useful treatments and products that contain lactic acid.

Sharing the similar skin rejuvenation traits of glycolic acid, lactic acid skin care is known for:

• diminishing fine lines and wrinkles
• reducing the appearance of age spots
• reducing hyperpigmentation
• improving skin texture
• stimulating collagen production

Typically found as an active anti-aging ingredient in professional treatments, lactic acid is noted for its rich moisturizing attributes and its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells without provoking skin irritation. Because of this, lactic acid is an excellent option for sensitive skin types.

Lactic acid peels are just one type of chemical peel, but they are preferred by many -- again, because of lactic acid's reputation as a gentler AHA. You can use peels to improve wrinkles, some types of acne and discolorations on your skin. Lactic acid isn't a cure-all -- it won't suddenly remove your deepest wrinkles, and it can't stop you from aging. But over time, it can smooth the tone and condition of your face and reduce or remove mild marks and scars. Lactic acid peels are generally part of a series, depending on your desired result. In addition, sun sensitivity is a common side effect of lactic acid peels, so limit your time in the sun and always wear sunscreen!

Why a Chemical Peel?

Many of us are looking for a simple way to improve our skin without surgery. A chemical peel is a treatment used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. This procedure uses a chemical solution, usually an acid, to dissolve away the upper layers of the skin in order to improve conditions such as acne, unwanted pigmentation or wrinkles. Chemical peels have been in use for a number of years and are a highly popular way to improve the texture and look of skin. Over half a million people have a session performed each year.

Typically with a chemical peel nothing actually "peels" off. During a chemical peel, the chemical solution is applied to the skin and is allowed to soak in. The solution works by destroying parts of the skin in a controlled way, causing new tissue to emerge. There are three basic types of peels that differ based on how deeply the chemical penetrates and what type of chemical solution is used:

1. Superficial Peels:  The mildest type of chemical peel. They can be used on all skin types. Superficial peels usually contain a mild acid, most often glycolic or lactic acid. There is little to no downtime with superficial peels.

2. Medium Peels: Penetrate the skin more deeply than superficial peels. Swelling and redness is common. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the main peeling agent used for medium peels, though the peel may also be done in several steps using a different chemical solution followed by TCA.

3. Deep Peels: Penetrate several layers of skin and cause a second-degree burn of the skin. They are used only on the face. A chemical called phenol is usually used for a deep peel. Physicians perform these deep peels, with anesthesia being required. Deep peels may tend to bleach the skin (hypopigmentation) and healing generally takes several weeks. A deep peel can be done only once in most cases.

Fresh Faced Skin Care offers three superficial peels, providing dramatic and visible results with little to no downtime:

·         PCA Peel: Excellent for correcting acne and pigment discolorations.

·         Sensi Peel: A gentle solution that strengthens and brightens even the most sensitive skin types.

·         Ultra Peel: Exceptional for treating fine lines and wrinkles.

Fresh Faced Skin Care is the only place in the state of Delaware featuring PCA SKIN^® professional products. After two decades of leading the way in the clinical skin care industry, PCA SKIN remains the trusted healthcare leader in the development of gentle, yet highly effective professional treatments. Call 302-689-3223 or visit www.freshfacedskincare.com for more information.