RadiantSkinClinic

SKIN PRODUCTS WORK BETTER WITH REGULAR SKIN EXFOLIATION

After removing the dead and damaged skin cells through exfoliation of the skin, other anti-aging agents such as glycolics, alpha-hydroxys, antioxidants, and collagen boosting nutrients are better able to penetrate the skin and work more effectively. This holds true for acne medications (like Retin-A & topical antibiotics) as well as other types of skin lightening agents where penetration is important. This is an additional reason why regular exfoliation should be a part of peoples’ daily skin routine.

WHY SKIN LOOKS AND APPEARS BETTER AFTER EXFOLIATION

Once the dead and damaged skin cells are removed (exfoliated) the outer layer of new skin becomes visible. This new skin feels softer, smoother, and reflects light easier making fine lines harder to see. The age spots and unwanted pigment are also less noticeable because the dead skin cells containing the pigment were removed. Exfoliation removes plugged pores, prevents the pores from re-plugging, and allows for the release of natural oils. In addition, regular exfoliation decreases pore size and minimizes many types of superficial scars. All of the above contribute to making the skin look tighter, healthier, and more youthful.

WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY BENEFIT THE MOST FROM FREQUENT EXOFLIATION?

All areas of the body will benefit from regular exfoliation of the skin. However, the most obvious locations would be the face, the chest, the V of the neck (Decollete area), exposed scalp area, and the top of the hands. These areas show the most immediate affects of frequent exfoliation.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO REGULARLY EXFOLIATE THE SKIN

Our skin is constantly exposed to different types of damaging influences. There are three main categories that damaging influences fall into.

1. The first category consists of external factors, such as the sun, air pollution of any kind, and radiation (from the depletion of the ozone layer).

2. The second category of damaging influences affecting the skin is natural influences. Some examples of natural influences are the affects of the natural aging process, normal fatigue that everyone experiences from time to time, and the affects of gravity.

3. The third category of damaging influences that our skin is regularly exposed to is abnormal health influences. Abnormal health influences can be many things, such as dietary issues, stress, and smoking (including second hand smoke). Abnormal health influences are the most common and are also the easiest influences for an individual to have control over.

Regular exfoliation of the skin counteracts the effects of all three types of damaging influences. Exfoliation removes the damaged skin cells and stimulates new skin cell migration from the skin’s deepest layer creating the beneficial effects.

Recommendations for Exfoliating Products to include in your skincare regimen:
Glycolic Acid Based Exfoliators (chemical exfoliators):

Obagi’s Exfoderm (initial regimen) and Exfoderm Forte (advanced formulation)
MD Forte Creams and Lotions
Glycolix Facial Creams and Treatment Pads
DCL Creams, Lotions & Gels
Revision Alpha Lotion & Solution

Manual Exfoliators:

Sircuit sir activ Zeolite Purifying Scrub
MicroScrub with Vitamin C
Pevonia Exfoliating Cleanser
PCA Phaze 4 Gentle Exfoliant
Actifirm Z-Peel 30%

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 24th, 2006 at 5:37 am and is filed under Skin Talk. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.