Skin Exfoliation

 

Awareness of exfoliation has exploded in the last decade but it is a technique that is actually thousands of years old!

Exfoliation refers to any technique that removes cells from the service of the skin. Not only is the skin immediately "refreshed" but cells are stimulated to renew. The benefits are dramatic and a wide variety of skin concerns can be addressed such as dehydration (lack of water) pre-mature aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation (brown pigment on the skin)

There are a variety of techniques and ingredients for exfoliating the skin such as scrubs, peels, masks, microdermabrasion, and lasers. Some are physical exfoliants that remove debris through gentle abrasion. Others are chemical exfoliants that dissolve the intercellular glue that holds cells to the skins surface.

Hydroxey Acids are the most common form of exfoliant. They are extremely effective and very safe when used properly. Of course there are several different hydroxey acids. Glycolic acid was the first to be used in cosmetic application and is still widely used despite the risk of irritation. Today the leading choice of skin care professionals is lactic and salicylic acid complex. This combination is just as effective and less irritating than Glycolic Acid.

When hydroxcy acids are combined with specific enzymes that help digest dead skin cells, the results are even more amazing! Now add some more ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, Vitamin E, powerful antioxidants, and your skin will positively be regenerated!

Everyone exfoliates naturally but as we age, the rate at which we regenerate new cells slows down drastically. A very basic rule to determine how often you'll get new cells is to go by your age. At 15 every 15 days, 25 - 25 days etc... so at 40 - 50 we only get new cells every couple months!!!! How does this fact affect the skin? Well, the skin will look dull, pasty, dehydrated, flaky and dry and it may feel rough and itchy... the skin will start to become more sensitive, it's red, it may burn when products are applied, fine lines and wrinkles are evident.

Everyone benefits from exfoliants but on the downside, there are cautions. All exfoliants are not created equal. Certain important factors must be considered..... The skin type, the skin condition, the PH of the product, the base of the product and the strength of the product, to name just a few. When done safely and gently, Exfoliation is probably the most important ritual you can and should give your skin!

For October and November book our one hour Exfoliation Skin Treatment for just $39.99!   Expires October 31, 2009.