The supernaturally beautiful, Christie Brinkley (honestly--does that woman ever age?) told an interviewer recently that her secret for looking so young was exfoliation. (It had occurred to her, early in her career, that they reason men look so young is that they shave every day, taking off a layer of epidermis every stroke.) Since we women can't be shaving our face everyday, we should heed her advice and learn more about exfoliation...
Exfoliation is the process by which the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface are removed-by microdermabrasion or chemical peel in a salon (like Believe) or a doctor's office. Milder at-home peels are also available. (We carry a fabulous one—Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel—which is called a “miracle” by some of our customers.)
Exfoliation has a history. The ancient Egyptians used the surrounding sand for exfoliation (we bet Cleopatra didn't have flaky dry skin) and, in The Middle Ages, wine (with its active agent, tartaric acid) was used. The Romans scraped their skin with blades and oil, rather than use soap for bathing, and their language Latin, is where the word Exfoliate comes from—it means to strip off leaves.
Why is exfoliation so important?
Every month, from skin's lower layer, the dermis, cells migrate to the surface of the skin and become more acidic. This causes the cells to die and become saturated with kertain—the tough stuff that protects skin from outside elements. This (combined with aging, especially for woman post-menopause) causes the skin to become uneven—dry and rough. In order to get rid of this scaly layer, exfoliation is used. This unclogs pores, keeps skin clean, and reduces breakouts (for men, it even exposes the hair follies and allows for a better shave.)
There are basically two kinds of exfoliation: Mechanical and Chemical. Microderambrasion is a mechanical method of exfoliation and we will educate you about how we accomplish microdermabrasion at Believe in a later blog, but for now, let us tell you about Peels.
Peels use salicylic or glycolic acids, also hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or enzymes that loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to ease away. Each of these ingredients has value in exfoliation:
Lactic Acid – is hydrating and helps even skin discoloration.
Malic Acid – aids in hydration.
Glycolic Acid – has very fast penetration, reaching deeper levels sooner.
Citric Acid – naturally oil controlling, this prevents/corrects the thinning of the skin associated with aging
Tartartic Acid – provides natural antioxidant action from grapes.
Mandelic Acid – helps even skin discoloration.
We use only the PCA Skin line of products like the TCA peels, which use the acids above in Ph-balanced formulas produce dramatic results without discomfort and downtime.
Ultra Peel® Forte I Exfoliating Treatment
Those with resilient skin who have more dramatic wrinkling, sun damage and acne scarring are the most suitable candidates for this deeper and more active treatment. Ultra Peel® Forte will effectively treat aging skin, acne, pigment disorders, smoker’s skin and photo-damaged skin. This treatment is ideal for dehydrated and aging skin in need of rejuvenation.
Ultra Peel® I Exfoliating Treatment
Specially formulated to treat dehydrated, maturing skin, Ultra Peel® I is also appropriate for many skin types, conditions and sensitivities. It will help treat smoker’s skin, pigment disorders, sun damaged skin and acne. This treatment is especially ideal for sensitive skin, as it produces only a mild tingling sensation. Moderate to aggressive exfoliation will be experienced, depending on the number of layers applied. Overall, the final result will be plump, hydrated and ultra-soft skin.
Sensi Peel® Exfoliating Treatment
This gentle solution is formulated primarily for ethnic skin, and other extremely sensitive skin types. Sensi Peel® will strengthen and brighten the skin while helping to treat sun damage and other forms of hyper-pigmentation (skin discoloration). This multi-faceted treatment also provides anti-inflammatory, anti-acne and antibacterial action, making it an excellent choice for helping calm rosacea, as redness and inflammation can subside substantially after treatment.
At Believe, we offer facial peels by our master medical aesthetician Jackie. Lay back in our cozy treatment room while years are lifted from your face. These peels will all make fine lines and wrinkles disappear, dramatically lessen deep wrinkles, and encourage the production of new skin cells and collagen, leaving your skin smoother, plumper and glowing. Make an appointment with us at Believe and get on the road to younger-looking skin today.