Peel Back The Mystery Of Exfoliation

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.

Here are three peels we use at Believe:

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.

Tips for beating holiday stress

Where did the time go? Wasn't it just Labor Day yesterday? It seems like that to us at Believe, but the holidays are upon us...Chanukah has begun, Christmas is hard on its heels, and then the new year beckons. Between now and then, it's rushing, shopping, parties, guests, family, and, of course, food, food and more food.

   All this celebrating is not only fun--but stressful. So...here's some tips to keep you beautiful and balanced through this hectic season and on into the new year:

*Get some sleep: You really don't have to stay up till midnight to get it all done. Take a page for the book of the older ladies you know--they do their shopping and wrapping w-a-a-y before the holidays (ok, make that a note to self for next year), but you can do a little each day now, instead of waiting till the last minute and thinking you will get it all done then. If you get to stay at home, nap! JFK ran the country on 10- minute power naps (though we prefer an hour after lunch). If you have little ones, curl up with them. You'll all be better able to cope.

*Drink more water than usual: Going in and out of heated spaces dries you up and good moist skin and hair begin on the inside. (Also, remember alcohol dehydrates you. Stick to a glass of festive champagne--it will help with the calorie count, too.)

*Hair needs moisture, too: Wash with a moisture giving shampoo and conditioner, then lock in that vital moisture by using a dab of organic butter worked through your hair. Try Aestelance Butter, made from basil, rosemary, sandalwood and all-natural ingredients (It smells wonderful and stands up to the constant on-off action of your cute wool hat.) Another trick to try--rub your hairbrushes with a dryer sheet every now and again. It helps with that static electricity problem. 

*Take off that cape: You aren't really Wonder Woman. Delegate! Your husband can wrap gifts, kids can load the dishwasher, and you don't have to volunteer to organize the gift exchange at work. Stress is hard on you (and is no good for your looks, either.)

*Not only your lips chap: You should always keep a good lip balm, like ZUM KISS, with you and use it often, but don't forget your cheeks, chin, elbows and knees. Winter winds get to the first two and keeping everything else covered constantly rubs and causes rough skin. Try thicker body butters like Zum Body, made with aloe vera, red clover, and essential oils.

*Make one more list: On top of the gift, wish, and to-do lists you are lugging around, make a gratitude list of all the blessings in your life. It is sure to give you the gift of perspective.

*Help others: Make sure to remember to save time and go online to donate to your local food pantry or pet shelter. Then, when you are kicking yourself for losing patience at your kids or spouse, you can remember you are not an evil witch--just over-worked.

*Give yourself more time: Start an hour earlier in the morning. Meditate for 20 minutes to start the day and take one item off your to-do list and move it to another day. You'll actually gain time by not being so frantic.

*Eat a good breakfast: Even if you don't the rest of the year, you need proteins and carbs (always yummy) since you are revving your engine higher now.

*Take a breath break: At around 2 or 3 pm when that slump hits (you know the one), stop everything and breathe deeply--in through your nose and out through your mouth--deeply enough to make your abdomen lift three times. Do a couple of neck rolls, rub your temples as though you are having a facial, and, if your doctor agrees, you might want to start taking a vitamin B tablet for a complex/protein boost.

*Think of those hidden hands and feet: Gloves and socks keep us warm, but wreck havoc with our skin and nails. Keep tea tree oil to rub on those toenails (to prevent fungus growth) and be sure to rub cream in your cuticles to keep them from cracking. We use Zum Rub, a shea butter moisturizer. Naturally, the skin of both hands and feet need extra moisture too. Make sure to run moisturizer all over immediately after a shower (before your skin dries) and remember to keep that shower on the cooler side. Hot water is drying. Keep cream to rub in your hands throughout the day (Zum Minis are great for your purse or briefcase.)

Pre-sleep stress busters: Consider giving up caffeine for the duration.  Explore the wonderful world of herbal teas (visit Annie's Remedies.com to learn the time-tested qualities of each). A cup before bed, a warm bath (throwing a few of the same herbs in some cheesecloth and then in the tub is restful, too) and lavender oil (a dot under your nose and one between and just above your eyebrows) can lead to more restful sleep and sweeter dreams (Maybe you'll actually have some visions of sugarplums dancing in your head!) Try all of these for over-excited little ones too.

*Relatives can be pains in the ***: We know, but you've only got one family --and as our mother's said, you can do anything for a little while--even put up with your mother or mean Aunt Sadie. You can steer the conversation in another direction or leave the room (no, that doesn't mean stomp out). Remember, you don't have to go to every fight you are invited to, life is short, and it is the holidays. Enjoy yourself.

*Treat yourself to an early gift: Have a facial (or even a Vitamin C or Pumpkin Peel Treatment to banish dry flakes) get a massage (cold muscles are stiff muscles and our therapist has magic fingers), stop by Believe for a cup of tea or espresso and a little shopping while you're at it. We've got a holiday special skin treatment Tapas menu--Pick two services for $100.) Buy a scalp/hair treatment for him and some of the world's greatest organic baby products for Junior. (Ask us how you can earn a gift card for yourself too!)

   From our family here at Believe to your family, we wish you happy (and stress-free) next few weeks and hope to see you soon.