Exfoliating: Why it's a Key Part of an Anti-Aging Skin Care
Program
There are many causes of sagging, wrinkled skin:
aging and its ensuing hormonal decline and loss of skin
elasticity, glycation from excess glucose (sugar) in the
blood, sun damage and free
radical damage from the environment. While you can't
turn back the clock completely, exfoliating your
skin on a regular basis is one of the best things
you can do to get brighter, softer, more youthful looking
skin—and yes, reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
The process of exfoliating sloughs off rough, old,
dead cells to reveal the softer, smoother new skin below.
It deep cleans your pores, helps fade age spots and skin
discolorations, makes dry, dull skin look fresh and radiant,
and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are several degrees of exfoliation, some you can do
at home; and others that require professional care.
At-Home Exfoliation
Glycolic Acid
One of the best ways of exfoliating is with alpha
hydroxy acid. AHAs gently exfoliate old skin cells of
the outer layer of skin (epidermis) over time and help stimulate
your body's own collagen production. Using an AHA like glycolic
acid, a fruit acid, in the recommended strength of 8-10%
on a daily basis will help reveal fresher, healthier, more
even-toned skin.
Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion can
be done at home using a kit. Typical at-home products consist
of a cream with fine mineral crystals to gently sweep away
dead skin cells. Over-the-counter microdermabrasion products
can be used once or twice a week.
Professional Exfoliating and Skin Peels
Superficial In-Office Peel
Skin care professionals and dermatologists can provide
stronger exfoliation of the epidermis. This is helpful for
uneven pigmentation and reducing fine lines. Common methods
include:
Glycolic acid peel - using a glycolic
acid solution of 20-70%. Your skin may sting a bit and
there may be some mild pinkness that goes away fairly
quickly. For best results, glycolic peels should be done
every few weeks for several months.
Microdermabrasion - the dermatologist
uses a using a small devise that looks like a mini sandblaster
that expels tiny crystals onto your skin. They loosen
dead skin cells which are then removed by a small vacuum.
More than one treatment may be required for best results.
Medium-depth Medical Peel
A chemical such as Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) is applied
to the skin, causing a stinging sensation. Then the acid
is neutralized with water. Your skin will have a "frosted"
look for up to two hours afterward. Your skin will tighten
and turn brown by the second day, and start to peel the
third day. It will continue to peel for 7-10 days. Medical
peels are good for fading age spots and reducing light lines
and wrinkles. They can really help regenerate the skin.
Laser Resurfacing
Sometimes referred to as a "laser peel," this
fairly new procedure should be done by a doctor and under
local anesthesia. It is commonly used to minimize the appearance
of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and forehead,
and it may also be used for reducing acne scars and uneven
pigmentation. A carbon dioxide laser is used to remove areas
of damaged skin. Either the whole face may be done or just
portions. There is 10-21 day's recovery time, during which
you will probably want to stay inside and out of sight as
your skin heals. Redness can last up to six months.
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Protection Moisturizer with SPF 15.
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