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One of the first signs of aging is not wrinkles or age spots, but a dull skin color. One of the most effective means of dealing with it is exfoliation. What is it, when to use it and what cosmetics to use?
What is exfoliation
To clarify: the procedure is called exfoliation, and the substance and / or means by which it is carried out is an exfoliant.
The peeling procedure helps to achieve several goals at once.
Restore the skin’s radiant color and smooth it.
Activate cell renewal.
Correct imperfections: clean and narrow pores, reduce blackheads, pigmentation, fine lines.
Provide cells with oxygen.
Facilitate the penetration of beneficial ingredients of cosmetics (even the most effective remedy on keratinized skin will not work).
Before performing, it is better to slightly steam your face, for example, over a bath with herbal infusion or after taking a shower.
Varieties of peeling
According to the method of exposure to the skin, peels are divided into several types.
Mechanical
It is carried out with the help of scrubs, which can be:
natural – based on crushed nutshells, coffee, coconut flakes, sugar and salt crystals;
synthetic – based on microcrystals, polymer balls and granules.
In the salon, exfoliation of this kind is carried out with the help of brossage. Massage with brushes or sponges removes dead skin cells, improves microcirculation, stimulates metabolism.
The harder the scrub, the more effective, but, alas, the procedure is more traumatic. If the abrasive particles are not too large, then mechanical peeling is generally gentle. You need to repeat it 1-2 times a week, depending on the type of skin and its condition.
Before performing mechanical peeling, it is better to slightly steam the face. You can just take a shower or do it over a bath with herbal infusion.
Hardware
Performed by specialists in beauty salons and aesthetic clinics. This type includes two types of peels:
laser (superficial, middle and deep);
ultrasonic (special massage).
Such peeling is traumatic, especially deep. But it allows you to remove even such skin defects as pronounced age spots and scars.
Hardware peeling is performed by specialists in beauty salons and aesthetic clinics.
Chemical
As exfoliants are used:
acids (alpha and beta hydroxy acids);
enzymes;
chemical mixtures that weaken the intercellular bonds of the stratum corneum, after which the cells exfoliate on their own.
Cosmetologists consider chemical peeling the most physiological, and therefore gentle procedure. And very effective with regular repetition (the frequency is determined by the doctor).
Answer our quiz to find out which cosmetic procedure you need.
Exfoliation Precautions
As useful as the procedure is, it has limitations.
Intolerance to exfoliant components.
Eczema, herpes, rashes, skin lesions.
infectious and other diseases.
Severe dehydration of the skin (before peeling, it must be intensively moisturized for several days).
During peeling, it is recommended to avoid exposure to the area around the eyes.
Mechanical peeling is carried out using scrubs.
Beauticians warn!
Aggressive salon peels (chemical, laser) should not be done during pregnancy and lactation!
In addition, these procedures are seasonal. Highly concentrated peels are not carried out during periods of increased solar activity (there is a high risk of hyperpigmentation) and in severe cold – snow and wind can slow down skin recovery, provoke or increase rosacea (vascular fragility).
Deep salon peelings are the most aggressive and traumatic, they should not be done more often than once every few years. Median can afford no more than twice a year. Superficial conduct courses that are prescribed by a specialist.
For very thin dry sensitive skin, it is better to limit yourself to a peeling lotion (Kiehl’s has one), it is applied at night.
With severe hyperkeratosis, it is more effective to use mechanical scrubbing.
With frequent manifestations of skin allergies, avoid chemical exfoliation, choose a scrub with soft polymer granules.
At home, only mechanical peeling, gommage and home exfoliation products of proven brands are shown.
3 Facial Exfoliation Products
Soft scrub, La Roche-Posay
Gently exfoliates, cleanses and smoothes the skin. Apply with light massaging movements on a damp face, except for the eye contour. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Gel + scrub + mask 3-in-1 “Clear Skin”, Garnier
Multifunctional remedy for oily and combination skin against imperfections:
gel for washing and fighting acne,
blackhead scrub,
A purifying, pore-shrinking anti-shine mask.
Sugar Facial Scrub, L’Oréal Paris
Includes 3 natural sugars and kiwi grains to exfoliate dead skin cells and soften the epidermis. Calms the skin with peppermint oil, fights imperfections with lemongrass oil.