Achieve a Perfect Complexion

The definition of a perfect complexion: smooth surface, minimal visible pores, even skin tone, no scarring, no acne, and overall radiance. A perfect complexion can be achieved through proper cleansing and exfoliation and the use of targeted treatment products.

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Cleansing or washing the face should happen at least once a day if not twice. Cleansing the skin at night is a must! No exceptions.

The skin is exposed to many pollutants from just stepping foot outside. Soot, car exhaust, sun, second hand smoke and many others can wreak havoc on

the skin leaving a layer of dirt and free radicals.

When we refer to cleansing/washing we include exfoliation. You should exfoliate two to three times a week, unless you suffer from rosacea or eczema. Oily or Acne prone skin can exfoliate more frequently. Depending on the season and climate, exfoliation can be increased or decreased. The process of exfoliation is a lot like peeling away the dry, outer skin of an onion to reveal the living layers beneath. Exfoliation can be done as a mechanical abrasion (physical) or a controlled chemical reaction. Both physical and chemical exfoliation removes dead and damaged skin cells on the surface and allows the radiant new skin underneath to become visible.

Direct benefits of exfoliation

  1. The newly exposed layer of skin feels much softer and smoother, and its surface reflects light better, making fine lines and other small imperfections harder to see.
  2. Age spots and other areas of unwanted pigmentation are less noticeable because the dead skin cells containing the pigment have been removed.
  3. Exfoliation unclogs pores and allows for the release of natural skin oils.
  4. Regular exfoliation also helps decreases pore size and minimizes many types of superficial scars.
  5. Lastly, removing the top layer of dead and damaged cells allows other health-promoting agents such as moisturizers, antioxidants, and collagen-boosting ingredients to better penetrate the skin and work more effectively. This also holds true for acne medications and other types of skin treatments where penetration is important. This is another reason why regular exfoliation should be part of a basic skin care regimen.

 

Exfoliation types: physical versus chemical

Chemical exfoliation, which uses acids or enzymes to remove dead skin cells, is generally divided into three basic types: light, medium and deep. The first category of light chemical peels encompasses a wide variety of active ingredients, several of which bear mentioning here.

Among the most common types of light chemical peels are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). The AHA family of acids is derived from natural sources such as fruit, milk or sugar. Two of the most widely used in skin care products today are glycolic acid (made from sugar) and lactic acid (made from milk). AHA-based facial exfoliators are an excellent choice for people with oily skin.

In general, BHA is a more effective treatment for acne-prone skin. BHA (also called salicylic acid), is a synthetic derivative that comes from the same source as aspirin. Both AHAs and BHA work by combining with the structural lipids in your stratum corneum and dissolving them so that the dead skin cells break away.

However, if you have very sensitive skin, it is often recommended to look for facial exfoliators that are enzyme-based.

Physical exfoliation utilizes a hard substance to manually remove the dead skin cells–think microdermabrasion. In general, choosing the right exfoliating physical scrub from all the commercial products on the market today depends a great deal upon the thickness and sensitivity of your skin. It’s important to remember that all kinds of particles can be used for exfoliation, and mainstream products encompass a wide and varied selection.

People with oilier complexions have larger sebaceous glands, which makes their skin thicker and better able to tolerate larger, more abrasive particles such as pumice or magnesium oxide crystals. Those with drier, sensitive skin should generally use products with smaller granules such as jojoba beads or Ruby Crystals. Jojoba beads, derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, are small and uniform in size and shape so they are less likely to irritate, cut or abrade your skin. This lessens the likelihood of tears happening in the skin.

 

What products to use:

Oily/Acne: Doctors Scrub Advanced or Fresh A Peel

Oily and Acne skin types need to wash and often due to the excess oil production. Doctors Scrub Advanced offers a deep exfoliation along with Hyaluronic acid for a tight and smooth finish. Fresh A Peel can be used 1-2 a week for an overall glow or if you are trying to target acne scars or dark spots.

 

Red or sensitive skin: Fresh-A-Peel

A chemical Lactic acid based peel is perfect for sensitive or reactive skin (NO scrubbing involved). Physical scrubbing can aggravate sensitive skin and induce redness.

 

Dry: Doctors Scrub or Fresh A Peel

The hydrating emollients and Hyaluronic acid in Doctors Scrub, will keep your skin hydrated and supple. The main ingredient in Fresh A Peel is Lactic acid, which is derived from milk. Lactic acid actually helps to pull moisture to the surface of the skin as well as attacking hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

 

Normal/Combo: Fresh-A-Peel, Doctors Scrub

Doctors Scrub is exfoliating and hydrating enough to use a 3-4 times a week. Fresh-A Peel can be added in once week for that over red carpet glow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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