The skin is estimated to shed almost one million skin cells a day. This natural process can be disrupted by internal and external factors. If the skin is unable to rid of dead skin cells effectively, many issues can occur. When exfoliating, you stimulate the skin and cell turnover. Choosing the right type or combination of exfoliation can help get the results desired. Chemical and Physical are two types of exfoliation. Physical exfoliation is also called manual exfoliation. A physical exfoliator can be scrubs, dermaplaning, and microdermabrasion. Physical exfoliation can be ingredients that buff, polish, soften and lift dead skin.
Examples of Physical exfoliators
Jojoba Micro Beads – A type of gentle exfoliator. It is made of jojoba oil that are made into beads. They melt into the skin and soften dead skin cells and sebum without irritating or tearing the skin. This type of scrub can be used in a facial and in a home care regimen. Someone with sensitive skin can benefit with this type of bead. For home care, someone with oily skin can use a scrub like this more frequently while a drier more sensitive skin type may limit the times a week they use a scrub at home.
Microdermabrasion – There are two types of microdermabrasion. One has physical crystals and the other is crystal free. Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment in which the face is exfoliated with crystal or a diamond tip to remove dead epidermal cells. This can be done on lighter settings with more drier and sensitive skin types. Skin that is more oily can benefit from a deeper exfoliation. This treatment is great for smoothing, polishing, softening and cleaning out the pores. The suction helps purify the skin.
Hydrabrasion – Hydrabrasion is a microdermabrasion system that exfoliates with a wet system. The skin is deeply exfoliated with diamonds while simultaneously vacuuming and washing it. This treatment converts purified water into hydrogen hydroxide ion water, leaving the skin purified, softer and brighter.
Dermaplaning – Removes dead skin in a way that an at-home exfoliator simply cannot achieve. Before starting the treatment, the aesthetician removes makeup and preps the skin to make sure it is free from as much bacteria and dirt as possible. Then the aesthetician can begin dermaplaning on dry or oiled skin. This treatment removes vellus hair and dead skin leaving it soft and glowing. This is a great treatment for most skin types. Areas with active acne are avoided.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation softens and disrupts the stratum corneum by breaking down dead skin cells. This stimulates collagen and cell renewal.
Types of Chemical Exfoliators
Enzymes – Enzymes are derived from fruit, vegetables, dairy or animals. Enzymes digest dead skin helping polish the skin without down-time. Enzymes can be combined with acids for deeper exfoliation.
AHAs – AHAs are non-toxic acids that break down the stratum corneum. They consist of Glycolic (from sugar cane), Lactic (from milk), Malic (from apples), Tartaric (from grapes) and Citric (from citrus). AHAs can be used on most skin types. Some skin types should avoid over use.
Retinol – Vitamin A converts to retinoic acid and is a DNA regulator. Retinol and Vitamin A treatments help to stimulate collagen synthesis and encourages healthy cell formation.
Exfoliation is a key component to a healthy skin program. There are many precautions to take when selecting the right type of exfoliation combination for your client. Results from exfoliation can be brighter, smoother texture, softer, even tone, and more youthful looking skin.
Products that contain Physical Exfoliators
Vivid Cleansing Scrub – (Great for all skin types)
AHA Micro Beads (Great for Normal to Combination skin types)
AHA Micro Beads (Great for Normal to Oily Skin Types)
Products that contain Physical Exfoliators
Vivid Cleansing Scrub (Contains Glycolic 4%)
Revitalizing Enzyme Mask (Papaya Enzyme, Pineapple Enzyme)
Retexturizing Enzyme Mask (Pumpkin Enzyme, Glycolic Acid 5%)
Radiant Rose Mask (Glycolic Acid 10%)