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Exfoliating Procedures

A spa facial every month not only rejuvenates skin, but also provides a relaxing retreat from a busy life.

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Every 30 days, cells move from the base of your skin to the surface, where they die. Dead cells built up on your skin cause scaly, dull-looking skin and clogged pores. Keep your skin looking radiant and healthy by exfoliating regularly, especially in cold weather, when dry air makes cells dry out and accumulate faster.

Related Searches: Chemical Facial Exfoliating

Chemical exfoliation, or a chemical peel, uses an acid solution to remove dead cells from the skin's surface. The strength of the chemical peel depends on the type and percentage of acid used. Glycolic acid, originating in sugar cane, is the mildest. Glycolic peels work well for treating fine lines and wrinkles. The strongest chemical peel uses phenol, which completely removes the uppermost layer of skin. Phenol peels are for treating deep wrinkles and smoothing pigmentation. Aestheticians or dermatologists administer chemical peels, applying them to the skin and removing them after 10-20 minutes. Recovery takes a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the chemicals used and the solution percentage.

Mechanical Facial Exfoliating

Mechanical exfoliation uses abrasives to loosen and remove dead cells from the skin's surface. An abrasive material, such as a micro fiber cloth or exfoliating scrub, gently massages the skin. Exfoliating scrubs can be store bought or homemade; ingredients may include salt minerals, oatmeal, cornmeal or tiny plastic pellets. Some facial cleansers contain small amounts of these abrasives and are gentle enough to use every day. Exfoliating masks are gentle on the skin and help remove deeper dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliating procedure offered by professionals. A diamond-tip wand shoots tiny crystals onto the skin and sucks them back in again along with the dead cells. Microdermabrasion is the strongest form of mechanical exfoliation.

Face Exfoliation at Home

In addition to using a daily exfoliating cleanser, exfoliate your skin a couple times a week using an exfoliating scrub or mask. The skin on your face is sensitive. Always clean and exfoliate your face gently, moving your fingers lightly in small circles. Use warm water, never hot. Exfoliate in the evenings, when your skin is looser. Finally, always thoroughly moisturize your skin after exfoliating.

Body Exfoliation

Exfoliate the skin on your body, excluding the face, while in the shower with an exfoliating body scrub and tools such as a body brush, loofah or micro fiber cloth. Remove the calluses on the feet, knees and elbows with a pumice stone. Exfoliating the body prevents flaky skin and a scaly appearance, especially in the winter. Always follow body exfoliation with moisturizer.

ReferencesChemical Peel: Chemical Peel TreatmentExfoliating Products: The Essentials of a Good Skin Care RegimeResourcesChemical Peel: The Patient's Guide to Chemical PeelsPhoto Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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