HOW TO: Exfoliate (for glowy skin!)

Exfoliation is one of the secrets to smooth, soft, and healthy-looking skin from head to toe, but using the right products and treatments is key.

EXFOLIATION TYPES

There are two main methods for exfoliation — mechanical and chemical — and the methods you choose should be guided by your skin type.

Mechanical Exfoliation: Uses a tool, such as a brush, blade, sponge, or scrub to physically remove dead skin cells.

Chemical Exfoliation: Uses chemicals, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids or retinols to dissolve or gently remove dead skin cells.

HOW TO SAFELY EXFOLIATE AT HOME

To prevent skin damage while exfoliating, our board-certified dermatologists recommend the following:

Consider the skin care products you already use. 

Some medications and even over-the-counter products may cause your skin to be more sensitive or peel so you need to be aware of these prior to adding other exfoliation treatments. Examples of these include prescription tretinoin creams, and OTC products containing retinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid.

Select an exfoliation method that suits your skin type. 

Be gentle with your skin. 

  • If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water.
  • If you use a brush or sponge, use short, light strokes.
  • Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.

Follow with moisturizer. 

  • Exfoliating can be drying to the skin so it is very important to ALWAYS hydrate afterwards.
  • Apply a moisturizer immediately after exfoliating to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
  • Dry skin product recommendations: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Retore
  • Oily skin product recommendations: Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer

Find the right schedule for you. 

  • How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type and exfoliation method. Generally, the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often it needs to be done. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this could lead to skin that is red and irritated.
  • Dry or sensitive skin types: 1-2 times per week
  • Oily or acne prone skin: 3-4 times per week

If you aren’t sure what skin type you have, or if you have questions about exfoliating, see one of our board-certified dermatologists or licensed aestheticians. They will evaluate your skin and help you decide what method of exfoliation will be beneficial for you. Schedule an appointment.

OUR FAVORITE IN-OFFICE EXFOLIATING TREATMENT

SilkPeel Dermalifusion Facial

This is a skin-resurfacing treatment that combines exfoliation, extraction, and infusion of condition-specific serums to improve skin health, function, and glow!

Similar to microdermabrasion, SilkPeel Dermalinfusion exfoliates the upper layers of your skin using a diamond head. Not only does this eliminate dead skin cells, it also delivers a topical solution into the area of the skin where new and healthy skin cells are growing.

BENEFITS:

  • Is safe for all skin types
  • Has no downtime
  • Cleans out pores
  • Buffs away wrinkles, fine lines and acne scars while rehydrating dry skin


AESTHETICIAN CORNER

Advice from Our Skin Care Specialists - Licensed Aestheticians Katie Velasquez and Ashli La Madrid

SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

Smoothing exfoliating scrub with silica effectively cleanses pores and exfoliates to hydrate, soften, and improve skin texture.

We recommend Micro-Exfoliating Scrub as a compliment to most acne and anti-aging regimens. Using 2 to 3 times a week gives your skin a boost in exfoliation to decongest pores and rid your face of dull, dry dead skin. You get an instant glow, allow your skin to absorb product more efficiently, and increase the results from procedures.

SKIN TYPES: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination

SKIN CONCERN: Dehydrated, Discoloration, Aging

FEATURES: Micro-Exfoliating Scrub features a powerful 2% concentration combining hydrated silica, glycerin, and aloe extract to purify pores and promote a healthy skin barrier. Gentle enough for daily use, this exfoliating scrub provides a mild and even exfoliation to improve texture while softening and hydrating the skin.

BENEFITS:

  • Mechanically exfoliates skin and polishes away dead skin cells
  • Delivers hydration to smooth and soften skin’s surface
  • Paraben-, sulfate-, soap-, fragrance-, dye- and alcohol-free
  • Suitable for dry, normal, oily, or combination skin

by Pure Dermatology

Healthy Skin Is In

Must-have skincare ingredients for healthy skin.

Spring is here and it’s time to get your skin glowing. With so many skincare ingredients to choose from, how do you know which ones are best for optimizing your skin’s health? Our board-certified dermatologists and aestheticians have done the work for you and compiled some of their favorite hard-hitting ingredients.


1. Vitamin C: Legendary for a reason, it really works.

  • Uneven skin tone, rough texture, fine lines, acne scars, general dullness — you can name just about any common complexion concern and Vitamin C will be a recommended treatment.
  • Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in your skin's natural regeneration process and helps your body repair damaged skin cells.
  • It is clinically proven to reduce oxidative damage from free radicals generated by UV rays, ozone and exhaust.
  • Best applied in the morning underneath sunscreen to aid in protection from the sun and environment.
  • Not all Vitamin C products are created equal. The concentration and topical penetration vary dramatically among different products.

PD Favorites: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic and Phloretin CF


2. Hyaluronic Acid: The hydration-attracting ingredient.

  • Hyaluronic acid (HA) occurs naturally in the skin, it binds to water molecules to plump your skin with hydration and help achieve a naturally dewy and glowing complexion.
  • Hyaluronic acid is great for all skin types. In general, it is nonirritating and does not trigger acne, rosacea, or allergic skin reactions.

PD Favorites: ISDINCEUTICALS Hyaluaronic Concentrate and SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier


3. Retinols: Best anti-aging ingredient out there.

  • These vitamin A derivatives help stimulate the skin’s natural turnover process and increase collagen production in turn improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration.
  • Retinols also exfoliate your skin and prevent clogging of your pores giving your skin a fresher, glowing appearance.
  • Retinols are powerful so although they have many benefits they can also cause dryness, irritation and peeling.  Our team recommends starting slow by using a small amount, once or twice a week and gradually increasing as tolerated and applying a hydrating moisturizer or HA product on top.

PD Favorites: Alastin Retinol and Avene Retrinal


4. Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA): Exclusive breakthrough repairing molecule.

  • Heparan Sulfate Analog is Senté’s patented technology that supports the skin’s ability to repair from within.
  • HSA Technology deeply hydrates and targets the underlying causes of inflammation, strengthening the skin's ability to repair itself.
  • HSA reduces the appearance of red, dry, and uneven skin while also combatting fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Fantastic anti-aging product for more sensitive red prone skin types.

PD Favorite: Senté Dermal Repair Cream and Senté Dermal Repair Ultra Nourish

by Pure Dermatology