Dermalogica for Exfoliation

While worldwide awareness of exfoliation has exploded in the last decade, it’s a concept that is thousands of years old. Even Cleopatra’s exfoliation secrets are well documented!

Generally speaking, exfoliation refers to any technique that removes cells from the skin surface, not only immediately “refreshing” the skin’s appearance but also stimulating cell renewal. The benefits are dramatic, and, when used with professional guidance, exfoliation can be used to treat a wide variety of skin problems – including acne, hyper-pigmentation, premature aging and scarring to name a few.

How do Hydroxy Acids work?

Unlike physical exfoliants that remove debris through gentle abrasion, hydroxy acid-based exfoliants smooth the skin by dissolving the intercellular “glue” that attaches the cells to the surface. Hydroxy acids are the most common form of at-home exfoliant because they are extremely effective and, when used properly, very safe.

Of course, there are several different hydroxy acids. Glycolic Acid was the first to be used in a cosmetic application, and is still widely-used despite its high incidence of skin irritation. Lactic and Salicylic Acids, which are as effective as Glycolic Acid, are now the choice of leading skin care professionals because they deliver the same level of results with considerably less irritation. Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant and Skin Renewal Booster are two great at-home exfoliants that use this combination of Lactic and Salicylic Acids.

Hydroxy acids may be combined with enzymes derived from Papaya (Propain) and Pineapple (Bromelain) to help digest dead skin cells, resulting in even smoother skin. The Phytic Acid in Rice Bran, the third key ingredient in Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant, also effectively dissolves dead surface cells.

Well, everyone exfoliates naturally. In fact, as you’re reading this, thousands of tiny skin cells are falling off your body – about a million every minute! An exfoliation regimen simply helps your body along in the process, which becomes especially vital as we age. Teenagers completely regenerate their external layer of skin, on average every 14 days. By the time you’re 40, however, that rate has increased to 30-40 days. The result is dull, ashy or mottled-looking skin. An exfoliation regimen can reduce the time that dulling skin cells sit at the surface of our skin for a healthier, more vibrant complexion. Here are some examples:

• Acne-Prone Skin: A masque-style exfoliant, such as Dermalogica’s Gentle Cream Exfoliant, can help the skin combat extra oiliness and congestion without aggravating acne conditions.
• Dehydrated Skin: Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, you might select a masque-style or scrub-style exfoliant to help remove the dry, dead debris and reveal healthy cells. Combining Skin Renewal Booster with your moisturiser is another great option.
• Prematurely-Aging Skin: Prematurely aged skin is often the result of sun exposure. Sun exposure causes a build up of surface skin cells, which results in a dull, dehydrated appearance. A physical exfoliant such as Skin Prep Scrub, plus professional MultiVitamin Power Exfoliant treatments, will help slough away dead skin cells.
• Uneven Pigmentation: Exfoliation is an important component of every hyper-pigmentation treatment because it helps remove the pigmented surface cells. Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant, when used as part of the ChromaWhite System, is the most effective choice.