•
•
bits of plastic that harm the earth.
Look for natural fibers in sponges and brushes as
opposed to synthetic.
Mechanical exfoliation should be done no more
than twice a week.
•
•
Products to try:
Bliss Micromagic Microdermabrasion
Treatment contains volcanic pumice
and aloe vera to remove surface impurities.
One Love Organics Cleansing Sponge
is made of 100% pure plant fibers and
bamboo charcoal to gently exfoliate and
clean the pores. Simply apply your gentle cleanser to
the sponge
and use instead of a
traditional
washcloth.
($10)
•
Alpha hydroxy acids are best for sun-damaged or
dry skin. These acids cannot unclog pores. Of the
different AHAs, glycolic has the smallest molecular size tnd is best able to penetrate the skin.
Retinol (topical Vitamin A) works to encourage
cell turnover from the deepest layers up, as opposed to working primarily on the outer layers. It
is effective for deeper wrinkles.
Enzymes derived from fruits are ideal for congested skin. Looks for products containing pineapple
or papaya, because they contain bromelain and papain to lift off dead skin cells.
Chemical exfoliants you can use at home:
CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION
ZENMED AHA/BHA Complex is used like a toner
and exfoliant in one. AHA helps to improve the look
of patchy, flaky skin while the BHA works to unclog
bacteria from the pores. ($20)
Chemical exfoliation is different. You may hear it referred to as chemical peeling. It involves the use of
skincare products formulated with hydroxy acids (alpha, beta, etc.), retinoids, or enzymes to loosen the connection between skin cells and stimulate cell turnover.
Chemical exfoliation can remove several layers of skin,
help correct sun damage, and treat wrinkles. Dr. Batra
recommends this of exfoliation is for acne prone skin.
Choosing the right chemical exfoliant:
• Beta hydroxy acid (look for salicylic acid) is best
for acne, blackhead, whiteheads and rosacea.
BHAs, unlike other hydroxy acids, can penetrate
and unclog the pores. Another benefit of BHAs is
that they are anti-bacterial.
RoC Retinol Correxion MAX Wrinkle Resurfacing
System targets deep lines and wrinkles over time using
a stable form of retinol. ($30)
Caudalie Glycolic Peel features papaya enzymes and
glycolic acid to stimulate cell renewal. It works well on
sun damaged skin. ($39)
A WORD OF CAUTION
You can get too much of a good thing. Many people are so happy with the results they see from their
exfoliation that they decide to do it daily instead of as
recommended. Excessive exfoliation can damage the
skin and even make you look older. Use your products
only as recommended and you’ll see your long-lost
glow beginning to return.
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