Mischo Beauty: Exfoliation 101

Showing posts with label Exfoliation 101. Show all posts

Mischo Beauty School: Peels 101

This post is in response to a few questions I've received from readers wanting to know where- or how, a peel would fit in with regards to exfoliation, and if a peel is too harsh on the skin, if you exfoliate regularly.

Well, the process of removing the excess accumulation of dead skin cells from the outer most layer of skin (epidermis) is referred to as superficial peeling or exfoliation. It can be accomplished mechanically (microdermabrasion), manually (scrubs), or chemically- which is the category that includes "peels".

Peels used by estheticians are designed to penetrate only the epidermis and are noninvasive/nonaggressive. "Deeper peels" which are those used by physicians (dermatologists) penetrate deeper into the skin (dermal layer - also called living tissue - which sits below the epidermis) and may use chemicals such as glycolic acid (50% or more).

So, now that we know that peels are a form of chemical exfoliation, here are a few of the many benefits:

1. Improves skin texture, hydration & moisture retention
2. Increases the rate of cell turnover
3. Improves elastin & collagen production
4. Reduces fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation issues
5. May control skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation & eczema

So you're probably wondering if you're a candidate for a peel? Well, in my professional opinion, if you could benefit from any of those listed above, then you're definitely a candidate for a peel administered by an esthetician. If exfoliation is a normal part of your skincare regimen, then a professional peel treatment, no more than once a month, should be sufficient.

Now, are you a candidate for a "deeper peel"? Possibly. After a thorough consultation/skin analysis, a dermatologist would best advise you. Please feel free to email me with any questions! Love your skin.

Mischo Beauty Loves Clarisea Salt Scrub (ISPA 2010)

Because I love sharing the "wonders of exfoliation" (yes, I believe in exfoliation) it was only natural that I visited Clarisea's booth while at the ISPA expo. Believe it or not, I'd never heard of Clarisea, which was created to treat acneic skin types/conditions - both face and body. Now I don't have issues with acne, but I can appreciate the benefits of a great scrub for the body, so I decided to give the Body Scrub a try. I applied it to my dry skin before showering (for a more thorough exfoliation), and followed it with my body wash and a creamy body butter. I was more than pleased with my results!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Mischo Beauty Loves Three Whishes Pomegranate Sugar Scrub

As much as I love "spa-ing", I must admit - the service I like the least is anything having to do with a scrub! It's really weird, because I believe in exfoliation- you all know that I preach the "wonders of exfoliation" on this blog! Not to mention, my bathroom is full of exfoliants for the face, body, and feet. I exfoliate a few times a week, and don't mind doing it myself. I guess I dislike this spa service, in particular, because it's not relaxing or pampering- it's actually uncomfortable, but so necessary...

Anyway, back to the post! So I'm currently loving Three Whishes Pomegranate Sugar Scrub for two reasons. First, it's gentle on my skin (I'm not a fan of "rough" body scrubs with large granules- they make me feel like my skin is being scratched up!), and second- I love the scent. The bonus is that the scrub is all natural, made with organic ingredients, and is free of parabens, sulfates and petrochemicals!

Oh, and a quick tip I learned while in esthetics school- for a more thorough exfoliation-apply your exfoliant to dry skin (before showering), and then follow it with your normal shower routine (body wash, moisturizer, etc.) - the difference is amazing!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Mischo Beauty School: Exfoliation 101

I'm sure you all are aware of the benefits of exfoliation (especially since the weather is colder/drier), but if you aren't, here's another very quick lesson! Exfoliation is simply the removal of dry, dead surface skin cells. An exfoliant is an ingredient that assists in the exfoliation process. Alpha hydroxy acids and gentle scrubs are examples of what would be called a chemical exfoliant and a physical exfoliant, respectively. You should incorporate exfoliation into your skincare regimen (as I've mentioned before!) and here are the reasons why:

1. Leaves skin feeling silky smooth!
2. Facilitates the extraction of dirt/oil that clogs pores (helps prevent acne!)
3. Faster cell turnover rate (keeps skin younger looking!)
4. Improves the skin's ability to retain moisture (prevents dry skin!)
5. Helps penetration/delivery of product ingredients into the skin
6. Stimulates blood flow
7. Smooth skin makes the application of makeup easier!

Any questions? Love your skin.

Mischo Beauty School: Peels 101

This post is in response to a few question s from fellow beauty blogger, Yummy 411. She wanted to know where a peel fits in with regards to exfoliation, and if a peel is too harsh on your skin, if you exfoliate regularly.

Well, the process of removing the excess accumulation of dead skin cells from the outer most layer of skin (epidermis) is referred to as superficial peeling or exfoliation. It can be accomplished mechanically (microdermabrasion), manually (scrubs), or chemically- which is the category that includes "peels".

Peels used by estheticians are designed to penetrate only the epidermis, and are noninvasive/nonaggressive. "Deeper Peels", which are those used by physicians (dermatologists), penetrate deeper into the skin (dermal layer (living tissue) which sits below the epidermis) and may use chemicals such as glycolic acid (50% or more).

So, now that we know that peels are a form of chemical exfoliation, here are a few of the many benefits:

1. Improves skin texture, hydration & moisture retention
2. Increases the rate of cell turnover
3. Improves elastin & collagen production
4. Reduces fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation issues
5. May control skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation & eczema

So you're probably wondering if you're a candidate for a peel? Well, in my professional opinion, if you could benefit from any of those listed above, then you're definitely a candidate for a peel administered by an esthetician. If exfoliation is a normal part of your skincare regimen, then a professional peel treatment, no more than once a month, should be sufficient.

Now, are you a candidate for a "deeper peel"? Possibly. After a thorough consultation/skin analysis, a dermatologist would best advise you. Please feel free to email me with any questions! Love your skin.

Mischo Beauty School: Exfoliation 101

I'm sure you all are aware of the benefits of exfoliation, but if you aren't, here's a very quick lesson! Exfoliation is simply the removal of dry, dead surface skin cells. An exfoliant is an ingredient that assists in the exfoliation process. Alpha hydroxy acids and gentle scrubs are examples of what would be called a chemical exfoliant and a physical exfoliant, respectively. You should incorporate exfoliation into your skincare regimen (as I've mentioned before!) and here are the reasons why:

1. Leaves skin feeling silky smooth!
2. Facilitates the extraction of dirt/oil that clogs pores (helps prevent acne!)
3. Faster cell turnover rate (keeps skin younger looking!)
4. Improves the skin's ability to retain moisture (prevents dry skin!)
5. Helps penetration/delivery of product ingredients into the skin
6. Stimulates blood flow
7. Smooth skin makes the application of makeup easier!

Any questions? Love your skin.