Microdermabrasion

Exfoliation is absolutely vital to maintaining a clear, healthy and glowing skin. The only snag though, is that as we gradually age, the exfoliation process tends to dramatically slow down.

This results in a massive build-up of dry skin on the surface that effectively blocks pores…which in turn causes breakouts and contributes to the wrinkling of your skin. In order to prevent this from happening, you want to speed up the exfoliation process, so your skin renews itself much much faster.

Keep reading to discover just how you can achieve this, by using 2 powerful methods recommended by many experts:

Method #1: Peels

There’s a huge variety of peels available on the market right now, so it’s pretty hard to zero in on one. Having said that, here are the most popular choices of peels amongst acne sufferers, right now -

Glycolic Acid Peel: This is very similar to the rather strong version of the alpha hydroxy fruit acid concoction, and works by loosening the skin cells that are dead and ready to flake off.

A glycolic acid peel is perfectly safe to use and does not cause any harm to live cells instead, it leaves the skin looking even more toned and beautiful. It generally takes up to around 2-4 treatments of glycolic acid peel, over a month, for significant results to start showing.

Phenol Peel: This particular type of peel reacts in pretty much the same fashion as TCA Peels do. (see below) The only difference between the two however, is that a Phenol peel tends to be a lot stronger than its counterpart. Thus, they are only performed by an experienced medical professional.

Although Phenol peels have been around for a while, they are now being replaced by much milder and more effective peels such as Glycolic and TCA.

TCA Peel: A TCA peel is known as a ‘true acid peel,’ and is usually performed by a professional skin specialist or a certified salon aesthetician. You’ve got to be prepared to endure a little bit of pain, as this type of treatment burns the outer layers of the skin and may carry with it, the risk of infection.

That said, the TCA peel provides you with almost instant results. Once your old skin peels off, you’ll not only find yourself with a new, very even skin tone, you’ll also notice a vast reduction in spots and wrinkles.

Method #2: Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids

You can easily get your hands on one of these, as they don’t cost much, and are freely available at drug stores nationwide. Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids are also the mildest form of fruit acids used to effect skin peeling, and work to speed up the exfoliation process. In fact, visible results can be expected within just 6 weeks.

Method #3: Dermabrasion

This has been likened to the process of sanding an object with a sandpaper. The main goal of Dermabrasion is to remove the outer layers of the dermis.

If you’re experiencing a severe attack of acne, then this might be a good option. Of course, you’ve got to keep in mind that this process of exfoliation often comes with a hefty price tag attached to it! In addition to this, Dermabrasion usually requires a lengthy recovery period.

On the upside though, it does succeed in effectively removing much of the outer layers of skin, so if you prefer this type of treatment, go for it!

By: Daniel Millions

About the Author:

Not so long ago, if you had an acne problem for which nothing worked, the only other solution was to have a skin peel by a dermatologist. Now you can do your own medical grade peelings in the comfort of your home. Of these, TCA is the most recommended facial peel on the market.

TCA stands for Tricholoracetic Acid, which is a non-toxic chemical that has been safely used in such treatments for the past three decades. This is a deep peel that will remove acne scars from the skin, leaving it fresh and smooth, similar to an acne care system (http://www.vfhcinc.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=27).

Acne is not the only skin condition that you can treat with medical grade peelings of this nature. You can also benefit from this home skin treatment if you have wrinkles on your face, age spots, blackheads, skin damage caused by exposure to the sun or if your complexion is dull and you want to freshen it up. Through the peel, you will be able to unclog the deep pores of your skin so that you will have a clear complexion and lighten your skin to make you look years younger.

Before you undertake any medical grade peelings on your own, you should consult with your physician. This is especially true if you are taking any medications. Acutane, for example, is one medication that you should not take just before and just after you do a skin peel. It is also important not to use any exfoliating products for a few weeks before you plan the peel and you should stay out of the sun. This is also true of using a tanning salon.

There are two strengths in medical grade peelings (http://www.vfhcinc.com/procedures.html) that you can use at home, depending on your skin condition. You should choose the stronger peel if you have deep acne scars and wrinkles. the lighter formula has been diluted to be gentler on your skin and still give you the treatment you desire. The products come with detailed instructions that you must follow exactly as indicated.

Use a cotton swab to apply the lotion of medical grade peelings. Leave this on your face for two to four minutes and then rinse your face with lukewarm water to remove the lotion. Just splashing your face with the water and rubbing it with your hands is sufficient. You should never use a facecloth in the rinse process of the skin peel.

You will feel a tingling sensation when you apply the peel, but this will disappear once you rinse it off. If, after you do complete the rinse, you still feel a bit of discomfort, you can apply ice or cold clothes to your face. Your face will also look red, as if you have had a sunburn, but the redness will fade away in a few days.

Use only a mild cleanser when washing your face in the days just after medical grade peelings without the use of a facecloth. Use an oil free moisturizer and do not use any exfoliating products for at least a week. Be extra careful when you go outdoors to try to keep your face from sun exposure as much as possible.

A wide brimmed hat will help keep the sun off your face. You shouldn’t apply makeup for at least a week and try to use makeup containing natural ingredients rather than harsh chemicals. Drinking plenty of water will also be beneficial for your skin and help to replenish the moisture.

Once you do a medical grade peeling, you should wait four weeks before you do another one.

By: Sarah Martin

About the Author:

Sol asked:

Did it unclog your pores? Make them less visible? Did it cause any redness?
I want to hear about personal experiences, rather than what Oil of Olay has to say about their own product.

raaz asked:

I am 26years of old.I m having lot of pores and black scars on my face can i go for dermabrasion

Kel asked:

Has anyone used those dermabrasion products on the market now? I think Loreal makes one, I know Susan Lucci has her own brand too? I have some acne scars on my cheeks and larger pores. I don’t want to do anything surgical for it. It’s not that big of a concern, but I was wondering if anybody had used these other products and had good results?

Both men and women are lining up in droves willing to pay hundreds, if not thousands, for a good, deep skin peel. Is it true that wrinkles can be cured, precancerous legions and spots treated, acne cured along with its resultant scars, removal of years of sun damage, freckles, etc? Yes, with a deep skin peels all this and more is possible and thousands are done every day.

There are four different types of skin peels:

1) AHA peels - Glycolic, lactic, malic, etc… These are more superficial and minimally effective. They are good for reduction in oilyness and are effective in treating minor pimples. AHA peels must be redone every 2-3 weeks for maximum effect.

2) BHA peels- Salicylic acid. This is, like AHA peels, a weaker acid, but it has one major difference. It is oil or lipid soluble. Unlike AHA peels, salicylic will actually go right into all the pores and clean them out. It is therefore more effective for minor acne than glycolic and the other AHA’s. This is why Murad salicylic acid) is so much more effective than Proactive (benzoyl peroxide)

3) TCA peels - trichloroacetic acid. TCA peels are a deep skin peel. They treat more skin ailments and conditions than any other skin peel and are easier to use. Deep skin peels can treat all stages of acne, reduce symptoms, kill acne causing bacteria better than any other product, and even treat scars that have resulted from acne. More dermatologists use TCA deep skin peels than any other treatment for acne for these same reasons. It is just as effective as Accutane without any of the real serious side effects. The best thing is you only need to do 1 or 2 deep TCA peels per year for maximum results. And you can now even purchase these TCA peels for in home use.

4) Phenol. Phenol peels are rarely used as they often result in permanent skin bleaching and pigmentation problems. Phenol is toxic and requires anesthesia and heart monitoring. Almost no one uses this peel any more.

Deep skin peels can be very effective and the TCA peel is regarded by dermatologists to be the best one. It has been touted as the fountain of youth in a bottle and is now available for home use. It is the easiest to use, the most effective, and safest.

By: David Maillie

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Queenie asked:

Hi any beauty therapists out there,
I bought a Roc microdermabrasion kit which I used once a week for a deep exfoliation. Then I bought strivectin cream which I use on my face (not for its intended use of stretch marks) I love the strivectin and have noticed a difference in skin tone and texture, I just havn’t used both together. I was worried it may be to much, any one know anything about this. My skin is fair, small pores, a bit dry not very sensitive and I am 37. I know the main ingredient in strivectin is palmitoyl pentapeptide 4 can anyone help before I try it and get a mad reaction.

DERMASTIR PEEL OFF MASKS of ALTA CARE Laboratoires, Paris, are facial masks that differ from the normal cream masks on the market.

First of all DERMASTIR PEEL OFF MASKS are not wash off cream masks but alginate – basically made from algae/seaweed - peel off masks. While the normal masks will need water to wash off the mask, the Dermastir PEEL OFF Mask won’t need it, for it can be peeled off easily. So while the application and removal of a cream mask tends to be rather messy, this is not the case with the DERMASTIR PEEL OFF MASK.

Secondly, while the hydrating properties of a cream mask are good, those of the Dermastir peel off masks are definitely excellent. Excellent too are the occlusive properties of these peel off masks which are thicker than the normal masks. They are very effective in opening the pores of the skin thus letting the fresh ingredients of the facial mask clean and moisturize the skin. The pores are cleansed deeply and any oily build up or trapped dirt is got rid off. The mask will also help slough off dead skin. It can also reduce the look of fine lines and small wrinkles to carry out a regular facial mask.

Of great importance too is the fact that the DERMASTIR PEEL OFF MASK has ingredients that are not only  fresh, but very active too. The reason why the peel off mask is fresh and active is because it has to be mixed with water immediately before application. Other masks that are not peel off are already processed and mixed. 

 

The effects of the Dermastir Peel Off Mask are various: they hydrate the skin; they give lustre to the skin; the ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin, they have a soothing and relaxing effect; they cleanse the face; they give the face a healthier complexion.

There are 3 types of Dermastir peel off Masks available on the market at the moment.

Dermastir Vitamin C Peel Off Mask. This peel off mask is excellent because high concentrations of vitamin C are penetrated into the skin. Vitamin C has high anti-oxidant properties and is very effective in protecting the skin from pigmentation.

Dermastir Whitening Peel Off Mask. This peel off mask is excellent for people who already have pigmentation problems. Dermastir Whitening peel off mask can be used in combination with Dermastir Kojic acid ampoules.

Dermastir Purifying Peel Off Mask. This peel off mask is excellent for people who have skin redness problems. The purifying properties of this peel off mask are visible immediately as from the first application.

It is recommended to use one Dermastir peel off mask a week. Combine the contents of one sachet with 90ml of water. Add the water a little at a time and stir vigorously for one minute until a paste is formed. Do not add more than the recommended amount of water because the paste will be ruined. It is better to add less than 90ml than more. Once you succeed in doing the paste apply it to the face and leave it on the face for 15 to 30 minutes. It is important that you lie down with your face up when you have the mask on your face. After 30 minutes the mask may be peeled off all at one go.

So make it a point to start pampering yourself and keep your face healthy-looking. Contact Alta Care Laboratoires for more information; enjoy the benefits the DERMASTIR PEEL OFF MASKS are produced with very high quality standards in order that even the unexperienced user can use the Dermastir Peel off masks in the comfort of his home. Dermastir Peel Off Masks are available from pharmacies.

www.altacare.com

By: Ivan S. Pullicino B.Pharm. (Hons.) M.Sc.

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Acne is a terrible affliction which plagues millions of teenagers and sometimes even adults. Not only is this terrible unsightly, it also creates deep impact upon the psyche of the person affected. The people who suffer from acne for a long time will gradually develop an inferiority complex.

How To Treat Acne?

There are many ways to treat acne today. You will need to find out from the many ways that are available, which one suits you the best. The treatment usually involves cleansing of the skin, then steaming it thoroughly to remove the acne as much as possible. The best way to treat acne is to cleanse the skin well, preferably with vinegar, after which you could add a bit moisturizer to the face to prevent it from drying too much.

One of the most tested and tried methods to treat acne are the method using benzoyl peroxide. This solution should be applied to the face in proportion of 5:1 (water : b.p.) daily if possible. If not twice or even once a week would be helpful to treat acne. This solution kills all the bacteria, reduced oil production of the skin and opens the pores making it easier to remove the grime thus accumulated.

Of course, you ought to be very patient with the methods to treat acne, because it is slow in showing their results. Basically speaking, if you have oily skin, you will definitely find the process extremely painful since acne is drawn to it like flies to honey. However, as per the testimony of so many people, the benzyl peroxide solution has clicked with the majority of people and hence there is no reason why you should not adopt the same method for yourself.

There are of course, other ways – Dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatment and so on. In Dermabrasion the upper most layer of the skin would be removed and then new skin would be formed again. This is done with the help of blasting of tin crystals through a vacuum pipe. The same result is obtained with the help of chemical peeling. Here the peeling is created with the help of chemical reactions.

The latest of all the treatments available today is the Laser treatment. This treatment has the same procedure as Dermabrasion; only this time there is no blood and many times very little pain. With the laser the patient is exposed to a great risk of infection – especially bacterial and/or viral. Choose wisely what and when you want to do.

By: Alien

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In the past, the best skin peel was only available from a dermatologist or salon. This is no longer true. You can now have the benefits of a medical grade facial peel in the comfort of your own home. The most effective peels on the market contain Tricholoracetic Acid (TCA). TCA is a non toxic chemical that has been used for over 30 years and is considered completely safe. It is one of the deeper peels, used to rejuvenate the skin and improve the condition of the skin.

TCA peels successfully treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, wrinkles, blotchy skin, blackheads, discoloration from sun exposure, age spots, acne scarring, excessive oil and dull complexion. The pores of your skin are unblocked, revealing clearer skin. Your complexion will be smoother with improved texture. Fine lines and wrinkles are softened after treatment. The skin is tightened for a younger appearance.

Esthetician’s Choice is the best skin peel and is now available for home use.

Before Treatment:

Talk to your doctor if you are taking prescription medications. Accutane is one medication that should not be used after a peel. Talk to your doctor and stop taking the medication before having a peel. You should avoid using other exfoliation products in the week before you use a home TCA peel. Also, avoid tanning either outside or in a tanning bed.

Directions for a Home Peel:

Esthetician’s Choice can be used in two strengths. Use the product full strength for a deeper peel to improve bad acne, wrinkling or skin discoloration. The product can be diluted for a gentler, surface peeling. Follow the included directions for diluting the product. The peel can be used once a month for very damaged skin. It’s important to wait at least four weeks between treatments to allow the skin time to heal completely.

Apply the product with a cotton swab. The peel should be left on the skin for about two to four minutes. Rinse well with slightly cool water to remove the product. Don’t rub or use a washcloth. Most people will feel a slight tingling sensation when it is applied. You should feel little or no discomfort after it is rinsed away. If you do experience slight irritation, apply icy water or ice to soothe the skin.

Immediately after treatment, you will notice a slight red color to the skin, like mild sunburn. This fades in a day or so and the skin continues to peel for the next few days. Once peeled, clearer, firmer skin is revealed. Taking good care of your skin after the peel will result in better, faster healing.

After the Peel:

o Gently wash the skin with a very mild cleanser in the days after. Use only your hands and not a washcloth or a scrubber, which can cause irritation. o Keep the skin moist with an oil free moisturizing project. o Don’t use any other exfoliation products for at least a week after the peel. o Avoid sun exposure and tanning. This can cause discoloration. If you go outside, wear a good sunblock with an SPF of at least 30. o Don’t use make up for at least a week. After this time, use high quality, natural make up that won’t clog the skin. Look for oil free products to avoid clogging the pores again. Natural products or mineral make up is best. o Avoid harsh prescription ointments and medications such as Accutane. These can cause scarring and discoloration. o Taking good care of yourself speeds the healing process. You will look better and feel better. o Drink plenty of water to flush the skin and replenish the moisture in your body. o Get enough sleep. At least eight hours each night. This is important for healing and is good for the complexion. o Eat healthy foods and take vitamins. Good nutrition is important for your skin and your overall health. o Practice good skin care to keep your complexion clear and soft. Use natural products that are made for your skin type. o Prayer, reading the Bible and meditating on Scripture helps reduce stress, which aids in healing. Prayer has been proven in studies to increase healing in all areas of the body.

By: David Maillie

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