Posts Tagged ‘exfoliation’

5 Signs You May Be Over-exfoliating

5 signs of over exfoliation

Are You Over-Exfoliating Your Skin? Know the Signs

Exfoliation can leave your skin feeling smooth, fresh and glowing, but when it comes to exfoliating, more is not always better, over-exfoliation can leave your skin feeling sad.

Exfoliation removes dead surface skin cells through different forms of skin resurfacing. Removing accumulated surface cells can improve the skin’s texture and appearance, stimulate circulation and increase the skin’s ability to absorb skincare products. Exfoliation can also support skin-cell regeneration.

What Is Exfoliation?

Different methods offer different levels of intensity and penetration. Mechanical exfoliation physically removes surface cells using methods such as granular exfoliants, dermaplaning or microdermabrasion. Chemical exfoliation uses ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs, retinols or enzymes to loosen the bonds between skin cells.

Not every exfoliant works the same way. AHAs work at the skin’s surface to dissolve dead cells and provide hydration, while BHAs penetrate into pores to help clear excess oil and debris.

5 Signs You May Be Over-Exfoliating

Persistent redness or irritation
If your skin stays red or irritated instead of looking refreshed, it may be time to give exfoliation a break.

Dry or flaky skin
Increasing dryness or flaking can indicate that your skin needs more hydration and less exfoliation.

Increased sensitivity
If your skin suddenly feels more sensitive than usual, continuing to exfoliate may contribute to further irritation. Focus on gentle products and hydration instead.

Your skincare products start irritating your skin
Products that normally feel comfortable may suddenly cause irritation. This can be a sign that your skin needs a break from exfoliating agents, retinol and other harsh products.

Heat makes your skin feel worse
Hot water and excessive heat can strip away the skin’s natural oils and contribute to dryness. If your skin is already sensitive, switch to lukewarm water and avoid excessive heat.

How to Help Your Skin Recover

Put the exfoliating products aside and focus on gentle skincare, hydration and moisturization. Avoid exfoliating agents, retinol and harsh chemicals while irritation is present.

Turn down the temperature too. Choose lukewarm water instead of hot water and avoid excessive heat while your skin recovers. A hydrating serum and moisturizer can also help retain and restore moisture.

Once your skin feels comfortable again, ease back into exfoliation rather than immediately returning to your previous routine.

Hope this helps!


Peace, Love, and Great Skin!

Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Skin Resurfacing

skin resurfacing

Ask Dérmica: WHAT is Skin Resurfacing?

  • An esthetic procedure or personal use of an exfoliating product/tool that removes layers of damaged skin.
  • Improves the overall appearance and texture of the skin.
  • Boosts the regeneration rate of skin cells and promotes collagen production.
  • Improves circulation and absorptive ability of the skin.
  • Recommended for all skin types as part of a healthy skin care routine or to treat skin conditions.
  • Methods of resurfacing include: chemical, mechanical, and light-based treatment.

CHEMICAL METHODS AND BENEFITS

Chemical Resurfacing

dermica photo facials
  • There are different classifications of chemical resurfacing: AHA, BHA, Retinols, TCA, Enzymes.
  • Causes a chemical reaction at the surface of the skin that dissolves the bonds between the skin cells.
  • Varying intensity and penetration.
  • Can be delivered in low doses on a daily basis or as a stand alone treatment delivered by a trained technician.
  • Skin may require pre-treating with lower dose prior to procedure.
  • Down time varies depending on the dose delivered.
  • Topical products used for homecare may need to be prescribed by a physician.
Benefits:
  • Can treat a wide range of conditions.
  • Can be used as part of a daily maintenance routine.
  • Broad range of penetration level available from mild – deep.
  • Improves texture of the skin.
  • Reduces unwanted pigmentation.
  • Treats acne and related scarring.
Click here for FULL TREATMENT DESCRIPTION

MECHANICAL METHODS AND BENEFITS

Granular Exfoliants

dermica photo facials
  • Granular product that is massaged over the skin.
  • Lifts dead surface layer of skin.
  • Available in various formulations and intensity.
  • Product contain microbeads or granules that slough the outer layer.
  • Mild resurfacing.
  • Not typically recommended for acneic or sensitive skin.
Benefits:
    • Instant results.
    • Can be used daily as part of a regular skin care routine.
    • No downtime.
    • Increases absorption of products.
    • Stimulates circulation.

Dermaplaning

dermica photo facials
  • Technician performs feathery strokes typically using a 10 gauge blade held at an angle over the surface of the skin.
  • Removes surface layer of the skin.
  • Form of mechanical skin resurfacing.
Benefits:
    • Also removes the vellus hair in the area treated.
    • Delivers instant results.
    • Minimal downtime.
    • Can alleviate and treat eczema, skin irritations, and excessively dry patches.
    • Promotes increased hydration and penetration of topical medications and treatment product.

Microdermabrasion

dermica photo facials
  • Technician uses a wand over the skin to remove superficial layers.
  • Can be performed with a diamond encrusted tip being dragged over the skin or using a crystal spray to gently “sandblast” the surface of the skin.
  • Not recommended for acneic skin or highly sensitive skin types.
  • Mild – mid level resurfacing.
Benefits:
    • Minimal downtime required.
    • Can be paired with other methods of resurfacing for optimal results.
    • Improves circulation.
    • Improves texture.
    • Lightens pigmentation.

Abrasive Materials

dermica photo facials
  • Used to lift the dead surface layer of the skin by causing friction.
  • Brushes bristles vary from soft – hard.
  • Can be used with products for added cleansing.
  • Abrasive materials include loofas, pumice, and other textured materials in varying coarseness.
  • Mild resurfacing.
  • Not recommended for sensitive or sensitized skin
Benefits:
    • Can be used as part of a daily routine or in a professional service.
    • Instant results.
    • No downtime.
    • Increases circulation.

Dermabrasion

dermica photo facials
  • Performed by a medical professional.
  • Anesthetic is used to numb the skin prior to treatment.
  • In some cases a prescribed relaxant may be given to ease the patient.
  • Technician operates a high-speed device that scrapes away layers of skin.
  • Mid – deep resurfacing.
Benefits:
    • Delivers deep resurfacing with minimal sessions.
    • Can remove deep imperfections.
    • Dramatic results can be achieved.

Microneedling

dermica photo facials
  • Pierces fine needles into the surface of the skin creating micro-lesions.
  • Varying levels of intensity depending on the device.
  • Minimal – no downtime required.
Benefits:
    • Tightens pores and smooths texture.
    • Effective on minimizing the appearance of stretch marks and acne scarring.
    • Improves circulation.
    • Stimulates collagen and elastin production.

LIGHT-BASED METHODS AND BENEFITS

IPL Skin Rejuvenation

dermica photo facials
  • Stands for Intense Pulsed Light.
  • Device emits a broad band light energy into the skin.
  • Works below the surface of the skin on a cellular level, leaving the surface layer intact.
  • Depth of penetration varies medium – deep.
Benefits:
    • Minimal down time, if any.
    • Reduces redness and surface capillaries.
    • Removes pigmentation and evens skin tone.
    • Improves texture and tightens pores.
    • Reduces fine lines and pre-mature aging.
    • Treats acne and related scarring.
Click here for FULL TREATMENT DESCRIPTION

LASER Skin Resurfacing

phototherapy
  • Acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
  • Device emits a focused beam of light energy into the skin.
  • Depth of penetration varies from medium – deep.
  • Down time ranges depending on the type of laser used.
Benefits:
    • Improves textural damage.
    • Reduces signs of aging.
    • Reduces redness and vascularity from facial and body region.
    • Removes unwanted pigmented lesions.
    • Treats acne and related scarring.

Get in Touch

Do you have a question about skincare? Ask Dérmica! Love, Peace, and Great Skin! Dérmica MedEsthetics (780) 885-7108 dermica.ca

Get in Touch

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10518 82 Avenue NW, Edmonton
(780) 885-7108 bookings@dermica.ca