DERMASCOPE
The authority on professional skin care
Glow Up: Understanding Brightening Peels and Their Functions
Written by Aliesha Pierce
As licensed skin care professionals, we all understand chemical peels exfoliate by dislodging the intercellular glue that holds cells together. It dissolves desmosomes that bond keratinocytes together. Salicylic, our hero beta hydroxy acid, is lipophilic, so it dissolves and purges sebaceous filament inside the follicles. Alpha hydroxy acids are hydrophilic. They work hygroscopically, meaning they penetrate into the cells, drawing in moisture to blow it…
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Exfoliation
Chemical Exfoliation: Understanding Hydroxy Acids, pH, and More
Written by Linda Gulla
With cutaneous resurfacing there are various options depending on the condition of the skin and desired clinical outcomes. There are three types of exfoliating agents commonly used to resurface the skin. Keratolytic agents, keratocoagulant agents, and proteolytic agents. Keratolytic agents, such as hydroxy acids, work by breaking apart the bonds that hold skin cells together or by dissolving cellular glue. Keratolytic agents include hydroxy acids…
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Intro to Chemical Peels
Methods of Exfoliation
Written by Linda Gulla
Chemical peels have been used for hundreds of years by many different cultures as a means of exfoliating the skin. Some chemical acids are natural agents that have been chemically changed to an acidic pH. Other chemical acids contain molecules that are naturally found in the skin. With an acidic pH, histological changes occur in the epidermis and dermis. In cosmetic dermatology, different types of…
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Intro to Chemical Peels
Homecare Dangers: Warning Clients About Improper Mechanical and Physical Exfoliation at Home
Written by Suzanne Whigham, L.E.
In a remarkable process of self-renewal, the epidermis goes through the process of keratinization, in which cells rise to the surface and are sloughed away over the course of four to six weeks. As we age, however, cell turnover declines, influencing a variety of physiological changes, which can affect the tone and texture of the skin. The most common treatment sought to remedy this decline…
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Exfoliation
What Is Physical Exfoliation?
Written by Lyn Ross, L.M.E.
There are two categories of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Chemical exfoliators are acids applied to the skin to assist in the shedding of dead skin cells. In this article, we will focus on physical exfoliation methods designed for that purpose. Physical exfoliation ingredients and devices are not new. In fact, ingredients such as sugar, salt, grains, shells, and even baking soda have been used for…
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Exfoliation
True Grit: Benefits, Ingredients, and Best Practices of Facial Scrubs
Written by MaryJo Reeves, L.E.
Exfoliation is a vital part of every skin care regimen with numerous benefits. Granular exfoliation (scrubs) provides a tremendous difference in the health and beauty of the skin. Today’s aesthetic market offers an abundance of facial scrubs making refining and retexturizing to reveal younger-looking skin effortless. Clients may already have a preferred regimen, including a cleanser, serums, eye cream, masks, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Visible improvement…
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Exfoliation
The stratum corneum is the skin’s barrier and is the top layer of the epidermis. In the epidermis, keratinocyte stem cells reside in the basal layer, which is the lowest layer of the stratified epithelia. These cells divide further and differentiate as they move upwards in the epidermis towards the stratum corneum. Found within the stratum corneum are corneocytes which are dead keratin-filled squamous cells…
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Intro to Chemical Peels
For exfoliation straight from the kitchen cupboard, some clients may turn to making their own DIY scrubs. Here are four quick recipes that clients can make in the comfort of their home – quickly and with no fuss. THE BASICS A basic scrub consists of an exfoliant, carrier oil, and aroma. The exfoliant is usually a gritty substance of some sort. The carrier oil is…
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Exfoliation
It is that time of year again – when people crave those sun rays and show off their skin. Exfoliation is an important step in any skin care routine to help clients achieve that smooth, healthy summer glow. Before getting into the mechanics and details of physical exfoliation, it is important to review the basics. The skin is the body’s largest organ and is a…
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Exfoliation
Peel first, mechanical exfoliation second. Or is it mechanical exfoliation first, peel second? The truth is, the order in which exfoliants are layered does matter. In fact, a variety of desired results can be achieved, depending on how treatments are layered. Find out how different exfoliants work and the benefits associated with various methods of layering them. To address consumer demands, today’s aesthetician must be…
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Exfoliation
10 Things About Dry Brushing
Written by Lydia Sarfati, founder and CEO of Repêchage
Dry brushing, a method of cleaning and exfoliating the skin, has been around for thousands of years, but has recently become popular again. Key benefits of dry brushing include increased energy, smoother skin, and an overall better feeling. One of the best benefits of dry brushing is the cost; body treatment machines, whether for the spa or at home, can cost upwards of $23,000.
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Exfoliation
What does the term “peel” actually mean? Find out which exfoliation treatments can be considered peels and learn the pros and cons of using medical versus alpha hydroxy acid peels, alkaline treatments, scrubs, and more!
The word “peel” has been a primary catch phrase in the skin care industry for over 50 years. The suggestion has always been to peel off a layer…
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Exfoliation
Precisely Polished: A Mechanical and Body Exfoliation Treatment
Written by Heather Kreider, L.E., R.N.
While exfoliation may seem like a fluff step in professional and homecare routines, it is actually critical for optimal skin health and a glowing, refreshed complexion. There is nothing quite like the look and feel of skin that has been recently exfoliated. Although exfoliation is suitable for all skin types, choosing which exfoliation method will work best for each client can be challenging.
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Exfoliation
• Physical or mechanical exfoliation breaks up the keratinized protein that accumulates on the skin's surface, lifting and whisking away dry, dull cell debris to reveal softer skin.• Chemical exfoliation uses topical ingredients to dissolve cell debris for a glowing finish.
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Exfoliation
What client does not want to live with perfect skin? Every client's skin is unique and experienced, knowledgeable skin care professionals learn to customize treatment regimens that balance each client's needs and concerns with reliable, affordable, and innovative methods.
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Exfoliation
A New Theory on Over-Exfoliating the Skin
Written by Ben Johnson, M.D.
Exfoliation has become one of the most dominant activities in skin care and is considered by many to be beneficial as it refreshes the skin and removes dead cells. Before accepting this concept at face value, it is important for skin care professionals to examine why science might be hinting at something completely different. Exfoliation PracticesHere are some of the methods currently being utilized for…
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Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the removal of the dead skin cells that reside on the outermost layer of the skin. This practice is often recommended because it reveals a fresh layer of skin that is softer, more radiant, and more accepting of product ingredients. Exfoliation can be achieved through physical, chemical, and mechanical methods. Because each of these approaches have different depths of exfoliation and levels of…
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Exfoliation
The Scrubdown on Exfoliation
Written by Christiane Waldron
When clients are informed that the top layer of their skin is composed of dead skin cells, they are usually surprised. With that one statement, clients can often be convinced of the importance of exfoliation. Despite its importance, many skin care professionals still do not know what to recommend when it comes to exfoliation.
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Exfoliation
A Step-by-Step: Full Body Salt Scrub
Written by Lina Kennedy
Exfoliation removes dead cells, taking dullness and flakiness with it and revealing a new layer of glowing, healthy skin. Despite its benefits, exfoliation is often skipped in skin care routines.
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Exfoliation
The Case for Exfoliation: Breaking through consumer myths about this vital skin care step
Written by Ahmed Abdullah, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.I.C.S.
Exfoliation has been touted as a vital skin care step for long enough now that nearly every skin care consumer realizes it is a recommended part of their regimen. But knowing that a product or step is beneficial does not always mean consumers will adopt it. In fact, many skin care professionals have encountered clients who claim that exfoliation just is not their thing.
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Exfoliation
Exfoliation and Ethnicity
Written by Cynthia Price, M.D.
It is a well-known fact that exfoliation is essential to the health of the skin. From the time of the Egyptians, when milk was used for its alpha hydroxy acid benefits, to today, when chemical peels are being utilized more than ever, people all over the world are aware of the importance of regular exfoliation.
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Exfoliation
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Brand of the Month
Exfoliation
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A New Theory on Over-Exfoliating the Skin
Exfoliation has become one of the most dominant activities in skin care and is considered…
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The Scrubdown on Exfoliation
When clients are informed that the top layer of their skin is composed of dead…
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Progressive Peel Techniques: How to develop a strategy for effective exfoliation
With the numerous professional exfoliation solutions and infinite application options available to today’s aesthetician, it…