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…
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…

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…
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…

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…

February 2024

Body Care Blogs

Brands of the Month

  • DMK Skin Revision Center
  • Eminence Organic Skin Care
  • Face Reality Skincare

Exfoliation