The peel (also referred to as skin exfoliation) is one of the most popular and effective skin care procedures of improving its appearance and health. Peeling process relates to any method which can be used to remove dead cells layer from the skin surface. Regular peels also can help to detoxify the skin, improve blood and lymph circulation and treat numerous imperfections. It makes the complexion healthier and smoother, improves its color and texture and helps to treat such imperfections as acne, some kinds of scars, fine lines, clogged pores, brown spots and others.

How does it work?

The dirt and dust may clog pores and glands and can result in skin problems, making it look unhealthy. The sun, wind and other negative factors also cause some problems; moreover, one can have such problems as wrinkles, age spots, stretch marks, scars etc. Using different kinds of peeling agents regulary, you can get rid of the majority of these imperfections by scrubbing away the very thin outermost epidermis layer and revealing young and healthy skin.

Types

There are several peeling methods you can use:
Mechanical. It can be performed with different types of substances which contain exfoliating particles. These scrubbing particles can be made from the different kinds of natural and synthetic materials.

Chemical. They usually contain natural acids which are derived from fruits or milk and help to dissolve the “glue” between skin surface and outermost dead and damaged cells. These acids usually are: Lactic acid (derived from sour milk), Glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane), Malic acid (derived from apples), Salicylic acid (derived from sweet birch) and Tartaric acid (from grapes) etc.

Enzyme. They work by dissolving dead cells without friction and don’t irritate the skin like mechanical and acid skin peels. Enzyme exfoliators usually contain Papain enzyme found in Papaya, Bromelain enzyme derived from Pine apple and Pumpkin proteolytic enzymes.

Laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing is a procedure made by physician with the help of beam of the light. It usually uses the high-intensity light emissions which are vaporized around the sunken imperfections such as wrinkles and scars. During the procedure physician takes off outermost cells layer by layer.

Dermabrasion. Uses a high-speed brush or fraise to remove the dead cells layer.

Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a new form of dermabrasion, which uses a stream of fine crystals or diamond covered microdermabrasion tips in order to scrub away the outermost skin layer and stimulate cell renewal. The procedure improves epidermis clarity, minimizes glow and blocked pores, helps to treat acne, scars, fine lines and other imperfections.

Mechanical exfoliation can be performed at home with different types of exfoliating masks, scrubs, gels, lotions or a soft washcloth. Chemical and enzyme agents in low concentrations can also be used at home and more strong chemical solutions are usually used under the medical control. Laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion procedures are usually performed by specially trained persons at day or med spa. Using any one of these methods you should always consider your skin type.

Why do we need peels?

Our skin is permanently eliminates toxins and regulates the temperature of our body with the help of the pores, sebaceous glands and sweat glands, also it constantly absorbs and secrets different substances. The dirt and dust may clog pores and glands and can cause some problems and make our face and body look unhealthy. Using exfoliating substances you can get rid of the majority of these imperfections.

How often to exfoliate?

Our skin is regenerating permanently, so dead and damaged cells are always present on its surface, that’s why peeling substances should be applied regularly. Numerous kinds of scrubs, masks, gels and other products for home use should be used according to instructions on the package. Usually you can use a gentle peel daily or a stronger one 1-3 times per week considering your skin type:
- for normal skin you can use peel 1 time per week.
- oily – 2-3 times per week.
- dry – 1 per week.
- combination – 2-3 times per week.
- sensitive skin – once or twice per week

Which peeling product to choose?

Abrasive substances are the most common, they are usually used in order to clean clogged pores as well as to eliminate the dead cells. Peeling methods can also include chemical peels, microdermabrasion treatments and laser resurfacing, but these methods are usually used under the medical control. Also there is a wide choice of different products you can use by yourself, for example some peeling masks, scrubs, peeling gels and lotions, cloths and gloves. It’s better to use them after the steam bath because it opens the pores, so the exfoliation will be more effective.

Even the most simple peeling method can help you to:
- Smooth your skin surface
- Make it look fresher
- Clean clogged pores
- Improve thickness
- Improve cell renewal
- Clear off the dead cells layer and allow the active ingredients in skin care products reach the inner layers of your skin to do more good.

The things to remember while the procedure:

Despite the fact that peeling agents can help you to solve a great number of the problems, one should be very careful using them. First of all it concerns strong solutions, which can cause injury, reaching new young cells. The idea that stronger solution is more effective than soft one is completely wrong. It’s better to use gentle solutions regularly than use hard one from time to time, in this way you will keep your skin young and clear without injuring it.

And finally the procedure has to be always followed with washing face with cold water, good moisturizer and sun protection.