Exfoliating Treatments: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to achieving a great complexion, there is one treatment that you shouldn’t go without and that’s exfoliation. This vital step in your skincare regimen works to remove dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin’s surface, making your skin look dull and discoloured, as well as clogging up pores which can lead to breakouts. As we age, it can take almost three times as long for our skin to naturally rid itself of dead skin cells, and so exfoliation becomes all the more important.
Exfoliating Your Skin at Home
There are two main methods of exfoliation: mechanical and chemical. Both methods work, although one tends to be much more damaging to the skin than the other – and it may not be the one you’re expecting. Mechanical exfoliation, also known as physical exfoliation, is done using a grainy scrub, brush or other physical force to remove dead skin cells, is usually the most common method of at-home exfoliation but can be much too harsh and damage the skin. Over-exfoliating the skin can be extremely damaging to the skin barrier, drying it out and causing breakouts, redness, flakes, itchiness, excess oil and even fine lines.
Chemical exfoliators, although they may sound harsh, are actually kinder to skin as they work to ‘unglue’ dead cells and impurities without breaking or tearing the skin. In your regular skincare regimen, it’s vital to use chemical exfoliants. We recommend the CosMedix
Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser and
Purity Balance Exfoliating Prep Toner, both of which contain Lactic Acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which is gentle and helps hydrate the skin while brightening and smoothing the skin. Once or twice a week, apply the
Pure Enzymes Cranberry Exfoliating Mask to further decongest your skin.
Professional Exfoliating Treatments
When you feel that your skin could do with an extra boost, visit our
professional Dermatologists who will be able to mechanically exfoliate your skin in a way that removes dead cells and impurities without damaging the skin in any way. One of the most common physical exfoliating treatments available is Microdermabrasion, however here at EF MEDISPA our preferred treatment is Hydradermabrasion. While both work to exfoliate the skin, promote collagen production and improve skin tone, we feel that the latter is a better option for the overall, long-term health of your skin.
Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment that uses micro crystals which are passed over the skin using a hand-held device in order to ‘sand’ the skin. This works to remove the dead skin cells and make way for new smoother skin. It is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, blackheads, oily, dry and acne prone skin. Although Microdermabrasion often produces great results at first, it can be extremely damaging for skin long-term, resulting in broken capillaries, increased oil production and thinning of the skin.
Our
Jet Hydradermabrasion Facial, on the other hand, is a gentle and effective exfoliating peel treatment that uses a jet peel machine to distribute air and water at a high speed. The treatment works to drain your lymphatic system, removing any toxins and exfoliate your skin, removing the dead skin cells and blackheads, whilst also working to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and plump the skin. After the exfoliation, clients can opt to have a vitamin infusion sprayed into the skin through the jet peel machine to give skin that extra boost. The treatment is effective but gentle, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive dry skin.
Differences between Microdermabrasion and Hydradermabrasion
- Microdermabrasion is harsh on the skin, and will leave skin red for up to 24 hours post treatment, hydradermabrasion is much gentler on the skin and will not leave you looking red
- Hydradermabrasion exfoliates the skin without the use of hard crystals, and is much kinder on the skin
- Microdermabrasion is uncomfortable, however hydradermabrasion is completely pain free and relaxing
- Microdermabrasion has been known to make some skin conditions worse
- Hydradermabrasion is extremely hydrating for the skin, whereas microdermabrasion is not
- Hydradermabrasion is suitable for ALL skin types, whereas microdermabrasion is not suitable for sensitive skin
Overall, we would recommend Hydradermabrasion to our clients as it’s gentler on the skin but still gives impressive results. The advanced facial treatment provides impressive exfoliation and hydration, giving skin the extra boost it needs. It also has wonderful anti-ageing affects, helping to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. To find out more about our Hydradermabrasion Jet Facial, call us today on 0808 278 7342 or
book a complimentary consultation here.
