Cold, dry air wreaks havoc on our skin during the winter months. Skin feels dry, flaky, and itchy and just doesn’t look very fresh and youthful by the time spring rolls around. Even people with oily skin can feel dry. Spring is here and it’s time to shed that dull winter look and reveal the fresh, youthful skin just waiting to make it’s appearance.
Exfoliation is the key to beautiful skin. Skin cells originate in the lower level of the epidermis, the skin’s top layer.
They rise to the surface of the skin, losing their nucleus and fluid in the process. By the time they reach the top of the skin, they are nothing more than dry, lifeless cells. This cellular process takes about 14 days to complete when you’re a baby. The average time for young adults is about 28 days. After that, it gradually starts to slow and can take about twice as long by the time we reach our seventies. When we don’t exfoliate, the dead cells lie on the surface of the skin making it look dull and dry. Add to that the effects of winter’s harsh conditions and your skin can make you feel like a lizard by the time spring arrives.
There are a number of ways to exfoliate the skin.
– Facial scrubs to physically remove dead cells
– Products containing AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and retinoids
such as retinol or Retin-A
– Enzymes to gently dissolve them
– Medical skin treatments and facials
So how do you know what’s the right for you? Seeking advice from a licensed aesthetician in a medical setting is a great way to be sure you are getting the best treatment for your skin. Because she works under the supervision of a medical doctor, she is able perform effective treatments that can truly correct the skin. She’ll assess your skin and make recommendations how you can turn back the hands of time and look your best.