Exfoliation Options
by Stacey Lohmar
Out with the old, in with the new!
You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about exfoliation – it’s not exactly the sexiest facet of our home skincare routine or our MedSpa treatments. But the importance of exfoliation and the simple but incredible benefits for our skin are highly underrated! Think – – – anti-aging. Let’s talk about how exfoliation works and review our exfoliation options – both at the medical spa and at home.
What is exfoliation and why is it important?
Exfoliation is a process by which dead skin cells are removed from the outer layers of the skin, allowing fresh young cells to come forward.
There are a number of exfoliation options, which by removing dull skin, work to brighten and improve your skin’s overall appearance. The entire body actually self-exfoliates naturally every 28 days or so but as we age this process slows. To compensate for the slowdown, it’s important to have an at-home regimen that’s going to keep your skin exfoliated and stimulated.
Exfoliated skin will absorb serums and moisturizers more easily and efficiently, which allows your products and their ingredients to do their “jobs” more easily and more effectively. While the big payoff of exfoliating skin is in slowing the aging process, we definitely want to make sure we don’t over-exfoliate. Over-exfoliating can cause the skin to become raw, sensitive, overly dry and flaky, which will inhibit the skin’s natural ability to self-exfoliate and to hydrate.
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.
While we want to have a consistent exfoliation routine, we also have to make sure to keep the skin hydrated and nourished and to wear sunscreen every day! Whether it’s sunny, cloudy or raining, whether you’re planning to spend the day indoors or out, and no matter your skin tone, apply a quality sunscreen daily. Sunscreen is a huge factor when it comes to protecting the skin from UV exposure, environmental conditions, premature aging, and of course skin cancer.
Sunscreen also helps preserve our collagen, which gives our skin its support and volume. Losing our collagen over time leads to lines (both fine and deep) and wrinkles. Failing to apply sunscreen regularly is also going to produce pigmentation (“sun spots”) in the skin as we age. Two great sunscreen options available at Grand’s MedSpa are Solar Block by Sanitas Skincare and Sunforgettable UV protectors from Colorescience.
Professional exfoliation options at Grand’s MedSpa
There are many exfoliation options in the treatment room. At Grand’s MedSpa, we offer Enzyme masks, Dermaplaning, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels and Microneedling. Each service will exfoliate the skin; some exfoliate deeper than others. Consult with your skincare professional for recommendations on the best treatment for your skin type and skin concerns.
DERMAPLANE: A method of physical exfoliation using a sterile surgical blade to remove dead skin cells and the vellus “peach fuzz” hair off the face. A common question is “Will the hair grow back thicker or darker?” Nope! You’ll be smooth and glowing!
[Visit Grand’s Blog on Dermaplaning “Refined Facial Shaving”]
MICRODERM: A form of physical exfoliation using a machine which has suction and a textured wand to buff off the outer layer of dead skin.
ENZYMES: Enzymes are exfoliation options that can be formulated in cleansers and masks. They are going to break down protein bonds that hold our cells together, which allows them to exfoliate by sloughing skin off the face. Papaya, Cranberry, and Pumpkin are just a few source options, the enzymes of which will target different problems. Whether the skin concern is brightening lackluster skin, hydrating or congestion, an enzyme mask will have you feeling rejuvenated, bright and hydrated.
CHEMICAL PEEL: Peels work similarly to an Enzyme. They break down the “mortar” that holds our cells together. Chemical peels range anywhere from light and superficial to deep. medical grade peels. Light, superficial peels will work on the top layers of the epidermis to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.
Typically, there’s no down time and there’s very minimal skin shedding if any at all. Over time, light peels will help with pigmentations, fine lines, congestion and other concerns. Medium to Deep peels are going to go deeper into the skin to do their work. At Grand Salon & MedSpa we use light and medium depth peels.
Our popular medical grade Vi Peels are medium depth, reaching down to the Papillary layer of the skin. This depth will allow the peel to effectively treat the skin topically and reach the under layers of the epidermis to promote collagen production and to reduce acne flare ups or pigmentations that have yet to surface and become visible on top of your skin.
[Learn more about Grand’s VI Peels on our Blog]
MICRONEEDLING: Microneedling is a unique treatment designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and scars on the face and body. It allows for controlled induction of the skin’s self-repair process by creating thousands of precise micro-injuries in the dermis, automatically triggering new collagen synthesis. The end result is glowing, healthy, smooth, plump, and youthful looking skin.
[Curious about Microneedling services at Grand’s MedSpa, read up at our Blog]
At-Home exfoliation options
Doing your treatments in the MedSpa every 4-6 weeks is going to maintain healthy skin and help with aging. Having a great skin care routine at home will help your skin maintain your treatment room results. It will also set your skin up for success when starting a treatment plan or when you’re doing more medically based treatments like VI Peels, Microneedling and IPL services.
[Visit Grand’s previous blog on home skin care routines]
Exfoliation at home can be attained by using active cleansers. Some ingredients that can be found in active cleansers are glycolic, lactic, or salicylic – also known as alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids. These ingredients are going to have a lower PH than the skin and will gently exfoliate. I recommend the Sanitas Glycolic cleanser or Glycolic Solutions for improving texture and fine lines or the Vitamin C cleanser from Sanitas to brighten. Remember that since these are active ingredients, using them about 3 times a week is a good balance. Sanitas offers gentle cleansers like their Lemon Cream or Moisturizing Cleanser that can be used daily and nightly.
A few other exfoliating options for home are cleansers that offer a gentle scrub, Retinols and of course enzyme masks. If you’re not sure when or how to use your products or how and when to exfoliate, book a consultation! We’re more than happy to go over the ingredients and to help you develop a daily routine.
Exfoliation options during pregnancy & breastfeeding
Yes, you most definitely can exfoliate while pregnant or lactating – however the products (and their ingredients) are going to be a little different.
- You want to discontinue any use of Retinols or Retinoids.
- In the treatment room you should avoid or postpone peels.
- Always consult with your provider and they can find an effective plan to keep your skin glowing.
At Grand Salon & MedSpa we offer multiple exfoliation options; treatments customized for individual skin goals, concerns, skin type or skin condition. If you have questions about exfoliation options or other skincare services offered at our MedSpa, just drop us an email or give us a call – we’ll put you in touch with one of our estheticians or nurses for questions or any skin concerns.
If you’d like to book an appointment, consider using our online booking system or reach out to our guest relations staff to work with your schedule.
(303) 572-1435 | info@grand-salon.com | @grandsalondenver
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Stacey Lohmar| Esthetician. Specialties: chemical peels, dermaplaning, laser hair removal, serum-infused facials
Educated at the Denver School of Botanical and Medical Aesthetics, Stacey has a wealth of knowledge on all things skin and how to improve it. Originally from Illinois, she relocated to Denver in 2012 and has pioneered our skincare program at Grand. Stacey loves continuing her education on the latest techniques and products, and was recently featured in 5280 Magazine’s story, “19 Spa Experiences to Help You Relax this Winter.” Follow @skinbystacey
