The Importance of Exfoliation

When you look at a baby, small child or pre-teen, there is an undeniable beauty to the smoothness and texture of their skin. Even after lightly pinching a chubby cheek, leg or arm, the skin magically bounces back into place with rubber band-like precision. Somewhere along the lines though, the miraculous bounce-back quality begins to lessen, and one day instead of smoothness we notice instead dry patches and a fluttering of tiny lines and wrinkles.

Contrary to belief, these changes do not happen overnight. Instead, the damage is cumulative throughout the years. From the time we are young, the UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays of the sun, environmental pollutants, and lifestyle choices have an ongoing effect on the skin. As the body’s largest organ, the skin does an amazing job of defending our organs and healing a variety of small cuts and bruises. This super-efficient organ also naturally sheds old layers of skin allowing for a brighter, more radiant complexion. Exfoliation is one way to help your skin do this more efficiently.

Exfoliation: Turning Back the Clock

Over time, the body becomes less efficient at removing various layers of skin and without exfoliation, skin can become dry, scaly or discolored. When this happens, there is an accompanying breakdown in collagen and elastin, the skin’s support structures, and the skin cannot hold as much moisture. Because of these natural changes, it’s important to commit to regular exfoliation from the soles of our feet and gentle facial skin to all of the rough points in between.

Methods of exfoliation come in a mechanical or chemical form. Mechanical scrubs are often the most readily available in scrubs made of everything from sugar to flours and grains. Effective exfoliation depends on the size of the particles in the scrub and the intensity of the motion used. If the scrub or method is too harsh (walnut hulls, sharp seeds, etc.), the superior surface of the skin can be damaged with increasing inflammation as a result.

Benefits of facial rejuvenation can also be found through the use of chemicals such as alpha hydroxyl acids and beta hydroxyl acids, Hydrafacials, micro laser peels, facial peels and pulsed light therapy. When done correctly, exfoliation can help skin shed old layers to help improve collagen production, increase the ability of the skin to retain moisture, and reduce inflammation (the cause of blemishes) within the pores.

The Benefits of Skin Care Evaluations

Considering the number of available facial rejuvenation options, it can be challenging to know what product, procedure or treatment is right for the needs of your skin and complexion. Rather than waste money on treatments that may or may not work, why not schedule a skin care evaluation from Vargas Face and Skin Center in Kansas City? The result is a protocol designed to maintain and improve the skin’s health. Contact us to learn more.

At Vargas Face and Skin, Dr. Hannah Vargas is ready to address any surgical or non-surgical cosmetic interests you may have. Her primary focus is to help create a beautiful, natural outcome for your specific goals. If you wish to have an in-depth consultation with Dr. Vargas about QuickLift for men or any other cosmetic procedure, please click here to access our Contact Form page.