Birdie's Blog – Exfoliation

We all like the idea of showing our best face to the world. How do we keep our faces looking their best, fresh and vibrant?

One of the best ways is through exfoliation, the process of removing the oldest skin cells on the outermost layer of our skin. From the Latin word exfoliare, meaning to strip off leaves, exfoliation was practiced by the ancient Egyptians, who used milk and wine on their skin.

And what does exfoliation do for us? It reveals our smoother skin underneath and lessens the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation and scars. It prepares our skin for make-up or self-tanning lotions. It also helps unclog our pores and alleviates certain skin conditions, such as acne.

There are two types of exfoliation that can benefit your skin: mechanical and chemical. At Birdie Day Spa, I offer both types as part of my facial treatments. Depending on your skin type and condition, I will recommend which one is best for you.

Mechanical exfoliation, also known as microdermabrasion, uses an abrasive, such as lasers, diamond tips, brushes, loofas, microfiber cloths, organic grains, ground fruit pits, micro-bead facial scrubs, sugar or salt crystals, pumice, baking soda, or aluminum oxide crystals. Waxing to remove hair also acts as a exfoliator.

Mechanical exfoliation is best for normal to thick skin, and I do not recommend it if you have sensitive or thin skin. Some abrasive materials such as pumice are better for your feet, not for facial skin. Some over-the-counter products such as brushes can also be too harsh and can be unsanitary if not cleaned properly.

Mechanical exfoliation or microdermabrasion is not the same as dermabrasion, which refers to a medical procedure performed by dermatologists for taking off several layers of skin. Used to remove scars, tattoos, fine wrinkles and pigmentation, it can take several months to heal.

Chemical exfoliation refers to chemical peels. At Birdie Day Spa, depending on your specific skin requirements, I use gentle and natural enzyme peels, citric acid peels, and non-acid peels. After seeing so many clients with red and blotchy faces (before receiving a treatment from me), I do not recommend that you use strong chemical peels at home.

In fact, before you try any type of exfoliation, please give me a call for a free consultation at (858) 459-4965. I would be happy to recommend the right type of exfoliation for you and how often you should exfoliate.