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What to know about exfoliation

What to know about exfoliation
 
For skin that looks healthy and fresh, a regular exfoliating routine is key.
Here are three things Kathe Malinowski, lead esthetician and marketing manager for Eterna MedSpa & Laser Vein Center, wants you to know about this skincare step:
 
1. It unclogs pores
Exfoliating once a week helps to slough off the outer dead skin cells which can build up and clog pores.
But, warns Malinowski, too much exfoliation can lead to skin irritation, excessive dryness, and redness. To that end, she recommends exfoliating once a week for improved skin tone and texture.
Another perk to the process? Better absorption of skincare products.
“They will work better for you as they won’t be sitting on dead skin cells,” Malinowski said.
 
2. There are three types of exfoliation
Mechanical exfoliation involves the use of a scrub to remove dead cells from the skin’s surface.
“When using a scrub you apply and lightly cleanse the skin in a little circular motion, then rinse, hydrate and apply an SPF,” Malinowski said.
Chemical exfoliation involves a chemical peel, or the use of a glycolic serum, salicylic serum or toner.
“This will chemically lift the dead skin cells off the skin,” Malinowski said.
Gommage, which comes in the form of a serum or paste, is another method of exfoliation.
“A gommage is applied and then using circular motions all over the face the product helps to roll off the outermost layer of dead skin,” Malinowski said.
 
3. Eterna is your source
The medspa carries at-home exfoliation products for all three types.
Mechanical exfoliation options include the Avene Gentle Exfoliation Scrub and Image Clear Cell Acne Scrub.
For chemical exfoliators, Eterna offers the Jan Marini Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads, Glytone Enhance Brightening Solution, which is a glycolic and salicylic toner, the Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel, and Glytone Exfoliating Serum.
“We also offer a variety of chemical peel treatments at Eterna which range  from the minimal lactic acid to the most aggressive TCA 40%,” Malinowski said.