Hello Informed Beaute!  Wowza, never before have there been more serums, acids, peels and technologies for keeping the skin looking young.  Unfortunately by the influx of products and methodologies, this approach is doomed to backfire over time.  It’s time for a new paradigm in skincare.

There is no question that adding exfoliation into your routine does speed up the skin's epidermal layer and turnover.  The piece to be cautious of is that it can create holes in the epidermal barrier forcing the epidermis to go into survival mode.

Unfortunately, many skincare professionals just look at the end result.  They mistakenly assume that the increased cellular turnover means the skin is healthier, when in fact the reason the epidermis is speeding up its cycle is really an emergency-repair response.

The skin responds to trauma by sending support from the bottom up, diverting collagen, antioxidants and crucial nutrients from the dermis in an attempt to repair the damage to the epidermis, thereby creating a nutritional deficit at the underlying layers of the skin.   This combined with the increased inflammation and micro-scarring caused by the harsh exfoliation and the resulting stress to the immune system creates a stage for pre-mature aging, an increase in free-radicals, dryness, irritation and redness, increased sun sensitivity and melanin activity.

However, you can get the benefits of exfoliation without harming your skin.  Used properly, mild exfoliation can result in younger, refreshed skin.   It helps clear clogged pores, smoothes skin and softens lines.   In order to help the skin achieve the balance it needs, we must work with the skin and avoid creating inflammation.

The 4 Steps for Success:

• Use a gentle, non-inflammatory exfoliator.

• Any exfoliation should not be done daily.

• Always wear sun protection - 365 days a year - to keep sun sensitivity to a minimum.

• Eat a healthy diet and take internal supplements as needed to help the skin correct any imbalances.

So before you reach for that product or schedule that appointment for a deep exfoliation or stripping acid peel on the promise of glowing, renewed skin, stop and take a moment to listen to your skin.  Work with your skin from the inside-out and have a long-term vision on where you want your skin to be in 5, 10, or even 20 years.   

Quick Fact: Over Exfoliating and Acne Control

Bacteria thrives in oil. Therefore, you can lessen the amount of oil on the skin, then technically the acne-causing bacteria is destroyed, reducing your chance of blemishes.

Warning: When you use harsh products, it will temporarily reduce the oil and therefore reduce the bacteria living in the oil, but it quickly backfires because harsh products will cause your skin to produce even more oil—which then can cause more breakouts!

Use products that reduce oil and disinfect the skin, without being harsh and irritating.  Gentle products can reduce oil and disinfect skin.

 

Featuring....

 

Kasia Renew AHA + Vitamin C Exfoliating Cleanser