Microdermabrasion and the dangers of over-exfoliation
Skin, the largest organ in the body, is actually a protective barrier that covers the many layers beneath (muscle, bone, organs, etc) and performs such duties as the exchange of nutrients, protection from infection, helps regulate the body"s temperature and facilitates the release of toxins. Removing layers deeper than the stratum corneum, skin"s top layer, could be risky because it then exposes skin to the risk of infection and dehydration.Ò Exfoliation stimulates cell turn-over, resulting in healthy, smoother and younger looking skin. Some people like the results so much, they have the mentality that "more must be better". Not so. Though home microderm kits are not as effective as the medical procedure, consumers still need to be wary that they don"t "overdo" exfoliation using home kits and products. The result could be overstripping the epidermis, removing deeper layers thus causing serious skin problems. I am amazed at the people who unwisely over-exfoliate, either using home microderm kits or chemical exfoliation products, giving their skin a continuous tight polished appearance. This could be problematic since their skin is probably dehydrated. Their skins" health is at risk and permanent damage, such as scarring, could be the consequence if skins" vital layers are constantly stripped without a healing period.
Ò As a nurse in the medical skin care field at Dr. Mark Baxa"s office in Charlotte, I advise my patients to protect their skin post treatment from the most vicious enemy of all ò€“ sun"s UVA and UVB rays. Sunblock protects the new, healing and fragile skin from the sun and is absolutely essential following any kind of exfoliation. SkinCeuticals sunblocks contain Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, the only 2 FDA-approved physcal sun filters. Choosing an experienced skincare professional that will recommend a protocal specifically for you is important. You have only one face ò€“ protect it.