If you're looking for ways to get a deep exfoliation, you have a number of options. These range from deep exfoliating products that you can use at home to dermatological procedures that can be performed on an outpatient basis. Deep exfoliation products include exfoliating scrubs, exfoliating masks, and home microdermabrasion creams. Treatments that give deep exfoliation include chemical peels, dermabrasion, and ablative laser resurfacing, treatments that may produce more visible results.
The easiest way to get deep exfoliation at home is to purchase products that you can use during a home facial. There are exfoliating scrubs that contain small particles or beads along with natural extracts and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to help exfoliate the skin. Experts caution against using too much pressure when using an exfoliating scrub because excessive scrubbing could irritate the skin.
Exfoliating masks generally do not contain exfoliating beads or particles. These masks contain more AHAs and use chemical reactions to exfoliate the surface of the skin. They can be used at home and are generally left on for about 15 minutes.
Microdermabrasion creams contain micro-particles along with regenerative ingredients to exfoliate the skin and help it regenerate. This type of at-home treatment works in a similar way to an exfoliating scrub but also soothes the skin. Microdermabrasion creams may also encourage the growth of new skin cells, which can give your skin a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Chemical peels can be used to remove the outer layers of the skin through the application of caustic chemicals. Three levels of chemical peel are available: light, medium, and deep. The level you need is generally determined by the skin problems you have. This type of treatment can be used to help minimize fine lines and other imperfections in the skin. It may also help to improve the texture of the skin.
Dermabrasion is another deep exfoliation treatment and is performed with a a wire brush or a diamond wheel. This is manual exfoliation, and the wheel or brush is used to abrade and level off the skin. The amount of pressure applied determines the level of exfoliation. The aim of this treatment is to injure the skin so that new skin cells can form. The treatment may lead to redness and swelling, but you should see new skin growth in approximately 5 to 8 days.
Ablative laser resurfacing is a way to get deep exfoliation that uses a laser to remove thin layers of the skin. This may be the most aggressive form of exfoliation, and the recovery time may be longer than with similar treatments. There is usually some discomfort, redness, and swelling after the treatment, and experts suggest that new skin growth may take up to two weeks. There may also be a strict after-care regimen to follow while the skin is healing, so this treatment isn't a quick fix. Laser resurfacing is generally used when other treatments have failed to show results and can be used to help minimize fine lines, dark spots, and scarring.