Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Appealing Peels: Treating Your Dry And Winter Damaged Skin

By Lisa Benest MD

Winter weather can leave your face red and irritated, even in Southern California. Your warm weather skin care products can actually make your skin look and feel worse in winter. If your face is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh treatments, drying masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Use products that hydrate and help skin retain moisture. You should also consider a chemical or other peel to get rid of old, dead skin, leaving new, regenerated skin that can absorb your moisturizers and leave you with a rosy glow.

CHEMICAL PEELS
A chemical peel is a treatment in which an acidic solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. A chemical peel enhances and smoothes your complexion. There are several different types of chemical peels. Your dermatologist will advise which is the best peel for you.

Light Chemical Peels
Your cosmetic dermatologist will use a specific formula for your chemical peel based on your skin and desired result. Light chemical peels are used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation, and acne. The solution used for light chemical peels is usually comprised of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, as well as enzyme peels. Light chemical peels are ideal for people who want the benefits of a facial peel but do not wish to spend the time required to recover from a deeper peel.

Antioxidant and brightening peel boosters add antioxidants, such as vitamin C or Green Tea, and lightening agents, such as kojic acid and hydroquinone, to stimulate collagen and inhibit pigment production, resulting in brighter, glowing skin.

Medium Chemical Peels
For medium facial peels, many doctors use trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This treats fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation problems. Medium depth peels typically cause several days of peeling after the procedure.

Other types of peels are also available through your dermatologist. In addition to providing relief for dry, winter skin, these peels supply a wide variety of benefits for skin health and appearance.


GREEN PEEL
This is a 5-day deep herbal peel that was scientifically developed for skin regeneration using natural plant ingredients. It has been recognized worldwide as being highly safe and effective. These natural herbs increase circulation of the skin and cause layers of the epidermis to peel off, without the use of chemicals. They stimulate blood circulation and intensify metabolism, while promoting a healthy youthful looking skin.

VI PEEL
The Vi Peel can visibly reverse the effects of sun damage, environmental factors and time. It is also helpful in clearing acne, pigmentation and impurities. You can expect several days of peeling after this procedure.

4-LAYER FACELIFT
The 4-layer facelift is an organic peel with dramatic and fast acting results. Vitamin C, glycolic acid and gentle enzymes speed up cellular turnover and brighten, tighten and lighten your skin in just one treatment. And because it’s organic, it is safe for women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

FRUIT PEELS
Pumpkin, Mango, Cherry-Berry or Cranberry Peels are excellent sources of anti-oxidants, vitamins and enzymes as well as beneficial nutrients which help to rejuvenate the skin’s surface and transform dull, lifeless complexions into more youthful skin. Consult with your dermatologist for more information on these invigorating, natural peels.

Treat yourself to a soothing facial this winter. Loose the dry, dead skin while you brighten your complexion, and look and feel younger in the process. Talk to your dermatologist today.

Dr. Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, CA. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about how to take care of your skin as well as the most up-to-date treatments in skin care, schedule a Free Consultation with their cosmetic nurse. Check out their website for a complete list of all treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com


Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive #B
Burbank, CA
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com