Joel Schlessinger, MD

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUTHOW TO PROPERLY EXFOLIATE THE SKIN

Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/Exfoliators to browse our full selection of products.

Exfoliating is perhaps the most important step in your skin care regimen aside from cleansing. Regular exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin cells and debris that can clog pores and lead to acne-causing bacteria. This makes exfoliation especially important for those with oily skin.

In addition to preventing acne, exfoliating can help brighten dull skin and smooth rough skin, creating a more radiant complexion overall. It also allows other treatments to penetrate more deeply into the skin.

Why is exfoliating necessary?

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The technique for proper exfoliation is similar to cleansing. You’ll first dampen the face with lukewarm water and then squeeze a dime-sized amount of exfoliator in the palm. Then, use gentle, circular motions to massage the product into the face for 30 seconds to one minute, taking care to avoid the delicate under-eye area. To avoid dryness and peeling, do not concentrate on any one section for longer than 15 seconds. Finally, gently wipe the product off the face with lukewarm water and lightly pat dry with a towel.

Follow each exfoliating session with a moisturizer like Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer. Skin that has been recently exfoliated is especially sensitive to sunburn and damage. Always wear a sunscreen like EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen after exfoliating.

How to properly exfoliate

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Be gentle with your skin. Follow these tips when exfoliating:o Never exfoliate recovering post-procedure skin. It is simply too

sensitive. Ask your dermatologist to recommend a gentle skin care routine.

o Do not use washcloths, loofahs, brushes or sponges to exfoliate. Not only are most of these items not made for the more sensitive skin of the face, they can harbor harmful bacteria. There are special tools available, such as the Clarisonic Mia2, that can gently exfoliate skin.

o Never use a facial scrub with a skin care device, such as the Clarisonic Mia2. This will prove too irritating to the skin. Clarisonic devices use sonic vibrations similar to an Oral-B toothbrush to gradually work impurities out of the pores. Pair the brush with a gentle cleanser, like SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser for the best results.

o Always use gentle motions when exfoliating, and be especially careful when going over acne breakouts. Scrubbing too hard can irritate and exacerbate acne.

Dr. Schlessinger’s exfoliating tips

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Everyone is a little different. You should consult with your physician to determine your skin type and receive a customized skin care regimen that is right for your needs. However, in general, Dr. Schlessinger recommends that most of his patients exfoliate one to two times a week.

It’s important to never over-exfoliate. This can lead to irritation and sensitivity, and exacerbate other skin issues like acne and rosacea.

How often do I need to exfoliate?

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There are many excellent exfoliating formulas available to suit all needs and skin types. Ask your dermatologist to recommend an exfoliator that is right for you.

At LovelySkin.com, you’ll find a wide selection of high-quality, medical-grade exfoliators from the most trusted brands on the skin care market. They are all personally selected by Dr. Schlessinger, and he regularly recommends them to his patients. Read on to learn about the different types of exfoliators available.

How do I choose an exfoliating product?

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Physical exfoliators include ingredients that remove dead skin cells and debris by gently abrading the skin. Common physical exfoliants include sugars, salts and jojoba beads. Be cautious when choosing physical scrubs. Many poor-quality formulas include ingredients like broken up apricot pits, which can be too abrasive, causing microscopic cuts in the skin.

NIA24 Physical Cleansing Scrub helps clean pores with nurturing jojoba beads. It also helps to repair sun damage with soothing, calming ingredients like chamomile, oat and sage. The purifying action of this scrub helps this formula deliver anti-aging pro-niacin deep into the skin.

Physical exfoliators: NIA24 Physical Cleansing Scrub

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Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/Exfoliators to browse our full selection of products.

Enzyme exfoliators help dissolve debris with plant-based acids. Amino fruit acids, papain and bromelain all provide gentle, non-irritating exfoliation for the skin.

A LovelySkin staff favorite, LovelySkin Exfoliating Gel Mild 11% features natural ingredients. It contains 11% amino fruit acids derived from sugarcane buds to help encourage cell renewal. Vitamin C helps support healthy collagen production and lends its anti-aging antioxidant properties to the skin for a more refreshed complexion.

Enzyme exfoliators: LovelySkin Exfoliating Gel Mild 11%

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Chemical exfoliators use acne-fighting chemicals like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid and phytic acid to dissolve dead skin cells and other debris. They also help to regulate cell turnover, stimulating the natural formation of healthy skin.

Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm uses 3% phytic acid to gently lift away dulling debris and help increase natural cell turnover. The result is a softer, smoother complexion with a more even skin tone.

Chemical exfoliators: Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm

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Some leave-on face masks offer exfoliating benefits. Just be sure to ask your dermatologist about the best way to incorporate a mask into your routine, as some treatments must remain on the skin for several minutes and can be especially potent.

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask uses natural earth clays to help decongest clogged pores. Botanical extracts and nourishing minerals, plus 5% hydroxy acid help to gently exfoliate the top layer of skin to reveal a more beautiful complexion.

Masks: SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask

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Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/Exfoliators to browse our full selection of products.

You may have seen peels listed on the menu at your local spa. With your dermatologist’s recommendation, incorporating an occasional leave-on chemical peel into your routine can provide powerful exfoliating benefits, and there are now many spa-quality peels available to try out at home.

The intensive formula of the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Extra Strength Alpha Beta® Peel provides optimal exfoliation with glycolic acid. Soothing plant extracts help to calm the skin and minimize redness and sensitivity. Skin firmness, pore size, hydration and texture are also improved. This long-standing customer favorite is great for first time peel users.

Peels: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Extra Strength Alpha Beta® Peel

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Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/Exfoliators to browse our full selection of products.

Tools made especially for exfoliating the complexion can help you maintain the results from your professional spa treatments, and help reveal a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion.

The PMD Personal Microderm Device is an easy-to-use, hand-held tool that uses a vacuum action to gently pull the skin for optimal exfoliation.

Tools: PMD Personal Microderm Device

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Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/Exfoliators to browse our full selection of products.

Remember, the skin on the body also benefits from exfoliation!

Try Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub. This scrub uses the chemical exfoliator, glycolic acid, to dissolve dead skin cells. Plant extracts help to calm and soothe the skin and improve tone and texture.

Body exfoliators: Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub

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Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/Exfoliators to browse our full selection of products.

Here’s how you can find outmore about Dr. Joel Schlessinger:- Facebook http://www.facebook.com/drjoelschlessinger- Twitter http://www.twitter.com/drschlessinger- Blogs http://drjoelschlessinger.com/

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Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/Exfoliators to browse our full selection of products.