Side Effects: The most common side effects are redness, peeling or flaking of the skin, or burning during the treatment. Peels do have cautions but they are not like those associated with peels done in a medical setting.
Esthetic peeling agents certainly come with their cautions, but they are not as extreme as the medical-use agents. These superficial epidermal exfoliations also offer variety and the ability to create customized results. Each has a specific purpose and effect on skin cells and tissue regeneration. Some of the most commonly used acids include the following:
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)—naturally occurring, nontoxic organic acids. The most commonly used include glycolic (from sugar cane) and lactic (from milk). Others include malic (apples), tartaric (grapes) and citric (citrus) acid.
- Azelaic acid (up to 15%)—A lightening, lifting and antibacterial agent created by oxygenating oleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid found in milk fats.
- Flower acids—Obtained from hibiscus chalices and characterized by their high level of AHA-like citric acid (10%) and pyruvic acid (5%), flower acids are classified as second-generation AHAs because of their hydrating qualities and ability to increase cell turnover without irritating the skin.
- Jessner’s—A combination of lower-strength acids (salicylic, resorcinol and lactic, all at 14%), which synergize to produce an efficient exfoliating agent with less risk.
- Red wine vinegar (acetic acid)—A natural acid with high antioxidant content, some studies have shown red wine vinegar to produce exfoliation with less free-radical damage and thus, less potential injury to the skin.
- Retinol—A vitamin A derivative that converts to retinoic acid and is a DNA-regulator that assists in the synthesis of collagen, retinol aids in the formation of blood vessels and encourages healthy cell formation.
- Salicylic acid—A relatively safe, low-risk beta hydroxy acid extracted from wintergreen and birch that produces a drying and lifting effect. Although it is self-neutralizing, repeated applications in high-strength doses can result in systemic toxicity.
- TCA—Nontoxic, self-neutralizing and keratolytic that penetrates only if it used in an aqueous base, TCA is very effective in low strengths, and can be used alone or in tandem with other acids.
Shaping Eyebrows
Divide your brows into thirds. The thick ends starts at the bridge of your nose. The arch should be around the middle, and the thin end should go past the corner of your eye.
Want Thicker Brows?
Fill the sparse areas with powder, pencil or with a gel. If you have blonde or silver hair you should use a color that is two shades lighter, if you a brunette go two shades darker. If you’re not sure then use taupe as it works well for most people. Use tiny strokes over the arches. Blend with a brow brush to remove any extra color.
If you have had a dramatic hair color change you should see a professional to color your brows but for a quick fix you could blend mascara for darker color or use concealer for light color.
Sandi’s Skin Care Q & A
Q: Is it true that only natural ingredients are good for your skin?
A: No, the term “natural” is a matter of interpretation. Just because ingredients are derived from natural sources such as plant, animal or mineral, does not mean that it is safer or better for your skin.
Q: All alcohol in products are drying to the skin.
A: That is not true. Vitamin A & E are actually alcohols. Alcohols can be humectants, solvents, emulsifiers, surfactants and antioxidants.
Q: I read that cream cleansers are just for people with dry skin. Is this true?
A: The purpose of cream, milk and lotion-type cleansers is that the emollients or oils work to dissolve and melt makeup out of the pores. They are light weight and work well on most skin types.
Q: Someone told me that you can use the stuff you put in your eyes to take the red out on your face but I forgot what it was for, do you know?
A: Yes, it’s true. Those over the counter preparations you referred to that take the redness out of eyes have actually been used on the face as a temporary fix to take the redness out of a breakout. They work as a vasoconstrictor.
Q: Can you put medicine for hemorrhoids on your face to prevent wrinkles?
A: This may sound strange but there is a hemorrhoid cream that has been used on the face to diminish fine lines and tighten the skin. It was an older formulation that some reported positive results from. This is also a vasoconstrictor.
Q: Does a massage on the face always come with a facial or does that cost more?
A: Yes, a facial massage is always a part of a professional facial. The massage is done to stimulate the facial muscles and promote collagen production and muscle toning while helping to relax the client.]]>
