Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine #67

eauty & spa
Deeper
treatments
– Exfoliants,
peels & masks
Removing the old skin cells that collect on the
surface of the skin encourages the growth of new
cells, revitalising your skin. When you exfoliate
you remove dead surface cells that contribute to
dryness and oil that can cause blocked pores and
problems like acne
You can choose to use a mechanical exfoliation
method, which is a granular scrub style, or a
chemical/enzyme exfoliant incorporating alpha
hydroxy or beta hydroxy acid, or Vitamin A (retinol,
tretinoin and retinyl palmitate). Scrubs treat the
surface of the skin and help unclog pores, while
exfoliants remove surface cell debris and leave skin
fresher and looking brighter.
Skin peels are another way to more deeply
achieve the removal of the older, outermost layer
of skin, which stimulates new skin cell growth.
Common types contain lactic acid and glycolic
acid. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that
occurs naturally in our bodies and helps stimulate
the production of collagen and elastin in the
dermal layer. It is also a humectant, which attracts
water molecules in the skin to the surface, giving
a plumper appearance. A glycolic peel contains
a higher potency of alpha hydroxy acid. Lowconcentration
lactic or glycolic peels are available
as at-home treatments.
Using a facial mask can soothe and nourish skin,
oxygenate, improve the circulation, help clear up
blemishes and discolouration and even reduce the
appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The benefits
of masks are often underestimated but they can
give the complexion a real boost. Generally, they
should be used weekly after exfoliating.
OUR
PICKS
Obagi-C Rx System C-Exfoliating Day Lotion, $74.95. This
lightweight lotion features L-ascorbic acid to increase collagen
synthesis, glycolic acid to slough dead skin cells, hyaluronic
acid to improve water content and elasticity of the skin, and
Vitamin E to fight free radicals and calm skin.
Pelactiv Facial Refiner Deep Cleansing Scrub, $49. This
calming scrub combines lactic acid and milk extract to
exfoliate, decongest, smooth and aid cell renewal. It helps
purify skin and refine pores, improving the skin’s ability to
absorb nutrients from moisturisers and masks.
Ella Bache Revealing Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant, $64. This is a
fine, powder-based exfoliant that becomes activated when
mixed with water. It combines fruit enzymes and salicylic acid
to gently dissolve dead skin cells and unveil softer, brighter
skin. Soothing rice bran, oat bran and licorice extract clarify
and brighten the complexion.
Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula, $47.
This lightweight weekly scrub reinvigorates sluggish skin to
accelerate the natural exfoliation process and reveal healthierlooking,
more refined skin.
Sanctuary Spa Brightening Facial Radiance Exfoliator,
$19.95. This exfoliator polishes away dead skin cells
and helps increase cell renewal to leave dull and patchy
complexions brighter.
Dr. Spiller Jojoba Peeling Crème, $67. Completely free from
harmful plastic microbeads, this gentle creamy peeling cream
uses spheres of jojoba wax that gently loosed dead surface
skin cells while stimulating circulation and promoting oxygen
and nutrients to the skin.
RACINNE Ultra Hydra Perfection Gentle Refining Scrub
Mask, $44. Nutritive natural ingredients including gingko
biloba leaf, lotus flower and peach extracts gently slough
away dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, smoother complexion.
SK-II Whitening Source Derm-Revival Mask, $160 for 6
masks. This intensive toning mask gives skin a translucent,
more even tone by improving redness and helping to reduce
the appearance of age spots and freckles.
122 www.cosbeauty.com.au