Benefits of Exfoliating Facials & Light Skin Peels

by Kathryn Khadija Leverette

Professional exfoliating facials and chemical peels:

Exfoliate dead skin cells.

Help fade dark spots and dark blemishes left by residual acne and other causes.

Help even out the skin tone and fade dark patches.

Help brighten shadowing in the beard area caused by razor bumps, shaving powders and chronic irritation.

Help soften and reduce the thickness of scar tissue.

Help soften follicular debris and purge clogged pores.

Help dissolve and control excess oil.

Reduce flakiness and tightness by dissolving dead cells.

Make extractions easier to perform.

Help smooth rough-textured skin.

Exfoliate the dead skin cells that bury ingrown hairs and cause razor bumps.

Corrective ingredients penetrate deeper into the follicles for better results.

Performed regularly, they help reduce the depth of fine lines and wrinkles for a younger, fresher appearance.

Before Your Treatment or Clinical Facial: The day of your procedure, do not scrub, shave, get facial waxing, use depilatory or shaving powder, exercise strenuously, get electrolysis, have your hair permed, tinted, bleached or relaxed, get dental work, be exposed to continuous sun, get sunburned, pick your skin, overuse your products, stand close to a heater, use a washcloth or rub your face with a towel. Schedule or perform chemical hair treatments, waxing, electrolysis, shaving powder, etc. four or more days before or after your treatments.

If your skin tends to be sensitive, do not use your active products, including lightener gels, AHA/BHA products, scrubs, vitamin A or BPO the night before your appointment.

If your skin “looks” irritated or sunburned, if you have cold sores, have shaved, waxed, overused your products, “dotted” lightener onto spots, picked your skin, over-scrubbed, exercised strenuously, or are ill, your procedure will be rescheduled until your skin returns to normal. Be sure to let the esthetician know if you have started using (or have been using) Accutane, retinoids (topical vitamin A) or have been getting your face waxed.

Women: If you have a low pain threshold, don’t schedule a treatment with extractions right before or during the first two days of your cycle. Extractions, laser, permanent cosmetics, tattooing, electrolysis, piercing, dental work and waxing can be more uncomfortable at “that time of the month.”

After Your Peel, Treatment or Clinical Facial: Treat your skin gently and avoid the sun. Postpone your workout until the following day. Use only cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen for the first 24 hours. If your skin isn’t irritated or flaking excessively, you may resume your normal skin care routine the following night.

Side Effects: Mild flaking, dryness, redness and minor sensitivity are normal and temporary, especially during the winter months. Some treatments cause more flaking than others. We cannot predict or guarantee how much you will or won’t peel following a treatment. Small pimples forming below the skin line may surface after a treatment or facial. Occasionally, a pimple will fill up and need to be extracted a second time. Extractions of deep, inflamed and older lesions occasionally cause small scabs and temporary darkening of surface skin cells. Extractions can help prevent deeper scarring and stubborn dark spots. Do not scrub off dead skin cells, which can increase irritation and flaking. Ask for ways to reduce flaking.

Use your home care products exactly as directed on non-irritated skin only. Schedule a follow-up visit every month or two to have your skin, lifestyle and products re-evaluated and upgraded or changed as your skin changes. Call the center if you have questions or concerns about your treatment or if you need help controlling flaking or peeling.

©2013 Kathryn Khadija Leverette and katleverette.com San Leandro, CA 94577

The material on this website is provided for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.