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Let's
get gorgeous!
First of all we have to know the truth about our skin. We open a book and
read that "the skin is built in layers" (like a sandwich). When we look in
the mirror, we see the outermost level - the epidermis. Here we can see the
breakouts, blisters and … wrinkles. The dermis is the middle layer - this is
the site of collagen, elastin fibers, blood vessels and oil glands. Below
the dermis lay the fat and muscle tissues that give the skin its bulk and
structure.
The epidermis itself has a
few
layers, each of the layers has a different job to do. The bottom layer named
basal - where the new skin cells grow and move up through the next three
layers of the epidermis. By the time new skin cells reach the top, they are
composed entirely of dry, dead keratin. Here we need the moisture. If the
water level drops too low, skin looks dry and rough.
The amount of water in the skin
depends on the
stratum corneum - the middle layer of the epidermis. This
layer contains water attracting compound, called NMFs, or natural
moisturizing factors. As we grow older, the amount of NMFs in the skin
decreases. When the cells reach the top layer of the epidermis called
stratum corneum
or horny layer,
they are held together by oil, sweat, water and cellular glue.
Removal of this top layer
stimulates the growth of cells in the lower layers of the skin. If it's not
removed by peel and
proper washing, the skin begins to look dull and
blotchy. Accumulated waste on the skin can also plug up pores and cause
blackhead and blemishes.
After series of peels the skin
looks brighter and fresher. The peel stimulates the production of new cells,
the natural moisturizing factor and production of collagen and elastin,
those fibers that give the skin its strength and flexibility.
Peels improve the quality of
skin, it can make dry skin softer, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve
acne, lighten the discoloration.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) are a
group of organic acids, derived from: sugar cane -
Glycolic acid; sour milk, blackberries and tomato -
Lactic acid; citrus fruit -
Citric acid; from apples -
Malic acid, from grapes and vine -
Tartaric acid.
These products are often used in
8% to 15% concentration as part of a daily regimen of skin care. They can be
used as peeling agents in professional setting.
Peeling solution made up of
mixtures of different AHA’s (eg. lactic, citric, malic). During the facial
we also do the Glycolic Peel. The concentration of Glycolic acid usually
30%-45% performed by esthetician and 50%-70% performed by physicians.
We can find fruit acid in stores,
in doctors office, or ask the esthetician for a
peel and
AHA home skin care product.
Usually, series of Peels help a lot. It helped me! The driving force
behind any fruit acid based program is the daily treatment product. It takes
a leap of faith to alter radically time honored beauty techniques, but
you'll be glad you did when you see the results.
Maria Sokolovskaya
Owner, Creator and Operator of
Art of Appearance Skin Care & Image Center
marco1@sbcglobel.net
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