To Peel Or Not To Peel

HAPPY FALL!

Or do you prefer to call it pumpkin spice season? 

This year is certainly going by fast. I am so happy to see the gorgeous autumn leaves and to enjoy more activities this year. 

We have had a chill in the air recently. At one time, you may have had an esthetician or dermatologist recommend peels or other deep exfoliating treatments this time of year. The idea is that because we are not in the sun as much during the fall and winter, it is OK to be aggressive by removing the surface layer of skin stimulating repair of sun damage and hyperpigmentation. 

I have a different way of thinking. A chemical peel can be beneficial, and I even offer a non-acid “peel.” In winter, the weather is cold and the wind is harsh. This is not the time of year to remove the protective moisture barrier. We can repair by keeping the skin nourished and more hydrated.

The epidermis is very thin but has five layers. You likely have heard me talk about your skin barrier and making sure it is healthy. Your stratum corneum, skin barrier, lipid barrier, horny layer or outermost layer are all names for the very top layer of the epidermis. Whatever you call it, it is very important to keep it intact. If it is damaged from over-exfoliation, harsh products or everyday environmental wear and tear, your skin will become dehydrated, sensitive, red and irritated. This will result in everything from accelerated aging, wrinkles, risk of sun damage or scarring in acne prone skin and inability to heal properly. 

 I know you’ve heard a lot about the gut microbiome and how it is important to keep that balanced for good health. The same goes for our skin. The skin also has its own microbiome. It acts like a natural antibiotic and helps your immune system work. Your skin truly is your body’s first line of defense when it comes to bacteria and viruses. 

If you have over-exfoliated or used a wide variety of different skincare brands and products, then your skin’s microbiome is likely off balance. 

Keratinocytes, which make up skin cells, start at the basal layer, make their way to the outermost layer and push out older skin. This is called desquamation or the natural shedding of skin. 

Our skin sheds skin cells every 24 hours. In four weeks, our bodies have completely renewed our skin. Gentle exfoliation will accelerate this process and is a great way to keep your skin smooth and allow corrective serums and hydrating moisturizers to work effectively. It only needs to be done once or twice a week, however. Oily skin types can exfoliate up to four times per week. 

For corrective treatments in my facials, I use enzymes and highly concentrated serums for cell renewal and reducing hyperpigmentation. Enzymes digest the cells that are about to slough off but are still clinging to other intact skin cells. This will remove the rough “dead” skin cells without damaging or disrupting the skin barrier. 

To keep the skin barrier healthy and hydrated, there many serums, rich moisturizers and masks that can be added into your routine this winter. 

·      Roccoco Botanicals Globiotic is a probiotic serum that will help replenish, rebalance and hydrate your skin’s microbiome. Osmosis Rescue is a great serum for epidermal repair. 

·      Switching to a heavier moisturizer like Osmosis Enrich or Roccoco Botanicals Radiance will help enhance hydration.

·      Applying Osmosis Immerse or Roccoco Peptide Serum on top of your moisturizer will form a protective barrier locking in hydration. 

The fall and winter months are a great time to restore the skin and correct some of the damage that occurred during your fun in the sun. It can be accomplished in a gentle, nourishing and hydrating way without stripping the skin of its essential protective barrier.

As always, it is my pleasure to be your skincare specialist and help you achieve healthy, glowing skin.