Expert offers pearls for skin exfoliation

SAN FRANCISCO — In a press release from the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, board-certified dermatologist, Mary P. Lupo, MD, FAAD, offered tips on exfoliation for patients to get the most out of the practice, which can help improve skin brightness and texture.

Lupo explained that the results from exfoliation are immediate, as the removal of dead cells help to make the skin looking brighter.

Exfoliation can also improve the effectiveness of topical skin treatment penetration, as the topmost layer of skin is removed. In addition, long-term benefits include increased collagen production, according to the press release.

Patients with inflammatory acne and rosacea should proceed with caution and visit a board-certified dermatologist to determine the best exfoliation method.

In patients with sensitive skin, Lupo recommended using a milder chemical exfoliation, like salicylic acid peels from a dermatologist. Dry- or sensitive-skinned patients should limit at-home treatments to once or twice weekly.

For oily, thicker skin, stronger chemical treatment's may be used, such as over-the-counter 2% salicylic acid wash or mechanical exfoliation methods like a motorized brush or a scrub with exfoliating particles. These patients may be able to exfoliate as often as once daily, according to the release.

Reference: www.aad.org.