Exfoliating and Peeling – Does your skin know the difference?

Exfoliating and Peeling – Does your skin know the difference?

These two words may be cause for confusion. Exfoliation and peel are both processes for the removal of skin cells responsible for wrinkling. However, both have unique advantages and different results on skin. To understand the differences between these two antiwrinkle techniques, it is helpful to know how skin is structured.

Basically, skin is composed of two primary layers - the outer epidermis and the underlying dermis - each of which is made up of secondary layers. The layers of the dermis are a thriving network of connective fibers, blood vessels, proteins, fat cells, oil and sweat glands, and nerve endings that give skin its elasticity, strength, and sensory qualities. The epidermis is a layered series of skin cells that push their way to the top in a natural process known as desquamation. As dead skin cells reach the outermost layer of the epidermis, they shed naturally.

Shedding of the epidermis can be helped along by exfoliating or by peeling. The difference is in how deep the layers of skin cells are removed. Exfoliation can be done at home using products such as low-strength alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that cause the topmost skin cells to slough off. Peels remove deeper layers of skin and are applied in a dermatology office. Peels may be performed using AHA applications, but these are in much higher strengths than what is used at home. Often an in-office application of a glycolic acid peel is followed up with daily exfoliation at home to continue the effects of the peel.

Daily exfoliating at home is a simple and convenient way to remove the buildup of dead skin cells that lead to fine wrinkling on the face. An in-office peel is appropriate for diminishing more noticeable skin wrinkles. Both processes give skin a refreshing glow that looks healthy on any face.