The differences between Peeling and Exfoliation

Detox and cleansing practices have become very popular today., despite the fact that they have been carried out for a long time.

Of course, the boom today is due to the awareness of the damage that impurities can cause to our skin, not only in the aesthetic aspect, but also in health. Free radicals, cellular oxidation, fat or dryness are factors that the more they accumulate, the more negative weight they have on us.

Have you ever felt lighter after getting a cosmetic treatment? This is because once the body's pores are clean and free of toxins or impurities, the skin regenerates better. Therefore, we can enjoy radiant, smooth and very healthy skin.

• It may interest you: "The 3 types of Peeling that exist (and their characteristics)"

Peeling and exfoliation are the most recommended cosmetic cleansing treatments of all, because they act deeply on the dermis, bringing multiple benefits to it. But you have started to think: what is the difference between the two? If you want to know, then don't miss the following article.

What is peeling?

Also known as dermabrasion, it is a form of chemical peel that deepens into the layers internal dermis (depending on the treatment chosen), in order to have more permanent results and effective. This is done through a chemical and / or physical process where dead skin is removed to allow new cells to regenerate with a better healthy effect.

This is achieved after eradicating dead, damaged or injured skin tissue., which allows the appearance of new layers of dermis and epidermis, as well as clean and new follicles. Allowing new skin to emerge with a better texture, appearance and firmness.

Types of peeling

Due to its versatility, this treatment is recommended for people with skin lesions, blemishes, sunburns, acne, scars and wrinkles. But it is important to first consult a specialist to find out the best type of peeling according to your needs.

1. According to the technique to be used

This consists of the procedures in which the peeling must be applied to your face.

1.1. Mechanical

Known as dermabrasion or mechanical exfoliation. It is based on a device with two steel heads that are placed on the skin, its function is achieved by the speed at which the heads rotate at high revolutions. Achieving a gentle exfoliation whose purpose is to promote elasticity and skin tone through the production of collagen.

1.2. Chemical

Also called chemoexfoliation, it is a stronger and more caustic treatment. Therefore, it is important that you do it with an expert. It involves applying controlled amounts of abrasive acids to the skin to be treated. In order to eliminate damaged skin layers and allow the production of new, healthier skin layers.

1.3. Ultrasonic

This is a newer peeling treatment. It consists of the use of ultrasound devices to thoroughly clean the skin, open the pores clogged, reduce scarring or injury and help the active ingredients used to penetrate deeper into the skin.

2. According to the depth level

These are carried out depending on the degree of lesions that exist on the skin.

2.1. Superficial peeling

As its name implies, it acts only on the upper layer of the dermis, making it suitable for any type of skin. It is ideal for treating skin wrinkles, fine lines and superficial acne scars.

2.2. Medium peeling

In this, the treatment acts below the superficial layer of the dermis, but without reaching deepen in its entirety, it still causes redness and peeling that is completely natural. It is indicated to treat more pronounced wrinkles, spots caused by the sun and acne marks.

2.3. Deep peeling

In this the treatment aims to eliminate dead layers of skin to make way for new healthy dermis, making it stronger. It is recommended that it be performed every 8 weeks and is ideal for treating solar lentigo, age spots, pronounced wrinkles and slightly more visible scars.

What is an exfoliation?

It is a short but very effective dermatological treatment whose main objective is the deep cleansing of the face. Which is achieved by eradicating toxins, dirt, obstructions, impurities and excess sebum on the skin, allowing the skin to better oxygenate and regenerate.

In turn, this allows a better production of collagen, prevent cell oxidation, promote blood circulation and reduce the appearance of sun spots or acne. It is indicated for any type of skin, although depending on this its frequency of application varies. For example, oily skin can be done 2 times a week and for normal or dry skin, once every 15 days.

The best part is that there are natural exfoliation recipes that you can make at home with everyday ingredients, which offer incredible benefits, without damaging your skin. There are also stronger and more abrasive peels but they have longer effects.

Differences between Peeling and Exfoliation

Although they are based on a similar procedure and pursue the same results, there are big differences between peeling and exfoliation that you should know.

1. Application form

This is perhaps the great difference between both techniques because, while exfoliation can be performed in the comfort of our own home or a spa, only with the use of a few ingredients and hand tools such as creams, gels, brushes or gloves. exfoliation.

The peeling is performed in a professional aesthetic center, carried out by experts in this technique and with the help of mechanical machines or chemical abrasive treatments that must be used in the right amounts so as not to hurt Our skin.

2. Ingredients

The peeling is done with creams that activate the procedure of the machines (ultrasonic or dermabrasion) or acids if it is a chemical peel. Among which the most common are: glycolic, lactic, salicylic, azelaic, mandelic and trichloroacetic. Depending on the need and type of skin of the client.

On the other hand, specialized creams and gels based on ingredients can be used in exfoliation. natural, as well as through the mixture of different homemade ingredients, depending on your need. The most used in this case are coffee, oatmeal, honey, baking soda, aloe vera, red fruits, olive oil, Apple vinager or essential oils.

3. Frequency

Peels are usually done once or twice a week, depending on what you need to do it for and your skin type. This is because exfoliation does not harm the skin, quite the contrary, it helps to keep it fresh and clean.

As peeling is a more delicate treatment for the skin, it needs to be done with a few intervals of 5 to 8 weeks, depending on the technique to be used and the depth level for your treatment.

4. Results

With the peeling you will get really visible and lasting results from the first sessions, because they act on the deep layers of the skin. Benefiting not only to the cleansing of the skin and the regeneration of the tissue, but also to combat spots, slight scars from the sun or acne and wrinkles marked by age.

While exfoliations also have a positive effect against the marks produced by the sun and to delay cellular aging. Its results favor to a greater extent the cleansing of the skin, the elimination of toxins and dirt and in protecting the skin from free radicals.

5. cost

Another very important difference between the two treatments. Although the exfoliation can be done in an aesthetic center, there is also the option of doing it at home so its cost is quite cheap and lower in relation to the peeling. Which, due to the complexity in its treatment and the use of mechanical tools and abrasive acids, can have a significant cost.

6. Aftercare

Regardless of which procedure you prefer or need more, it is very important that you protect your skin with the help of hydrating creams and sunscreen so you don't injure yourself again.

However, in the case of exfoliants, no aftercare is needed after performing it and even this can serve as a preparation for the skin, with respect to other treatments you want perform. Which differs from peeling because, after a session you must apply refreshing creams or gels to reduce inflammation and redness and apply sunscreen to avoid rays UV.

Skin care is not just for cosmetic benefit, even though we appreciate it and embrace it without thinking. But it is also about the health of your face and body, after all it is our armor and we must keep it strong, radiant and healthy so that we can use it every day without any problem in the future.