Dr. Dima responds to question about exfoliation

Subject: Scrubs Name Michelle Question: What scrubs do you recommend for normal skin? How often should you use them? Ask Dr. Dima a question.

We usually “scrub” our skin to achieve one purpose: remove dead skin cells to achieve a healthy, radiant glow and softer skin. For all skin types, I recommend using a combination of physical and chemical exfoliation methods to achieve the best results. “Normal” skin types tend to be able to tolerate more frequent and stronger types of exfoliation than sensitive skin. Remember that our skin naturally exfoliates daily and that about once a month we have the pleasure of a new epidermis. When selecting an over the counter product to assist with this process, keep in mind that natural is not always better. Some products with “natural” scrubbing particles such as sugar, salt, almond meal or fruit kernels do not have uniform surfaces and can often be too large and abrasive for the face. Choosing an exfoliant with uniform particles is, in my opinion, best for the face and neck. A couple of products I recommend are Illuminating Moon Rock Anti-Matter Polish by Dr. Dima’s Cosminology, Sweep Gentle Refining Exfoliant by Remede Laboratoire and Medi-Morphosis Self Adjusting Exfoliator by Cosmedicine Test the product by rubbing a little between your thumb and index finger. With regard to frequency, my recommendation for normal skin is “as tolerated” but at least twice a week.

If no dermatologic skin conditions exist that require treatment, such natural products are usually fine to use on the body. Personally, I use a loofah in the shower about 3 times a week. You should determine how much you can tolerate and what feels right for you. It’s similar to driving a manual shift car: you shift gradually or you mess up the gears. Take it slow and see how it goes. Exfoliation that leaves your skin soft, smooth and glowing is better than exfoliation that results in calling your doctor complaining of pinpoint bleeding on the face….this can happen if you decide to use a pot scrubbing sponge (true story). This may be fine for callouses but not your face. This kind of abrasiveness can result in a process called PIH or post inflammatory pigmentation. You don’t want to exchange dead skin cells for brown spots…balance is always best for an at home regimen.

Without getting into too much detail about more clinical/physical and chemical grades of exfoliation, I will say that I’ve never been a proponent of microdermabrasion. I prefer vibradermabrasion that employs a very effective oscillation technology without causing the damage that the combination of suction and crystals can cause. M y only other caution would be not to purchase chemical exfoliants on the internet that should only be used by a trained physician or skin specialist. I’ve had several patients try to save money by purchasing the Obagi Blue Peel on the internet and using it at home. They all resulted in chemical burns which required prescription topicals and laser treatments to reverse. The bottom line is that assisting the natural exfoliation of your skin is a good thing but, sometimes, too much of a good thing can also be bad. If you’re not sure how much is too much, consult your doctor. I hope this helps!

Dr. Dima

This information is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.

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About the Author

Dima Ali, M.D. is an internationally recognized aesthetic and anti-aging medicine expert. Her areas of expertise include aesthetic laser surgery, minimally invasive face lifts, lipofilling, botox, soft tissue fillers, chemical peels, sclerotherapy, mesotherapy and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Ali received her undergraduate degree at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. She received her Doctorate of Medicine and completed her residency training at The George Washington University School of Medicine, in Family Medicine with special emphasis in Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, Women’s Health and Preventive Medicine. After completing additional post graduate work in Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery, she founded one of the East Coasts first medical spas, WellMedica Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine in Reston, VA.

Dr. Dima’s Cosminology (clinical skincare & clinical mineral make up) was created by Dr. Dima Ali, and inspired by her personal sensitivity to harsh, over the counter and prescription strength topical treatments. As a long-time acne sufferer with a propensity for hyperpigmentation, Dr. Dima began to combine varying strengths of potent, rejuvenating ingredients with natural, anti-inflammatory botanical extracts and essential oils to treat her own skin conditions and those of her patients.

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