Are Exfoliations & Chemical Peels Good for Acne-Prone Skin?
March 15 2013
/ by: Dr. Agnes P. Olszewski
Skin
Exfoliations and Chemical Peels became very popular with Glycolic Acid
(and less Salicylic Acid) becoming the toast of the town.
There
is reason to believe that for most skin types, with the exception of
dry and sensitive skin, some level of exfoliation may be beneficial. It
can help to remove dead skin cells, helping to unclog pores, remove dry,
dark, and flaky skin resulting from photo-aging, and stimulate collagen
production to help skin regeneration.
As with many things that are "in" at the time, we seem to go overboard. Too frequent and strong chemical peels may lead to sensitized, irritated and over-dry skin. And
too vigorous and frequent abrasive exfoliation can lead to skin
inflammation. The COST of the procedures can take a toll on you too!
Papaya Mask: Papain Enzyme is a Powerful Exfoliate for Acne-Prone Skin
- Papaya is abundant in antioxidants due to the huge concentration of Vitamin A
- The
papain enzyme in papaya is helpful in removing dead skin cells that may
mix with sebum and cause acne pimples - so applying papaya on the skin
will exfoliate your skin in the most gentle and natural way
- Papain
accelerates skin turnover so there is an apparent lightening effect
with newer, creamier skin on the surface and positive effects on
photo-aging signs such as dark spots and discolorations
- The effects of the mask will be extended with regular use (once a week) and with the use of natural sunblock daily
Skin Exfoliating Papaya Mask Recipe
- ½ cup fresh papaya, peeled and diced (make sure it is a less ripe papaya - it will contain more papain)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 drops rose, geranium or primrose essential oil
- Puree papaya in a food processor until smooth
- Mix in honey and essential oil (helps to moisturize the skin)
- If
you do not like the loose consistency of the mask, you may add
1-2 spoons of oatmeal (natural and with no sugar) to thicken the
mask
- Cleanse your face and neck with warm water, and gently apply the mask onto your skin. Relax for 15 minutes.
- Remove the mask with warm water
- Pat dry