Brooke Pearl New Vision Photography

Related Articles

301

• Lullaby and Goodnight?
• No Gym Required
• Changing with the Times
• A Practice Worth Embracing
• Choosing Health

Summer is the time for tank tops, skirts, shorts, sandals and, dare I say it, bathing suits. To eliminate any hesitation about your exposed skin, first slip into an exfoliation treatment at home or the spa.
 
Exfoliation is the process that removes dead skin cells, allowing new cells to rise to the surface. New cells absorb moisture, which softens wrinkles and lines, giving skin a healthy, radiant glow. “Through constant exfoliation, there’s a rapid replacement of cells, and skin looks fresher,” says Dr. John Proffitt, dermatologist for Johnson County Dermatology. “Regular exfoliation can also help reverse signs of aging and sun damage.”

Keeping an exfoliation kit at home to use on a daily or weekly basis, depending on how your skin tolerates it, is the first step to acquiring fabulous skin. Use a gentle scrub with tiny grains because larger grains can scratch the skin. Salt-based and sugar-based scrubs exfoliate and nourish, and, as a bonus, some also act as mood enhancers. When focusing on tougher areas (including those that may be callus-infected), use a dense loofah sponge or exfoliation brush. Just remember: cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize.

If you want to branch out from the do-it-yourself home kit, spa and specialist options include Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and retinoids. Microdermabrasion exfoliates the face, chest and hands, erasing fine lines and wrinkles and builds collagen, the main structural protein in connective tissues. “It’s a great way to exfoliate and bring the dirt out of the skin,” says Vanessa Wampler, front desk manager for Naturally Salon & Day Spa in Crown Center. Using a mechanical device, microcrystals of aluminum dioxide, sand-like material, is sprayed on the skin, clearing away dead skin cells. This procedure lasts only 20 to 30 minutes and doesn’t have any downtime, which is why it’s also referred to as the “lunchtime peel.”

Chemical peels use chemical solutions to smooth the texture of the face. Depending on the severity of the skin, three different peels are used. Alphahydroxy acids, or AHAs, perform a mild peeling and are the most common. Trichloroacetic, or TCA, is a medium-depth peeling, and Phenol is the strongest treatment, providing a deep peel (and possibly eliminating the ability to tan). “It’s an aggressive treatment that requires monitoring, and patients have to be sedated,” John says. “It’s used for very severe sun damage and a very aged appearance.” No matter the procedure, each formula is custom-made for each client.
Retinoids, used not only for puberty-stricken teenagers anymore, are prescription medications derived from Vitamin A. It is referred to as a “miracle skin saver” by some specialists and has become somewhat of an anti-aging cream. Retinoids also remove dead skin cells and build collagen in the skin. An over-the-counter medication does exist, but it’s not as strong.

For an unforgettable, relaxing exfoliation experience, the metro’s finest spas offer services that will leave you feeling skin-sational. Shine Spa in Westport features Epicuren’s Citrus Herbal Extra Fine Cleansing Scrub. “It is one of our top facial exfoliants because it is effective, results-oriented and allows clients to continue taking care of their skin at home,” says Susan Heitmann, owner of Shine Spa. “When you invest in professional skin care, you want to see results, and using Epicuren products at home extends the benefits of professional skin care.” Some spa services that use this facial scrub include the Shine European Facial and the Signature Enzyme Facial, both mild manual exfoliations soothing for the skin.

Naturally Day Spa in Crown Center offers unique services that include the Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser. The Aqua Polish, Aroma Body Wrap and the Rosemary Mint Awakening Body Wrap are just a few options.

If you live in or around the Northland, you might want to check out Serendipity Boutique and Day Spa in Liberty or venture further north to the historic Elms hotel in Excelsior Springs and exfoliate with The Spa at The Elms’ original, custom-made salt and sugar scrubs. Each spa offers a one-of-a-kind treatment you won’t find anywhere else.
Persona Salon & Day Spa in Waldo offers the Speed Peel Facial Gel used in a one-hour Vitamin C facial that includes a step-by-step process of cleansing, toning, exfoliating (with the Speed Peel Facial Gel), extractions, a 10-to-15-minute massage and ends with a moisturizing mask and arm massage. “I see a really nice result with this product,” says Katherine Stahl, aesthetician for Persona. “It gives a nice glow, helps take off dry skin and eliminates dry patches, and it smells good, too.”

Aveda’s Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub, found at Premiere Beauty Salon and Dayspa in Overland Park, is used during the 75-minute Caribbean Therapy Body treatment, a popular choice at the salon. The treatment includes a consultation and foot bath with the body scrub, dry exfoliation, application of full-body mask, body wrap and scalp massage, shower and a 20-minute finishing massage with a body and massage cream combination. 
La Licious Moisturizing Body Scrub is frequently used at Salon Bliss & Day Spa in Overland Park. The 30-minute La Licious Body Sugar Scrub is a trendy body treatment service also used in some spa pedicures.

Sopra Salon and Spa in Prairie Village uses Keyano Aromatics Mango Scrub in a variety of treatments: the Express Pedicure, Spa Pedicure, Back & Body Polish, The Applause Package, Sopra Signature Facial and the Mango Spa Pedicure. “The staff loves how it hydrates the skin,” says Cindy Johnson, owner of Sopra Salon. “It doesn’t clog the shower or tub, and it’s very easy to apply and wash off. It’s a great line and the ultimate hydrating treatment.”

A heavenly facial or one-of-a-kind exfoliating body wrap is just what you need before your summer vacation or pool visit. So, bring on the bathing suit and ditch the dry, unpleasant skin.