Another really good product for mechanical exfoliation is a micro peeling and cleansing cloth. This is basically a special kind of washcloth. I have just always liked to use a washcloth at night to remove my makeup. Even if I am using a rinse off product, I like to use a washcloth to dry my face and then wet it and remove any of the residual cleanser around the edges of my face. These washcloths are made of microfiber have a special weave that helps to mechanically exfoliate dead skin cells. Technically, you can wet one of these washcloths and just remove your makeup without any sort of cleanser. But like I said, I do like to use a cleanser to remove my makeup and any residual makeup with this. It is especially good for removing any kind of residual eye makeup. I ordered these washcloths from www.folica.com  The name of the company is Claroderm. They are called micro peeling and cleansing cloths. They are about half the size of a normal washcloth but I find that they work well.

I use a glycolic acid treatment cream for my chemical exfoliation. I use the cream every night except on the night I use my 2 piece micro delivery peel from Philosophy. Glycolic acid is part of a group of acids called alpha hydroxy acids or AHA’s. These acids are found naturally in plants and fruits. Glycolic acid is actually a sugarcane derivative. It works by loosening dead skin cells and allowing them to slough away, leaving new smooth cells. It also helps to unclog pores and helps with hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid creams come in different concentrations. If you have never used a glycolic acid cream I would suggest that you start off with a 5% solution and use it about 3 nights a week and then build up. As your skin gets more acclimated to the glycolic acid you can go to a 10% cream. The one I like comes from Reviva (www.revivalabs.com) they carry both a 5% and 10% glycolic acid cream. When you apply the cream it is going to sting a little and this is normal. This is a treatment product and not really a moisturizer. I only use my glycolic acid cream at night and I do not put it on my neck and chest. I then apply a night cream on top of it. If this feels like it stings too much then you can apply your night cream first and then apply the glycolic acid cream. The only night I do not use my glycolic acid cream is the night I use my 2 piece mircro delivery peel from Philosophy since my skin is a little more sensitive from being freshly exfoliated. Although Reviva products are not considered organic they are all natural. This brand is readily available in both most health food stores or you can order it online.

There is another product that I use occasionally if I happen to get a breakout. I do not breakout very often, but every three or four months I might get a few pimples. If I feel this happening what really handles it for me is one product by Proactive called Repairing Lotion. Proactive contains finely milled benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid. In fact it is the only beta hydroxy acid and is derived from the birch or willow tree. Salicylic acid acts much like the alpha hydroxy acids according to the literature. The main difference is that alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble and work best on mature sun damaged skin and beta hydroxy acid is lipid soluble and therefore can penetrate the pores better and works best on skin with blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent. The combination of these two seem to work well on my skin if I get a little breakout. Benzoyl peroxide can be very drying, but the way this product is formulated does not seem to dry out my skin and like I said, I only use it occasionally, and just for the time that I'm having a breakout. You can also just use it as a spot treatment if you get a pimple or two now and then. When I need it, I apply it morning and night and then apply my regular creams on top of it during that time. I do not use my glycolic acid cream when I am using the Repairing lotion. Proactive is not an organic or all natural product, but it is the only thing I have found that works when I get these occasional breakouts. I order mine from www.qvc.com the item number is A31083.

The main reason to use a serum is to add nutrients under the skin which moisturizers are not capable of. There are a lot of different serums out there, and depending on your specific skin needs that will dictate what type of serum you will use. I am in my late 40s and need more firming and hydration. If you are younger and have oily skin, you might choose one that has salicylic acid to help prevent breakouts. Or if you suffer from things such as rosacea or have sensitive skin, you might choose a calming serum.

A serum is typically applied after your toner and before your moisturizer. One of the serums that I use was formulated by Amy Lidman, who is my aesthetician when I am in Florida. She has been in the skincare industry for over 20 years and is very knowledgeable. She stays on the cutting edge of developments in the skin care industry. She is in the process of developing an entire all natural skin care line. You can’t get her products in any stores or salons at this moment. However, you can call and order directly from her. Her number is 727-698-5555. Just tell her that you were referred by June. The serum is simply called Firming Serum. Her products are very reasonably priced and she uses fresh organic and natural ingredients. If you live in the Clearwater, Tampa area you can book an appointment with Amy or go by and pick up your products instead of having them shipped.

I also use a Vitamin C serum since I am over 40. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen so basically it helps to reduce wrinkles and improve the texture of skin. All woman over the age of 40 need to use a Vitamin C serum. The problem is that Vitamin C is very unstable and breaks down easily unless it is in a powdered form. I found a stable from of Vitamin C from a company out of Switzerland. It is called Complex 31. It is pretty natural. It is not really the consistency of a serum which are normally sort of watery but it is more like a cross between a powder and a liquid and it comes in a tube. It can be ordered through www.complex31.com

Mychelle dermaceuticals also has some very good serums. If you have oily or acne prone skin they have a serum called Clear Skin that has salicylic acid (this is a beta hydroxy acid that is best for skin with whiteheads and blackheads. Beta-hydroxy acids are lipid soluble and penetrate the skin more). They have another serum called Capillary Calming if you suffer from Rosacea. Mychelle’s products are all natural with no funky stuff in them. To see my complete skincare routine and how I use the products and in what order; go to my post: My Skincare Routine.