Skin Polish

Skin polishing generally refers to any form of exfoliation which removes the uppermost layer of skin, but can specifically refer to "microdermabrasion," a cosmetic procedure intended to diminish aging and blemishes to the skin. Advocates of skin polishing claim that the process can brightens the tone of the skin, improve overall texture, and even medicate some chronic skin conditions. The following method is meant to reproduce results from a professional skin polishing treatment. As with all medical treatment, please consult a dermatologist before beginning this or any other skin polishing regimen.[1]

Steps

Preparing Your Skin for Polish

  1. Hydrate your body from the inside out. Improve the overall quality of your skin and health by drinking an adequate amount of water. The amount can vary from day to day, depending on activities, but an adequate amount will always be enough to prevent thirst and keep your urine as clear as possible, without creating chronic urinary urgency.[2]
  2. Eat foods that can improve your skin. Omega- 3 and 6, antioxidants, and Vitamins A, C, and E all have benefits for your skin. In order to get the optimum benefit from your vitamins, avoid vitamin tablets and ingest foods that contain the vitamins needs for healthy skin.[3] Enjoy the following foods within moderation to reap the benefits of nutritional skin care:
    • Vitamin E: olive oil, spinach, asparagus, vegetable oils and seeds
    • Vitamin A: dark greens, eggs, cantaloupe, low fat dairy and carrots
    • Vitamin C: citrus, kiwi fruit, broccoli, brussel sprouts and papaya
    • Antioxidants: berries, red fruits, beets, peppers, green tea and beans
    • Omega- 3 and 6: nuts, oily fish (i.e. sardines) and flax seeds[4]
  3. Get the right tools. Skin polishing requires tools that provide different levels of abrasion for different skin types on the body. Additionally, exfoliation is a gradual process and different degrees of abrasion are required for different phases of the process (think of it like sanding a piece of wood, gradually using finer and finer grit paper). Below is a suggested shopping list for skin polishing:
    • A pumice stone.
    • An exfoliating washcloth
    • A large-looped washcloth
    • A fine looped washcloth
    • One piece of flannel (about the size of a washcloth)
    • A pair of cotton gloves
    • A pair of silk gloves
    • A sable fur mitt (optional)
  4. Moisturize daily. In order to keep your skin healthy and also diminish signs of wear or aging, it is important to moisturize each day immediately following your shower or bath. This has the added benefit of keeping your skin extra smooth and in optimal condition for polishing. Be sure to use a body oil or lotion daily that is dermatologist recommended. If you would prefer something less processed, try some of the options below:
    • Olive oil: If you are concerned about the smell, make sure to get the "light" or non-extra virgin varieties (they will have a more gold as opposed to green appearance).
    • Coconut oil: With a smell similar to suntan oil and a light, easily absorbed texture, many people find coconut oil an ideal natural moisturizer. If solid, add a tablespoon or two to a small dish and put in the microwave for 30 second to melt. Be sure to check the temp before applying to skin.
    • Shea Butter: A mainstay of West African skin care since Ancient Egypt, Shea butter is easily absorbed by the skin with properties that sooth and heal cracking and sun-damage.
  5. Go soap-free. Soap is alkaline in nature and, especially for sensitive skin, can cause irritation, flaking, and cracking of the skin upon daily use. Non-soap cleansers are synthetically formulated and have a pH closer to that of your natural skin. Non-soap cleansers can be more expensive than soap; however, they dry skin less, making them more gentle for daily use.[5]

Polishing Your Skin

  1. Soften dry and dead skin. In order to get the most benefit from your skin polishing, skin should be moisturized. This will help loosen any dead or flaking skin and make it easier to remove. In order to accomplish this, do the following:
    • Apply a body oil (olive oil, coconut oil, or a commercial body oil is fine) to the areas being exfoliated
    • Bundle up in a pair of old sweats and stay warm for 20-40 minutes before proceeding or take a hot bath, being careful not to rub the oil off your skin.
  2. Lather up. In the bath or shower, apply soap-free cleanser to the exfoliating cloth cloth with a mild soap. Use gentle, even pressure in a circular motion. Think about your skin as a piece of wood that you are sanding to smoothness. Work quickly but thoroughly, making sure not to irritate or discolor skin with too much abrasion.[1]
  3. Tackle the tough stuff. Use the pumice stone on exceptionally rough areas such as elbows, knees, and heels. This may require a little extra effort, as the skin in this areas can be thick and tough. Remember, however, that while these areas are less sensitive than body or facial skin, they can still be damaged by too much pressure or rubbing. Always remind yourself that removing deep calluses takes time, so don't push your polish too far.
  4. Revisit the primary treatment area for more exfoliation. Lather the large looped cloth with non-soap cleanser and, apply to the skin with even pressure, moving your hand in circular motions, pausing briefly on any areas that catch on dry skin. Work fairly quickly so as not to over exfoliate and damage the skin. Repeat this exfoliating process with the fine looped cloth, making sure not to over work your skin with pressure or friction.
  5. Rinse and dry. Rinse with clean water to ensure that there is no residual cleanser, body oil, dead skin, or grit (from the pumice) left on the skin surface. Then, with a clean, dry towel, gently pat the surface of the skin dry, making sure not to rub. Imagine your skin is like the surface of a tomato and you don't want to bruise or damage it.
  6. Buff with flannel. Although originally wool, modern flannel is typically a soft, cotton cloth that has a thicker texture than other woven cotton. Using little or no pressure on the skin, buff in rapid circles. As you repeat your skin polishing ritual, you will feel the cloth 'catching' on rough areas, 'gliding ' over areas that are sufficiently smoothed, and know where to anticipate rough areas that need more attention in future polishings.
  7. Buff with cotton. You'll want to get the thinnest possible cotton gloves for this (dermatological cotton gloves work best). Put on the cotton gloves and gently buff all areas in a circular motion. Since cotton is soft and won't hurt your skin, you can spend extra time on areas that still feel rough and remember to work these places a little more the next time.
  8. Add finishing polish. Silk gloves are sold at photography shops for handling lenses or at outdoor hobby shops as a liner for heavier gloves. They are, however, the perfect thinness and texture for polishing skin and will help remove any lingering roughness. Use the silk gloves for the final polishing step, using the same motions as when buffing. Because the silk is incredibly finely woven, you can spend more time polishing your skin in this step. Additionally, the silk will catch on any remaining dry skin, letting you know where to exfoliate more during future polishings.
  9. Pamper your self with sable. If you want to add a final level of polish to your skin, you can also use a sable mitt. Try looking for an old coat with a sable collar at a thrift store to make your own. Simply remove the fur from the collar of the coat and fashion into a shape that can fit across the palm of your hand. Sable adds a small amount of friction to skin while also sweeping away any remaining particles of dead skin that might be lingering.
  10. Moisturize freshly polished skin. Using a very light moisturizer, rub a small quantity on the surface of treated skin. Rub in gentle, circular motions, just as you did with the exfoliating cloths, working the moisturizer into your freshly polished skin. Less moisturizer will be required on freshly polished skin, so be sure not to overdo it.
    • If any areas of the skin still feel rough or uneven, come back with a more intensive moisturizer and spot apply.
    • If any areas of the skin feel irritated, avoid applying moisturizer and, instead, spot apply an antibiotic cream with an analgesic, making sure to avoid polishing the area until it feels completely healed.



Tips

  • You can use a body or face scrub in place of the exfoliating cloth. Simply use as directed on the packaging and continue to the next step.
  • For first-time and novice polishers, it is recommended that you work quickly and err on the side of less pressure and vigor as opposed to more. In time, you'll learn what's the right amount of pressure and friction without causing painful abrasions.
  • Use the pumice only on the soles of your feet.

Warnings

  • Do not polish daily, as this can irritate skin. Instead, repeat the polishing regimen no more than 1-2 times per week.
  • Do not use this technique if you are using cortisteroid creams or taking ANY steroid drug.
  • See your doctor about any unusual rash or blemish that does not heal promptly.
  • Do not use this technique on unhealthy or damaged skin. This especially includes acne, rosacea, or eczema that creates inflammation or sores.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/evaluate-before-you-exfoliate
  2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
  3. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrition-vitamins-11/help-vitamin-supplement
  4. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/beauty/skin/ss/slideshow-skin-foods
  5. ↑ http://dermnetnz.org/treatments/cleansers.html
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