Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is one of the more recent skin-care techniques to have crossed over from Hollywood to the mainstream. It’s being advanced as an “instant facelift” — an effective alternative to costlier and more invasive procedures like plastic surgery, chemical peels and Botox injections. Recently, more and more men are trying it, instead of pursuing cosmetic surgery. So what exactly is microdermabrasion, what does it promise and what effect does it actually have on your face?
Microdermabrasion, also referred to as mechanical exfoliation, can give your skin superb results (not miracles, but very effective results). Whether you struggle with skin discoloration, acne-prone, scarred or wrinkled skin, Microdermabrasion can definitely help. When you start inquiring about non-invasive skin resurfacing treatments you can wind up pretty confused and overwhelmed. So, we have broken down the most important points to ponder when considering microdermabrasion, to help educate you on the magic of this micro resurfacing method.
HOW DOES IT WORK ?
Microdermabrasion, also referred to as mechanical exfoliation or micro resurfacing, is a method for facial rejuvenation that uses a mechanical medium for exfoliation along with adjustable suction to sweep away the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the epidermis. It is a non-invasive procedure, which is performed in-office by a trained skin care professional. Candidates include individuals struggling with sun damage, acne prone and blotchy skin, fine scars, slight wrinkles, keratosis, large pores, non-inflamed whiteheads caused by keratin-clogged pores, or unfavorable skin texture.
The exfoliation and suctioning disrupts the skin’s surface causing cell division. As the skin cells divide fibroblast activity is stimulated leading to collagen production, which leads to thicker, firmer skin. Human skin sloughs off at a slower rate with age, so the exfoliation of several layers of the stratum corneum (surface skin layers) leaves skin fresh and radiant. Microdermabrasion can be done to decrease the appearance of superficial hyperpigmentation, photo-damage, diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and shallow acne scars, which helps to even out the texture. Removing the dead skin will aid in the penetration of skin care products by up to 50% and makeup will go on much more smoothly.
Microdermabrasion Effects
Whether done with a product at home or in a professional setting with a specialized tool, the principle of microdermabrasion is the same. The idea is that if you remove or break up the stratum corneum, the body interprets that as a mild injury and rushes to replace the lost skin cells with new and healthy ones. In the first hour after treatment, this causes mild edema (swelling) and erythema (redness). Depending on the individual, these side effects can last anywhere from an hour to two days.
This process has a few beneficial effects. With the stratum corneum gone, the skin’s surface is improved. The healing process brings with it newer skin cells that look and feel smoother. Some of the skin’s visible imperfections, like sun damage, blemishes and fine lines, are removed. Also, without the stratum corneum acting as a barrier, medicinal creams and lotions are more effective because more of their active ingredients and moisture can find their way down to the lower layers of skin. As microdermabrasion temporarily removes some moisture from the skin, it is always followed by the application of moisturizing creams.
MICRODERM VS DIAMOND PEEL ?
This skin-freshening technique can be performed using two different types of machines: a standard microdermabrasion machine, and the newer Diamond Peel machine. What is the difference?
Introduced to the US market in 1996, standard microdermabrasion uses a device like a fine sandblaster to spray tiny aluminum oxide crystals across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead, outer layer of skin. The primary difference between microderm and the diamond peel is that Microdermabrasion involves the skin being “sandblasted” by aluminum oxide crystals to remove the top layer of the skin while the diamond peel’s diamond tipped wands uses a particle-free method that can yield greater results with less down time.
The regular crystal micro dermabrasion technology involves the use of a special, hand-held device that propels a high-speed flow of aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin. At the same time, the machine’s vacuum system sucks away dirt, dead cells and used crystals. The diamond dermabrasion system, on the other hand, replaces the micro-crystal flow with a disposable or reusable diamond tip wand. Areas closer to the eyes and mouth can be abraded more accurately with diamond abrasion (no risk of stray crystals causing damage or being ingested).
Diamond microderm machines usually come with tipped wands of varied size and coarseness for different skin types and depths of resurfacing. The wand tip is made of natural diamond chips which polish the skin and remove dead cells, which are then vacuumed back into a waste filter. Many professionals prefer natural diamond tips because they are easier to control and don’t irritate the skin (natural minerals are less likely to trigger adverse reactions).
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
There aren’t many risks with microdermabrasion if you are a “healthy” adult and the skin care professional uses the level appropriate for your skin. Striping can occur in clients with very sensitive skin. Avoid the treatment in cases of inflamed acne. Be aware that bleeding can occur on skin with some forms of acne or recently shaved skin, which can indicate that the levels may be too high.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS SHOULD I DO ?
A normal course of treatments varies between 6-10 at approximately 2-3 week intervals. It is recommended that you schedule an additional treatment every 1-3 months to maintain your skins condition. Most individuals actually feel and see a difference just after two or three treatments, but schedule additional treatments to increase this improvement. Combining this treatment process with a good SPF 30 sunblock and high-quality skin products will help you maintain your improved skin. Be advised, raised or deeply pitted skin areas (possibly from old severe acne scars) and darker pigmented areas will require multiple treatments over extended amounts of time. While Microdermabrasion helps superficial problems, it is not the cure all for heavily damaged skin; it is a noninvasive technique for those of you who do not need a serious laser or chemical peel treatment.
AFTER TREATMENT
Deep exfoliation usually leaves the skin tighter and drier afterward. A hydrating serum, moisturizer and sunscreen are essential post-diamond peel/microderm treatments to ensure glowing skin. Some redness can be expected afterwards, however this is not likely to persist more than a few hours. The sensation of having a mild windburn or sunburn will also pass after a few hours. Applying a high quality moisturizer and hydrating serum will help the healing process. Avoid sun exposure for 5-7 days after a treatment and make sure to use SPF 30 sunblock, as exposure to UV radiation is one of the key factors in speeding the skin aging process.
GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE
Gift Certificates and Gift Cards are available for all of our Spa Services. Treat someone you love to one of our Rejuvenation Facials, our Remodeling Body Treatments or a nice relaxing Swedish Massage.
A SWEET TREAT FOR YOURSELF
Everyone needs a Peaceful Getaway that has everything you need for Relaxation and Revitalization. Come lose yourself… Slip out of your busy stressful life, and put your worries in our hands for awhile
SHOP FOR SKIN CARE
Shop in our Online Store for the Best Skin Care Products. Our Natural Products are designed to help improve Circulation, Detoxify, Rehydrate and Replenish your skin with the best organic nutrients available.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT Microdermabrasion
Here are the most common questions we receive about Microdermabrasion.
What Is Microdermabrasion ?
Microdermabrasion is an effective, non-surgical way to get rid of acne scars, fine wrinkles and sunspots by exfoliating the top layers of the skin. No chemicals or laser beams are used, only aluminum oxide micro crystals that gently sandblast your skin, leaving it smooth and fresh. Micro dermabrasion also stimulates collagen production, helping your skin rejuvenate faster than normal. Also called the lunchtime peel, microderm abrasion takes up to one hour and has no downtime.
What Does Micro Dermabrasion Involve ?
Your skin is first cleansed with a special cleansing gel. The doctor then starts the micro abrasion procedure using a hand-held device. The aluminum oxide micro crystal flow is sandblasted through a small tube pressed against the skin. The tube also vacuums back dead skin cells and used micro crystals. The crystal flow starts as soon as the microderm abrasion wand touches your skin. The doctor slowly moves the wand across your entire face and not just on treated areas, so that you don’t experience inconsistency in skin texture or color. After microdermabrasion, your skin is soothed with a special nourishing sun blocking cream, allowing you to go back to your daily routine immediately after treatment.
What Is The Difference Between Microdermabrasion And Dermabrasion ?
Dermabrasion is a mechanical procedure that uses a power driver hand-held device to remove the top layers of the skin. It may need general or a local anesthetic, depending on the treated area. Derma abrasion lasts between a few minutes and two hours, depending on the depth and area of the skin resurfacing. After dermabrasion treatment, the skin is red, swollen and extremely sensitive for about 10 days. Dermabrasion can offer visible improvement by treating deep wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation.
Microabrasion is much less invasive. It can be performed in an beauty center, doctor’s office or at home, using a personal home micro dermabrasion kit. A doctor uses a sandblaster-like hand-held device to spray and circulate high pressure flow of aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin. Used crystals and dead skin cells are then vacuumed back into the microdermabrasion machine, leaving the skin clean and smooth.
Is Aluminum Oxide Safe ?
Aluminum oxide crystals are perfectly safe and non-toxic if ingested. They don’t cause adverse skin reactions and they are not carcinogen. During microderm abrasion, your eyes are protected by special glasses, to prevent micro crystals from getting in your eyes. The special wands in microdermabrasion machines used in cosmetic saloons are designed to vacuum back all micro crystals released during micro dermabrasion. That way, chances of inhaling the aluminum oxide are fairly slim.
Where Is Microabrasion Performed ?
Microdermabrasions are available in cosmetic centers, spas, dermatology clinics or at home by using a home microdermabrasion kit. Either way, you should consult your doctor to help you decide if micro derm abrasion is suitable for you and which kit or system would be best for you.
How long Does Micro Dermabrasion take ?
A typical microdermabrasion face treatment takes between 20 and 30 minutes. However, if you want your neck or other parts of the body treated, it may last up to an hour. Home microdermabrasion takes a only few minutes, including the pre-treatment cleansing and micro abrasion applicator maintenance.
What Should I Ask At The First Microdermabrasion Consultation?
A first microderm abrasion consultation doesn’t take more than a few minutes. Discuss your medical history with the doctor and help him decide whether microdermabrasion is right for you. He will establish your skin type, explain what’s involved and help you set reasonable goals and expectations. Ask about any contraindications and involved risks. Also ask to see other patients’ ‘before and after’ photos and his qualifications to perform microdermabrasion. You should also let him know that you feel strongly about him using sterile equipment. Ask the doctor to tell you any pre-treatment requirements and finally, set the date for the first session.
Is Micro Abrasion Suitable for my skin ?
If the goal is to get rid of superficial acne scars, blotchy skin, large pores, age or sun spots, fine wrinkles or uneven skin tone and texture, you are a perfect candidate for micro dermabrasion. All skin types and colors can be treated with microdermabrasion. But before you go ahead, talk to a specialist about your medical history because there are conditions which may make microderm abrasion unsuitable for you.
What Can Micro Dermabrasion Do For Me ?
Microdermabrasion can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, helps fight acne and remove acne scarring, evens skin tone, eliminates white and black heads, minimizes large pores and revitalizes dull skin. Microdermabrasion helps skin regeneration by increasing its elasticity and collagen production. The skin looks fresh and feels smooth as soon as treatment is over. With micro abrasion, there is no recovery time and no discomfort.
How Much Does Microdermabrasion Cost ?
A microdermbrasion treatment costs, on average, $75 to $200, depending on where it is performed and the area treated. For best results, more than one microderm abrasion session is needd. There are also the so-called hidden costs (use special gel and cream that are needed before and after the treatment).
How Many Treatments Are Required ?
Your doctor can give you a rough idea of the number of microdermabrasions needd for best results. Major changes are obvious after the fifth session, even though most patients say they observed improvements after the first two. Most doctors suggest 6 to 10 microabrasion treatments, scheduled around two weeks apart, so the skin has time to recover between micro dermabrasion sessions. After the recommended number of sessions, you may have to schedule another abrasion once every two or three months, to maintain the effects.
Does Microdermabrasion Hurt?
Microdermabrasion treatment is painless. Some patients have reported some itchiness or stinginess when micro crystals came in contact with their skin. You may feel some discomfort around the eyes, but as microdermabrasion treatment continues, your skin gets used to crystal flow. It feels like the mild facial massage from a special wand. Your face may appear a little pinkish in the first 24 hours, but you should not experience any itchiness or pain.
What Should I Expect After Treatment ?
You will receive a sunscreen hydrating moisturizer after microdermabrasion, to avoid sun damage after leaving the doctor’s office. Some redness might occur on treated areas, but they generally disappear after a few hours. During the first 24 hours, your skin may feel dry, similarly to effects of a mild wind or sunburn. Use lots of moisturizer during the first few days. Avoid sun exposure for at least a week after the treatment, don’t use any peeling products for the next 3-4 days and avoid full-face make up (liquid foundation or pressed powder).
How Soon Can I Return To Work ?
You can return to work the minute you leave your doctor’s office. If your skin looks reddish, like after a mild sunburn, you can cover it up with some light make-up.
When Do MicroDermAbrasion Results Become Visible ?
That depends on your skin and the micro dermabrasion machine used by your doctor. Some patients reported changes after the first treatment. Your skin will look cleaner and healthier after a few microdermabrasions, but major changes (like reduction of wrinkles and scars) become visible after five treatments.
Are There Any Risks Involved ?
Microdermabrasion is virtually risk-free. It is non-invasive and mild, so you have nothing to worry about. Make sure, however, that the medical staff sterilizes the equipment or changing the disposable pieces before use. That way, the risk of infection is practically zero.
What Can't Micro Abrasion Do ?
Microdermabasion can not cure severe scarring or deeply spotted areas on your face and body. Microderm abrasion works well at the very top layer of the skin. It cannot reconstruct the epidermis like laser surgery or dermabrasion treatment can. Don’t expect microdermabrasion to remove tattoos, make darker pigmented areas disappear or treat severe burn scars.
