Microdermabrasion

When you are in your 20’s your skin turns over about every 28 days. That means, about once a month, your old skin sheds and a new layer of skin comes to the surface. As you get older this process slows down and dead skin accumulates on your face. The unfortunate result of this slowing down is an increase in fine lines, wrinkles, uneven pigment and spots.

There are many ways to remove the dead skin and speed the turnover process including chemical exfoliation and mechanical exfoliation.  Microdermabrasion is a means of mechanically exfoliating the surface layer of dead cells on our skin with an abrasive substance while increasing circulation to the skin by applying a gentle suction action. By exfoliating and suctioning, you are not only removing the ugly dead skin from your face, you are stimulating growth of new skin cells and collagen while increasing the blood supply to give your skin a fresh healthy glow.

There are two methods of microdermabrasion: Crystal and crystal free. The crystal method of microdermabrasion is like using a mini sand blaster. Aluminum crystals are the most popular substance used to blast off the dead cells, but other substances such as salt and baking soda have been used. The crystal free method utilizes the use of fine abrasive substance embedded into a wand like sandpaper. The wand is used to scrape off the dead cells while sucking out the dirt and grime from the pores. The most effective abrasive substance is real diamond dust, but other substances such as laser cut metal and plastic devices are also commonly used.

Your esthetician or medical technician will prepare your face by first cleaning off any grease and oil with a gentle solvent. Once the skin is dry, a crystal or crystal free wand will be passed over the skin in sweeping motions until the entire face is treated. The neck and decollete areas can be treated at the same time. You may feel a pulling and a scraping sensation during the procedure, but it should not be painful. The sensation has been described as a feeling of being licked by a cat’s tongue.

The whole procedure will last about 20- 30 minutes. You may notice some redness, there is no down time associated with this procedure. Some people like to have a microdermabrasion performed just before going out or attending a special event because they like the “glow” they get from the procedure.

The down side on having no down time is that, microdermabrasion typically removes only the very surface layer of dead skin. You will feel refreshed and have a healthy looking glow after one procedure, but to see any real results, you would need to do a series of treatments. For the most dramatic results, three to twelve microdermabrasions are recommended seven to Fourteen days apart followed by monthly maintenance.

Application of a high quality vitamin A, Vitamin C and collagen stimulating peptide products after a microdermabrasion will significantly enhance the effect. The absence of dead surface skin will allow the products to penetrate deeper and allow further exfoliation and collagen stimulation resulting in softer, smoother, clearer, and healthier looking skin.

FAQ:

Q: How is microdermabrasion different from a facial?

A: A facial uses steam to open up the pores. By opening up the pores, you are allowing dirt and grease to escape from the pores. A masque is often applied to hydrate the skin and draw out the debris from the pores. Microdermabrasion uses controlled suction to actually “suck” out the dirt and grime from the pores. The exfoliation is also more intense than is possible with a regular facial.

Q: Which is better, crystal or crystal free?

A: This is a matter that is debatable, but my preference is for the crystal free microdermabrasion with diamonds.

A diamond is pretty much the hardest substance available in nature. A diamond can cut just about anything, but only another diamond or a laser can cut a diamond. Therefore, this is going to be the most effective tool for exfoliating the skin.

Aluminum oxide crystals are the standard abrasive used in crystal microdermabrasion (diamond dust would be ideal but who could afford to have diamond dust sprayed on their face?) The reason aluminum is preferred is because it is not toxic to the skin and biologically inert. This means there is low potential for sensitivity or allergic reaction to the crystals. There is, however, some weak evidence that cancer and Alzheimer’s disease could be linked to inhalation of aluminum crystals. Getting crystals in your eye is no fun either. Because of these concerns, salt baking soda and other “natural” abrasives are now being used for microdermabrasion, but they just don’t seem to have the abrasive power of aluminum or diamonds.

Crystal free microdermabrasion utilizes a reusable abrasive surface. Again, diamonds are preferred, but other materials are commonly used. Because the wands are reusable, care must be taken to properly sanitize the device between uses. Microdermabrasion devices using disposable plastic tips are also available. The Hydrafacial® uses a plastic tip with the simultaneous application of chemical exfoliants and collagen stimulating products to give a deep a nice deep hydrating treatment.

Because of the high cost of the equipment, crystal free, diamond tip microdermabrasions are usually found only in physician settings or high end spas.

Q: Can I just use exfoliating scrubs at home to get the same effect?

A: Exfoliating scrubs are nothing new. People have been exfoliating since ancient times. The advantage of microdermabrasion is that the fine abrasive crystals used in both the crystal and crystal free microdermabrasion allows only the dead skin to be removed with minimal damage to the underlying skin. Imagine sanding a piece of fine furniture with very coarse sandpaper. Delicate furniture needs to be polished with fine or very fine high quality polishing cloth. The same is true for your face, you don’t want to scratch up your face and risk scars and hyperpigmentation from injuring the skin with harsh abrasives. The other advantage of microdermabrasion is that the suction stimulates circulation while allowing deep cleansing of the pores.

Q: What kind of result can I expect from microdermabrasion?

A: Over time, you will notice a reduction in fine lines, acne breakouts, pore size, age spots and rough texture. The skin will look plump and refreshed. Multiple treatments are ideal for getting best results.

Q: What kind of products should I use to maximize the effects of microdermabrasion?

A: Vitamin A (retinol, Retin-A), Vitamin C and Vitamin E are the key ingredients for anti-aging. These three ingredients work together to further exfoliate the skin, rebuild collagen and provide antioxidant protection. A good quality sunscreen is also essential to protect the delicate new skin for photo-damage.

Recommendations:

• Do a series of 6 microdermabrasions, each 10 days apart.
• Invest in a high quality anti-aging skin care regimen which includes vitamin A,C,E and a good quality sunscreen
• Maintain with monthly microdermabrasions

	Diamond Peel Microdermabrasion

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