Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is one of the easiest and most effective anti-aging treatments you can get. Its benefits are many:
- softens fine lines and wrinkles,
- Helps to smooth coarsely textured skin.
- Decreases the appearance of scarring.
- Decreases pore size, and reduces superficial hyper-pigmentation, also known as age spots.
Microdermabrasion also makes it easier for high-tech skin care products to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and help build collagen, which gives skin its youthful appearance.
The Changing Technology of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is essentially powerful mechanical exfoliation with a machine, diamond-tip microdermabrasion.work by removing the uppermost layer of dead skin cells from the face, chest and hands. True microdermabrasion is usually done in a day spa,medical spa or specialized skin care studio. It gives results you can't achieve with a home microdermabrasion kit, which is basically a scrub for the face that is often too abrasive and can even irritate skin.
The original microdermabrasion technology, which has been around since the'80s, is called crystal microdermabrasion. It uses a wand to both spray and vacuum up aluminum oxide crystals, also known as corundum, the second hardest mineral after diamonds. Crystal microdermabrasion might also appear on a spa menu as particle resurfacing, power peel, derma-peel or Parisian peel. Other types of crystals that are used in some machines, including salt and baking soda, but they are not very common.
Growing in popularity is the newer diamond-tip microdermabrasion. It achieves the same results but with less discomfort and without the crystal residue at the end of the treatment. However, some women still prefer the more aggressive feel of the crystal microdermabrasion machines because they can tell something is "happening".
The Benefits of Microdermabrasion
For the best results, it is generally recommended get a series of treatments. Your esthetician should be able to recommend the number that is appropriate for your skin type and condition. A typical protocol is six treatments about 10 to 14 days apart.
Because the machine can be adjusted depending on skin type and condition, even people with sensitive skin can get a treatment from a skilled esthetician.
It is important to realize that you have taken off the outermost layer of the skin, which is also its protection, so this is not the time to go to the beach. Be careful with your skin a few days after the microdermabrasion treatment: don't do vigorous exercise and don't expose your skin to the sun. Wear a gentle physical sunscreen, even if its a cloudy day.
Don't expect to get the same results with a home microdermabrasion kit, which works more like a scrub. In fact, you can easily overdo it and irritate your skin.
How Microdermabrasion Works
Diamond-tip microdermabrasion uses a vacuum technology and hand-held wand, but there aren't any crystals moving through the tip. The diamond tip itself exfoliates the skin and the vacuum whisks the dead skin away. There are many different tips with various grades of roughness, and the esthetician choose the correct one for your skin type and condition.
Diamond-tip microdermabrasion is much less uncomfortable than crystal microdermabrasion, but achieves the same results. It is also usually better for sensitive skin.
Cautions on Microdermabrasion
*Do not get microdermabrasion if you have extremely sensitive skin, diabetes, vascular conditions like rosacea, skin inflammation, bacterial infections, lack of tactile sensation, keloid scarring, cuts and abrasions, or have gotten Botox within 72 hours. Other contraindications to microdermabrasion include sunburn, viral infections like herpes simplex, and acne. If you are taking anti-coagulant drugs.
*Apply sunscreen and stay out of the sun after your treatment. Along with the dead skin cells, you have removed some of your protection.
Which treatment would be best for me, Microdermabrasion or deep pore cleaning?
A/ Depends on what you want to achieve.
Microdermabrasion is focused on exfoliation and helps to improve texture, tone and is considered as a corrective treatment and a second level of skin care. Deep pore facial is a basic first level of skin care and way to keep the skin in better health as it focuses on keep the pores free of toxins and natural debris ,and consequently enhance the skin's function. For a long term treatment, I like to recommend a combination of the two for better results. I consider one complement of the other.
Common asked questions:
Which treatment would be best for me, Microdermabrasion or deep pore cleaning?
A/ Depends on what you want to achieve.
Microdermabrasion is focused on exfoliation and helps to improve texture, tone and is considered as a corrective treatment and a second level of skin care. Deep pore facial is a basic first level of skin care and way to keep the skin in better health as it focuses on keep the pores free of toxins and natural debris ,and consequently enhance the skin's function. For a long term treatment, I like to recommend a combination of the two for better results. I consider one complement of the other.
