Microdermabrasion- Skin Care Made Simple
Microdermabrasion, also known as microderm is one of the easiest and most effective anti-aging treatments you can get. Its benefits are numerous:
softens fine lines and wrinkles;
helps to smooth roughly textured skin;
reduces the appearance of scarring;
minimize pore size; and decreases superficial hyper-pigmentation, also known as age spots
Microdermabrasion also makes it easier for high-tech skin care products to infiltrate into the deeper layers of the skin and help build collagen, which gives skin its youthful appearance.
The Changing Technology of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is basically a powerful mechanical exfoliation with an expensive machine, usually either the original crystal microdermabrasion technology or the new diamond-tip microdermabrasion.
Both work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells from the face, chest and hands. True Microdermabrasion is usually done in a specialized skin care studio. It provides results that cannot be achieved with a homemade exfoliating scrub for the face that is often too abrasive and can irritate the skin.
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 can also appear on a spa menu as particle resurfacing, power peel, derma-peel or Parisian peel. Other types of crystal used on some machines, including salt and baking soda, but not very common.
Growing in popularity is the new diamond-tip microdermabrasion. You get the same results, but with less uneasiness and without the crystal residue at the end of treatment. However, some women still want the more aggressive feel of the crystal microderm machines because they can say something is "working."
The Benefits of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion can achieve spectacular results, but is totally dependent on the ability of the administrator. In general, it is best that you can get to know and trust an aesthetician. For best results, it is generally recommended to obtain a series of treatments. Your esthetician should recommend a number that corresponds to your skin type and condition. A typical protocol is 6 to 12 treatments approximately 7 to 14 days apart. Due to the different roughness of the edges rubbed, even people with sensitive skin can be treated by a trained esthetician.
It takes about 30 minutes without downtime for the skin to recover. That is why it is also called the "lunchtime peel." It is important to realize that you have removed the outermost layer of the skin, also their protection, so it is not time to go to the beach. Be careful with your skin for a few days after the microdermabrasion treatment - no vigorous exercise and do not expose your skin to the sun. Use gentle physical sunscreen, even if it is a cloudy day.
How Microdermabrasion Works
The crystal microdermabrasion device consists of a compressor which draws air through a hand-held wand. When the wand touches the skin, a vacuum is created. Aluminum oxide crystals, also known as corundum (the second-hardest mineral next to diamonds) will blast across skin’s surface, picking up dead surface skin cells along the way. The crystals and dead skin cells are quickly absorbed by a variety of tubes in both wand and into a disposal bag.
The depth of exfoliation is controlled by the strength of the vacuum and crystal flow which is determined by the esthetician. He or she makes two passes over your skin, sometimes a third if your skin is thick enough or if there is an area that needs special attention, like a scar or brown spots.
Crystal Microdermabrasion can be uncomfortable, especially around the sensitive tissues of the mouth and nose, but should not be painful. Esthetician must consult with you about your comfort level during treatment. If something hurts, speak up.
The esthetician should wear gloves, mask and eye protection will leave traces of the crystals on your face which might turn red afterwards. Your eyes must also be protected during treatment. Diamond-tip microdermabrasion uses the same vacuum technology and hand-held wand, but no crystals that move through the tip. The diamond tip itself exfoliates the skin and the vacuum whips the dead skin. There are many different tips with different degrees of roughness and the esthetician chooses the right one for your skin type and condition.
Diamond tip microdermabrasion is much less uncomfortable, but achieves the same results. It is also generally better for sensitive skin. This is a newer technique but quickly gaining popularity as a crystal-free microdermabrasion option. Instead of using crystals to exfoliate the skin, a wand with a diamond-encrusted tip is passed over the skin. The diamond tip scrapes the skin, and like the crystal version, the exfoliated particles are then vacuum away through the same wand. Some people prefer diamond microdermabrasion due to the lack of crystals. Breathing in aluminum oxide crystals can be irritating and can cause short-term breathing problems.
Because microdermabrasion wand generates a closed loop system, the crystals usually sucked back into the machine and not spraying out into the air to be inhaled. Good professionals limit the exposure of their customers on the crystals, so do not let this scare you away from having the treatment done.
Cautions on Microdermabrasion
*Check on the training of the person who is going to give you the microdermabrasion treatment. Results depend on his/her expertise. Bad technique leads to abrasions and pin-point bleeding which means the treatment was too aggressively.
*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 had Botox within 72 hours. Other contra-indications 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. This is because, along with the dead skin cells, you have also removed some of your natural protection. FACE OF MAN uses the latest microdermabrasion with a diamond tip to exfoliate dead cells. Usually such treatment can be a standalone or combined with other electrical treatments to treat more stubborn skin problems like aged spots and fine lines. For younger men, it lightens stubborn acne scars and blemishes.
