Microdermabrasion, also known as microderm, is one of the easiest and most effective anti-aging treatments you can get. It is essentially a powerful mechanical exfoliation done by a highly trained technician with an expensive machine. It is usually done with either the original crystal microdermabrasion technology or the newer diamond-tip microdermabrasion.
The benefits of microderm are many:
~ it softens fine lines and wrinkles
~ helps to smooth coarsely textured skin
~ decreases the appearance of scarring
~ decreases pore size
~ reduces superficial hyper-pigmentation, also known as age spots
Microderm 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. It actually works 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 and gives results you can not achieve with a home microdermabrasion kit, which is basically a scrub for the face that is often too abrasive and can even irritate your skin.
The original microdermabrasion technology, which has been around since the'80s, is called crystal microdermabrasion. It uses a special wand to spray aluminum oxide crystals (also known as corundum, the second hardest mineral after diamonds) and vacuum up the crystals and now-loosened dead skin. Crystal microdermabrasion might also appear on a spa menu as "particle resurfacing", "power peel", "derma-peel" or "Parisian peel". Note: Other types of crystals are sometimes used in some microderm machines, including salt and baking soda, but they are not very common.
Also growing in popularity is the newer "diamond-tip" microdermabrasion. It achieves the same results but with slightly 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 microderm machines, because they can tell something "is happening".
The Benefits of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion can achieve dramatic results, but it is highly dependent on the skill of the esthetician. In general, it's best if you get it from an esthetician you already know and trust.
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 protocal 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. Doctors with medical spas can own more powerful machines, but more is not always better with microderm.
The price for a single microdermabrasion treatment usually ranges from $100 - $150. With a series of six, you sometimes get one free. It takes about 30 minutes and there's no down-time for the skin to recover. That's why it's also sometimes called a "lunchtime peel."
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
The crystal microdermabrasion device consists of a compressor that draws in 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) blast across the skin’s surface, picking up the dead surface skin cells along the way. The crystals and dead skin cells are quickly sucked up through a different tube in the same wand and go to a disposal unit.
The depth of exfoliation is controlled by the strength of the vacuum and crystal flow, which is determined by 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 spot. Crystal microdermabrasion can be slightly uncomfortable, especially around the sensitive tissue of the mouth and nose, but it should not be painful. The esthetician should be checking in with you about your comfort level during the treatment. If anything hurts, speak up and the force of the blast can be reduced.
The esthetician, who should be wearing gloves, a mask and eye protection, also leaves traces of the crystal on your face, which might be red afterwards. Your eyes should also be protected.
Cautions on Microdermabrasion
~ Check on the training of the person who is going to give you the microdermabrasion treatment. Results depend on their expertise. Bad technique can lead to abrasions and pin-point bleeding that 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 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.
Where You Can Get Microdermabrasion
You can get excellent Microdermabrasion treatments at INTUITION Salon & Spa, 16 N. Ft. Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL
Call 727-443-2927 to make an appointment.
