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Microdermabrasion
- What is Microdermabrasion?
- Who can benefit?
- What areas can be treated?
- Why microdermabrasion?
- How does it work?
- How many treatments do you need?
- How long does it take?
- Are there any side effects?
- Are there any precautions I should know about?
1. What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a quick, safe, effective form of exfoliation for all skin types and colours with no downtime and virtually no discomfort. Available in Europe since the late 1980's, microdermabrasion uses inert corundum aluminum oxide mineral microcrystals to remove dead or damaged skin cells. Skin will appear softer, smoother, brighter, clearer, fresher and younger looking.
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2. Who can benefit?
Men and women of any skin type or colour. Anyone with aging, congested, flaky, dry, devitalized, thickened, blemished, dull and sun damaged skin will have rejuvenated and refreshed skin. Blotchiness, uneven skin tones and texture will also be improved.
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3. What areas can be treated?
The most commonly treated areas are the face, chest, shoulders, back, hands, knees and elbows. Any body area can be treated.
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4. Why microdermabrasion?
Approximately every 28 days we create a new layer of skin. As new cells form, they push their way to the surface and dead cells then settle on the surface of the skin. This can cause enlarged or clogged pores, a bumpy, uneven texture, and a dull appearance. As we age, this process slows down leading to the appearance of older skin with less radiance.
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5. How does it work?
This gentle exfoliation is performed with a jet of fine mineral crystals passing over the skin's surface by creating a gentle vacuum. The crystals lay on the skin along with the dead/damaged skin cells. The crystals gently exfoliate approximately 20-25 microns of dead skin cells of the outermost layer, known as the stratum corneum. Once removed, it reveals one's own fresher, younger looking skin beneath. One microdermabrasion session is roughly equal to three 30% Glycolic acid peels or one 70%.
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6. How many treatments do you need?
This treatment is meant to be progressive, not aggressive. Generally results are more noticeable after the 3rd treatment. However, after the first session the skin will appear fresher, cleaner, smoother and softer for most clients. Treatments are usually performed every 2 weeks for a series of 6. Maintenance treatments are suggested once every 4 to 6 weeks. If you are having Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments the usual interval is one 7 - 10 days prior to IPL, followed by 7 - 10 days after the IPL. Microdermabrasion treatments are often done as a series in combination with IPL treatments.
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7. How long does it take?
The actual treatment takes 15 - 40 minutes, depending on the area being treated. The treatment is applied to clean skin. Afterwards, a moisturizing sun block is usually applied.
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8. Are there any side effects?
Since there is minimal discomfort and no healing time, one can resume normal activities immediately after a treatment. One may experience a slight tingling, and afterwards the skin may feel tighter, as if exposed to the wind or sun. The skin may appear slightly flushed and this generally fades in 12 - 24 hours.
It is very important to NOT TO EXERCISE, where perspiration is created. You will develop a stinging sensation that can take several hours to dissipate.
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9. Are there any precautions I should know about?
If you suffer from cold sores, you should be cold sore-free prior to treatment to avoid the risk of spreading the infection. You must also inform the technician if you have or have had any of the following conditions: severe rosacea, dermatitis, skin cancers, bruising tendency, inflamed acne, Hepatitis C and AIDS or HIV infection. Make sure to inform the technician if you are on blood thinners or if you have been on Accutane within the last 6 months.
If you use Tretinoin (e.g. Retin A, Vitamin A Acid, etc.) products or any skin care products that irritate the skin, you should stop them for at least 2 -3 days before your treatment. You may restart 2 - 3 days after your treatment.
Microdermabrasion can safely be performed if you are pregnant or nursing.
If you use tanning beds or like to tan outdoors, it is suggested that you avoid tanning for 2 weeks after a session.
If you are planning to have any injectables such as Botox, Perlane, Restylane or Artecoll, it is recommended that you have them 2 or more days after a microdermabrasion.
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