What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a treatment that has been used successfully in Europe since the late 1980's and has been available in the USA since December 1996. It is an effective, safe form of gentle exfoliation using inert corundum crystals to remove dead or damaged skin cells and improve the skin's appearance, resulting in more youthful skin. END RESULTS: Skin that is softer, smoother, brighter, clearer, fresher and younger looking.

What are Corundum Crystals?

Corundum is an aluminum oxide mineral, also known as bauxite or white fused alumina, from which the gemstones ruby and sapphire and the abrasive material emery are made. Next only to the diamond, it is the hardest, natural substance known. Corundun is an inert substance, lacking in active properties (chemically). Each manufacturer will have the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) analysis available for consumer review. Federal law requires that all raw materials sold must be accompanied by MSDS if requested. However, MSDS does not assure purity.

What type of skin can benefit?

All skin types and color will benefit from this process. Aging, congested, flaky, dry, devitalized, thickened, blemished, dull and sun damaged skin will be rejuvenated and refreshed. Blotchiness, uneven skin tones and texture will be improved. Microdermabrasion will reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, chicken pox scars, brown /age spots, fine-lined wrinkles (rhytides), hyperkeratosis (overgrowth of the horny layer), pores less prominent, and other skin imperfections.

What are the advantages?

This is a gentle and quick application with virtually no discomfort and no down time. No time off from work is required. Normal activities can be resumed immediately. However, be aware that physical activities resulting in perspiring may cause a stinging affect to the treated area. Microdermabrasion is a controlled, non-invasive, non-acid, non-surgical, non-laser, non-chemical peel.

What areas are treated?

The most common areas treated are the face, neck, decollete, shoulders, back, hands, knees, and elbows. However, any skin surface, on any part of the body, that needs improvement will benefit.

Who are the best candidates?

Men and women who have realistic expectations, in good health, with good skin tone and follow with appropriate at-home regimes have great success.

Why Microdermabrasion?

Approximately every 28 days we receive a new layer of skin. As new cells form below the skin surface and mature, pushing their way up to the top, dead cells settle on the surface. This can cause enlarged pores, clogged pores, a bumpy, uneven texture, and a dull appearance. As we age, the natural process of new skin cells replacing older skin cells begins to slow down, leading to the appearance of older skin with less radiance. Regular microdermabrasion helps prevent these problems, as well as improve skin tone and texture.

How does it work?

This gentle technique of exfoliation is performed with a jet of fine mineral crystals passing over the skin's surface and is then vacuumed up with the dead/damaged skin cells. The crystals gently exfoliate approximately 20-25 microns of dead skin cells of the outermost layer of skin cells (stratum corneum), revealing one's own fresher, younger skin beneath. One microdermabrasion treatment can be equal to three 30% glycolic treatments (or one 70% glycolic). The controlled aspect means one can choose the exact area to be treated, as well as the depth and duration of treatment.

How many treatments are needed and how often?

Microdermabrasion is progressive, not aggressive. Generally, results are realized after the fourth, fifth, or sixth treatment. Some conditions, such as severe acne scars, may need as many as 16 treatments. After the first treatment, the skin will appear fresher, cleaner, smoother, and softer for some clients. Average treatment protocol is 4-8 treatments. Initially, treatments may be performed every 7-10 days or every 2 weeks, based on the client’s tolerance and needs. Ideally, then monthly maintenance to continue the benefits, as skin cells mature approximately every 28 days to 35 days

How long does each treatment take?

The actual microdermabrasion procedure takes from 15-45 minutes, depending on what area or areas are being treated. Time must also be allowed to cleanse the area before microdermabrasion, and followed with a moisturizer and broad spectrum sun screen of at least SPF15. This treatment may be combined with rejuvenating or hydrating masks or other facial treatments. Except, do not follow with steam or heat.

Damage to the skin?

Microdermabrasion is generally safe, when the technician is trained properly. There is little trauma to the skin, (with the rare case of hyper/hypopigmentation occurring).

Any discomfort or side effects?

Since there is minimal discomfort and no healing time, one is able to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure. One may experience a slight tingling sensation during the treatment but no anesthesia is necessary. Afterwards, the skin may feel tighter, as if exposed to the sun or wind. It may also appear flushed, a fresh pink/rosy glow or minimal redness (superficial erythema), which usually disappears within a few minutes to a few hours (occasionally up to 24 hours to resolve but may last up to 48 hours, depending on his/her particular skin and the depth of treatment). While the skin may be more sensitive in certain areas, minimal discomfort is involved. Dryness of the skin is frequently observed following the treatment but is alleviated with the appropriate moisturizer.

Why does it work?

By removing the dead skin cells found in the stratum corneum or 'horny layer', thus diminishing the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne scars etc. (like planing down the mountains, so the valleys are less noticeable). Also anything done following microdermabrasion will work better; extractions will be easier. There is no sense in applying moisture to dead skin cells.. ....like putting cream on your feet without taking your shoes off.