To all you beautiful guys and gals out there!
You have probably seen that we have been posting quite a bit about Microdermabrasion and have recently had a lot of questions about this treatment through the salon.
So I have put this blog together to go into thorough detail of the ins and outs of Microdermabrasion!
Microdermabrasion is a safe, controlled system of intense exfoliation and resurfacing using ultra fine crystals that rejuvenate the skin. The crystals work as a gentle abrasive on the skin to remove dead skin cells layer by layer. The irregular shape of the crystals helps to work on hard to reach areas without any damage of the skin. The treatment is progressive meaning clients will continue to see results over the course of treatment.
The degree of epidermal abrasion can be varied by altering the crystal’s speed when impacting on the skin. The removal of the stratum corneum results in skin that feels instantly smoother and fresher, whilst promoting new skin and collagen growth. Over a course of the treatment skin will be left “glowing’ and will feel rejuvenated.
The Vacuum action draws away used crystals and dead skin cells and also works to stimulate the circulation and promotes increased blood flow to the area. The production of collagen and elastin is stimulated, which results in a firmer, more youthful looking skin.
Microdermabrasion can be used for all skin types on all areas of the body and face. SkinBase recommend a course of 8, usually performed every 7 to 10 days. People with acne or acne scarring might need more treatments after the course has finished to help maintain the results achieved. After the treatment, the skin may feel tight with mild redness. Therefore is it important that clients use a good moisturiser. These effects normally subside within 24 hours of treatment.
What are the benefits of using microdermabrasion over other methods of treatment?
There is minimal discomfort experienced during a microdermabrasion treatment and the patient is able to carry on with their day afterwards. Crystal microdermabrasion uses a completely inert and sterile compound with zero risk of allergic reaction.
· Eliminates possible adverse reactions often associated with chemical solutions.
· Client can return to their normal lifestyle immediately after treatment i.e. no extreme reddening of the skin
· Can safely treat all skin colours and skin types
· Immediate visible results even after the first treatment, helps keep client motivated.
· Helps treat early signs of ageing and offers an overall rejuvenation for aged skin
· Vacuum action offers improved elasticity and muscle tone of the skin and also stimulates fibroblasts for collagen production
· Enhances penetration of approved products after treatment
· Perfect for congested skin with open pores and comedones and acne prone skin
· Variable control allowing for deeper exfoliation of thickened blemished skin and acne scarring
· Successfully helps remove unwanted pigmentation marks
· Perfect for sun-damaged skin
· Total body exfoliation offers a cellulite treatment as the vacuum actions helps with lyphatic drainage
Are there any risks associated with Microdermabrasion?
Improper use of unhygienic conditions pose a risk when having a microdermabrasion treatment, that is why we advocate the importance of good hygiene in the workplace at Beautylicious. The MDPro uses disposable nozzles; eliminating any risk of cross – contamination between clients as the nozzle is the only component that will come into contact with the skin during treatment.
The Crystals
Crystals are made of Aluminium Oxide; a naturally occurring mineral. Sterile and non toxic with no adverse skin contact reactions. We would however recommend a skin allergy test prior to treatment as a precautionary measure.
Aluminium Oxide is considered a low health risk by inhalation and industry standards treat any inhalation of this nature as nuisance dust. The inhalation of any fine particle dust, for example artificial nail dust, may cause irritation and coughing if exposed to them over long periods. Aluminium Oxide contains no free silicia which means it poses no respiratory risk from inhalation.
What Skin conditions can Microdermabrasion be used to treat?
Anyone can benefit from Microdermabrasion treatment. It improves the overall appearance of the skin giving skin a healthy glow and youthful appearance. Microdermabrasion is also extremely effective at treating a number of skin problems. It can be used on the face and body making it a good treatment for acne scarring on the back for example.
Acne and Acne Scarring
Microdermabrasion works by removing the top layers of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface making it particularly effective in treating acne. Getting rid of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin unclogs the pores reducing the chance of new spots developing.
Fine line and Wrinkles Ageing Skin
The Vacuum action of the microdermabrasion treatment works to stimulate the production of collagen in the skin. As we age elastin and collagen production starts to slow down. The combination of collagen stimulation and increased skin renewal will improve the condition of the skin’s surface smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Uneven Tone Skin
Normally skin renews itself approximately every 28 days. Removing the dead cells from the top layers of skin, microdermabrasion speeds up the rate at which the skin would normally renew itself revealing new, fresh skin and giving a radiant glow.
Cellulite, “orange peel” Effect
Microdermabrasion can’t cure cellulite however it will stimulate the circulation improving blood flow to the area To improve the appearance of cellulite clients should drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.
Stretch Marks
Pigmentation and Blemishes
Microdermabrasion can vastly improve the appearance of pigmentation and stretch marks. The Microdermabrasion treatment stimulates the area being targeted to produce more collagen and speed up the skin renewal process, improving skin condition and diminishing the appearance of stretch marks and discolouration of the skin.
Microdermabrasion treatment will not remove the stretch mark. However, regular treatment will show an improvement to the treated area making the marks less obvious. Scar tissue should not be treated until all the inflammation has disappeared from the area (6 months post surgery for example).
Regular treatment with microdermabrasion will help improve the appearance of stretch marks by creating a blending effect to the surrounding scar tissue, also reducing any pigmentation problems that often make the stretch mark more noticeable.
Hyper – Pigmentation (Melasma) and the Cause
Most obvious causes are the oral use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy or interaction with certain medications. Repeated sun exposure or over exposure also plays a part as does inflammation or trauma caused to the skin. Certain chemicals found in perfumes etc., can also result in pigmentation marks occurring. Regular microdermabrasion treatment will show significant benefits to sun-damaged skin and help remove unwanted pigmentation marks.
A course of SkinBase Microdermabrasion treatments can achieve beneficial results in the treatment of pigmentation marks. Clients should be advised that a course of between 10-15 treatments might be needed. It is also imperative that the client is advised to wear a sun block cream at all times.
Please note microdermabrasion treatment cannot help clients with the vitiligo skin disorder.
Melasma and chloasma (darkening of the skin due to hormone changes) can be helped by microdermabrasion treatment. It will help the trapped pigment move up the epidermal layers to be shed in its normal organised way. However, many treatments may be needed to improve the affected area.
How the Treatment course Works
Microdermabrasion is a progressive rather than aggressive treatment. The Epidermal layers are removed gently and safely over a course of treatments. In a course, the treatment is performed every 7-10 days. This means that the stratum corneum layer that was removed in the previous treatment has no had the chance to rebuild and also the client’s tolerance to the treatment increases. Therefore, with each subsequent treatment, the intensity of the treatment can be increased in order to reach deeper down the layers of the epidermis to successfully remove acne scarring, lift pigmentation and smooth fine lines.
Generally a client will opt for a course of six treatments to be performed every 7-10 days to get maximum effect. After completing a course the client can then go on to have monthly maintenance treatment to help them maintain the results achieved.
Clients with more problematic skin may need a longer course of treatment, however 15-20 is considered to be a maximum, after which they must go on to a monthly maintenance program of one treatment every 4-6 weeks.
Written by Skinbase and Emily Turner
