Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is often referred to as the ‘instant facelift’. It’s an effective and relatively inexpensive way to rejuvenate and resurface the uneven, outer layer of the skin. It also helps to stimulate the production of collagen, which gives a younger looking complexion.

A healthy skin solution, microdermabrasion is a popular alternative to more costly and more invasive procedures such as chemical peels, surgical procedures, and Botox injections.

How Microdermabrasion Works

Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation of the top layer of the skin (call the stratum corneum). This is done by using a hand held machine that fires crystals over the skin, or uses a diamond tip device, to abrade the skin and exfoliate the dead skin cells – it and then uses a suction to extract the debris. It is basically like an ultra-advanced facial scrub with a vacuum. This technique also helps to stimulate the production of collagen, which improves texture and elasticity in the skin, leaving you with a more youthful complexion.

Microdermabrasion requires no special skin preparation, other than cleansing with a gentle soap-free cleanser. During treatment, there is a sensation of very superficial scraping, similar to when using a loofah or when carrying out mild skin exfoliation.

The treatment usually takes about 1 hour and can be repeated once a month. Results should be evident after the first treatment – the skin will look brighter and pinker. There is no downtime with microdermabrasion – if you like, you can apply make-up and go out immediately following treatment.

Types of Microdermabrasion

There are two basic types of machines used for microdermabrasion: those with diamond-tipped resurfacing wands and those that use aluminum oxide crystals to resurface.

Crystal Machines – With crystal machines, a handheld device pushes a high-speed flow of aluminum oxide crystals to the skin. While this occurs, a vacuum sucks away dead skin cells, used crystals, and dirt. Aluminum oxide crystals are the second hardest mineral after diamonds. Because the crystals have an irregular shape, they are an effective abrader. As an inert material, the crystals cause no allergic reactions and are non-carcinogenic.

Diamond Tip Machines – More and more, spas and doctor’s offices are using diamond-tipped microdermabrasion machines. Diamond is harder than the crystals and areas closer to the eyes and mouth can be more expertly resurfaced with the diamond machines, since there is no risk of crystals being ingested or getting into the eyes. Other than these aspects, diamond machines work the same way that crystal machines do.