Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion (or simply referred to as Micro) is a family of cosmetic procedures in which the dead outermost surface of the skin is partially or completely removed by light abrasion, to smooth skin surface, remove blemishes, sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin.
- Benefits of Microdermabrasion
- How does Microdermabrasion works?
- Precautions
- Frequently asked questions about Microdermabrasion
- After treatment care
Invigor8 Skin and Body use microdermabrasion to increases the lymphatic draining of skin cells through deep exfoliation. This allows healthier skin cells to surface and leave the skin with a fresher, glowing look. After the first treatment, smoother skin is a noticeable change.
After a series of treatments, oiliness of the skin is decreased and pores are less dilated and visible. As a result, microdermabrasion treatment can be used to diminish pigmentation, acne (and acne scarring), sun spots and dull skin.
Invigor8 Skin and Body recommends microdermabrasion treatment to facilitate the penetration of skin care products such as Danne and Cosmedix nto the deeper layers of the skin to get better results. While microdermabrasion treatment is generally applied to the face, it is also used on the back, hands and neck.
How does microdermabrasion works?
Microdermabrasion involves applying a rough, abrasive surface to disrupt the outer cell layer of the skin. There are currently two different microdermabrasion systems that differ in the way the skin layer is disrupted – crystal and diamond microdermabrasion. Invigor8 Skin and Body uses crystal microdermabrasion.
Crystal Microdermabrasion
In a crystal microdermabrasion system, sand-like microcrystals made from aluminum oxide are sprayed onto the skin to disturb (or ’sandblast’) the outer cell layer of the skin. This procedure requires no medical oversight and is effectively used in conjunction with facial beauty treatments. These days there are a multiplicity of machines available for microdermabrasion. However while there are a multiplicity of machines available for performing this procedure, the results of their use are neither consistent nor standard in the industry. It is therefore important to go to salons that have highly trained staff that guarantee results like Invigor8 Skin and Body Centre.
Diamond Microdermabrasion
In a diamond microdermabrasion system, a diamond tipped head is used to make contact with the skin layer to disturb the skin cells. The exfoliation process occurs when a diamond tipped head makes contact with the skin and abrades against it. This style of dermabrasion, while still widely sold in spas or medical spas, has limited effect, even after multiple treatments (as they are typically sold). A better solution should be to discuss with your therapist whether a chemical peel (and its many different levels) is more appropriate for improving the condition of your skin. Chemical peels are also available at Invigor8 Skin and Body Centre.
Once the skin cells are disturbed in either microdermabrasion systems, the skin cells are scraped off and removed immediately with a small vacuum instrument.
Although microdermabrasion treatments are regarded as being very safe, please note the following tips to prevent side effects.
- Ensure that your therapist covers your eyes, mouth and nose before the treatment so that crystals are not inhaled or ingested.
- Ensure that your therapist removes all traces of the aluminum oxide crystals from the skin after treatment.
- Use Vitamin C and AHA serums on the skin to keep the skin surface clear.
- Refrain from applying make up on the day of the microdermabrasion treatment as this allows the skin to breathe and rest.
- Avoid skin exposure to direct sunlight (alternatively, apply sunscreen when in direct sunlight) as the removal of dead skin cells has removed a degree of skin protection.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after the microdermabrasion treatment as the salt from perspiration may cause a stinging sensation.
- Microdermabrasion should not be used on people who have taken the medication Accutane in the previous 12 months.
Frequently asked questions about Microdermabrasion
What happens to the skin after micro?
In the first 24 hours after microdermabrasion treatment, the protective barrier of the middle skin layer is disrupted. This causes the skin to be drier than usual.
After a series of microdermabrasion treatments, the skin cells regenerate and are arranged more consistently. This allows hydration of the skin to a greater extent than before microdermabrasion treatment. The ‘healthy glow’ produced from exfoliation is caused by increased number and size of collagen and elastic fibers, fibroblasts and increased blood flow to the skin layers.
How often?
Microdermabrasion treatment generally consists of a series of six sessions taken once every 10 to 14 days depending on your needs and skin type. More sessions are likely to be required to treat acne scarring. At Invigor8 Skin and Body Centre, we have a Client Loyalty Program that gives you the sixth treatment free. Contact us for more details
Does it hurt?
No. Microdermabrasion treatments do not involve surgery and does not affect the facial muscles, fascia, tendons or nerves. As a result, microdermabrasion treatments do not require anesthesia to be applied.
Since microdermabrasion is non-invasive, microdermabrasion is not painful. At most, microdermabrasion may be slightly uncomfortable around the sensitive areas of the mouth although this area is generally avoided during treatment.
Mild redness in the treated area may occur after treatment although this disappears within a few hours.
Cosmedix and Danne home care products with active ingredients, are focused on skin renewal and accelerate rebuilding of healthy collagen skin cells after microdermabrasion, IPL Photorejuvenation (resurfacing) or chemical peels.
Contact Invigor8 Skin and Body and speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff about the home care product that is right for your skin type.
Last update: 3 October 2009
