What is Microdermabrasion?
April 30, 2012 3:45 pmPeople ask me a few times a week, “What is a quick, easy way for me to really change the look and texture of my skin?” and inevitably my answer is: Microdermabrasion (also known as microderm). AKA “The Lunchtime Peel”, microderm is quick, easy, painless, and without a doubt the easiest way to get clean, clear, fresh skin in only 30 minutes.
Microdermabrasion, is one of the easiest and most effective anti-aging treatments you can get. Its benefits are many: microderm softens fine lines and wrinkles, helps to smooth coarsely textured skin, decreases the appearance of scarring, decreases pore size, and reduces superficial hyper-pigmentation, also known as age spots. It also makes it easier for medical grade skin care products to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and helps build collagen, which gives skin its plump, smooth, youthful appearance.
How it works
Microdermabrasion is a powerful mechanical exfoliation using an expensive machine; generally either the older crystal technology or the newer diamond-tip machines, which we carry in the studio at 360 Skin.
First the skin is thoroughly cleaned and degreased. Then a certified and trained medical esthetician uses the diamond-tipped wand to excoriate (fancy word for remove) the dead skin in a specific pattern. This will effectively remove the uppermost 2-3 layers of the epidermal skin cells from the face. The process, in conjunction with the internal vacuum, lifts those layers of skin, removing them completely, revealing the lower, newer fresh layers of skin below.
Because the machine can be adjusted depending on skin type and condition, even people with sensitive skin can get a treatment. It takes about 30 minutes and there’s no down-time for the skin to recover. Your skin may be a little pink and feel tight for a few hours. At 360 Skin we finish the microderm with hydration and SPF/moisturizer so you’ll recover faster and feel really refreshed.
It is important to keep in mind that you have taken off the outermost layer of the skin, which is also its protection, so this is not the time to go lay in the sun. Be careful with your skin a few days after the microdermabrasion treatment: don’t do vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours.
The Benefits of Microdermabrasion
Microderm has a great number of benefits, such as repairing sun damage, age spots, clogged pores, fine lines/wrinkles, and smoothing mild acne scarring. But for many people the main one is simple convenience. It’s easy to stop into the studio, get “microdermed” and be out the door looking and feeling much fresher in 30 minutes.
For the best results, it is generally recommended get a series of treatments. Your esthetician should be able to recommend the number that is appropriate for your skin type and condition. A typical protocal is four – six treatments about 10 to 14 days apart.
Cautions on Microdermabrasion
*Do not get microdermabrasion if you have extremely sensitive skin, diabetes, vascular conditions like rosacea, skin inflammation, keloid scarring, cuts and abrasions, or have gotten Botox within 72 hours. Other contraindications to microdermabrasion include sunburn, viral infections like herpes simplex, and active acne.
Please let me know if there are any further questions you have. Here at 360 Skin, we’re all about helping you look your best and maintain healthy, youthful, natural looking skin.