What Is Microdermabrasion?

Hey folks, it’s officially Fall and that means it’s time to do some forward thinking and get ready for the holidays…yep, I said get ready for the HOLIDAYS! To really be ready and look your best you’ll want at least a couple of “skin turn-over cycles”. Our skin has five layers and it takes them a full 28 days to completely shed. In order to really see some significant tonal changes and fresh, beautiful radiant skin you’ll want to make sure you’ve really stepped it up and prepared that new skin for the stage.

One of the best, easiest, and safest ways to do that is with Microdermabrasion. I thought we’d take a quick look at what “Microderm” is and how it can really benefit you.

So What Is It Exactly

Microdermabrasion is one of the most effective anti-aging treatments out there and its benefits are many: it softens fine lines and wrinkles, builds collagen, helps to smooth textured skin, decreases pore size, and reduces age spots. Microdermabrasion also makes it easier for quality skin care products to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin making them more effective.

Microdermabrasion is essentially powerful mechanical exfoliation with an expensive machine, here at 360 Skin we use a custom built diamond-tip microdermabrasion with a vacuum suction.

The diamond tipped wand of the machine, always operated by a skilled, trained Medical Esthetician, is drawn across the face in a pre-designated pattern to make sure the the upper 2-3 layers of dead skin cells from the face are removed completely revealing the newer, fresher layers of skin beneath. It doesn’t hurt, there’s no downtime and you’ll leave the studio looking and feeling fresher, lighter, and glowing.

Because the machine can be adjusted depending on skin type and condition, even people with sensitive skin can get a treatment. It is important to remember that you have taken off the outermost layers of your skin, which is also its major source of protection, so this is not the time to go driving down Highway 1 with the top down. Be careful with your skin for a few days after the microdermabrasion treatment: don’t do vigorous exercise and don’t expose your skin to the sun. Wear a gentle physical sunscreen, even if its a cloudy day.

The Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Some Medical Estheticians recommend a microderm weekly, but to be honest every two weeks is fine. You want to make sure your skin has time to recover and kick into high gear the building of new skin and collagen/elastin below the surface. For the best results (and a good cost savings), I recommended getting a series of treatments. Signing up for a series of treatments will insure that you see real results and get great looking skin that will help you age on your own terms.

How Microdermabrasion Works

The microdermabrasion device consists of a compressor that draws in air through a hand-held wand. When the wand touches the skin, a vacuum is created picking up dead surface skin cells as the diamond tipped wand is moved across the face. The dead skin cells are quickly sucked up through the tube in the wand and go to a disposal bag. The depth of exfoliation is controlled by the strength of the vacuum and your esthetician’s pressure.

Here at 360 Skin, we finish our service by applying nourishment to your skin in the form of a lightening solution and skin food serum which both act as “food” for your skin. After that we apply an SPF to make sure you’re ready to face the world with a fresh, protected face.

Cautions on Microdermabrasion

*Always check on the training of the person who is going to give you the microdermabrasion treatment. Results depend on their expertise. Bad technique can lead to scratches/abrasions which means the treatment was too aggressively. If you are feeling any discomfort during the procedure it’s important to let your esthetician know.

*Do not get microdermabrasion if you have extremely sensitive skin, diabetes, vascular conditions like rosacea, skin inflammation/acne, bacterial infections, lack of tactile sensation, cuts or abrasions, or have gotten Botox within 72 hours. Other contraindications to microdermabrasion include sunburn, viral infections like herpes simplex, and acne. If you are taking anti-coagulant drugs.

*Apply sunscreen and stay out of the sun after your treatment. Along with the dead skin cells, you have removed some of your protection.

So there you have it! All the info you need to make an informed decision about Microdermabrasion. Here at 360 Skin we love nothing more than to make sure you have 100% control over your face and the rate at which you age….the slower the better, right? And Microdermabrasion is the perfect solution to your skin care needs.

This post was written by Brandon