Microdermabrasion

Epidermis – Outermost layer of skin tissue. 

Outermost layer of the skin that covers the entire external body surface.

Does not contain blood vessels and depends on the dermis for nourishment.

Made up of five layers of epithelial tissue:

• • Stratum corneum (horny layer)
  • The outermost layer of dead cells.
  • Stratum lucidum (clear, transitional layer)
  • Stratum granulosum (granular layer)
  • Keratin.
  • Stratum spinosum (spiny layer)
  • Stratum germanitivum (basal layer)
  • Cells are produced in the basal layer and pushed up to the top of the epidermis.
• Melanocytes – produce melanin.
  • Increase in number of with UV damage.
• Keratinocytes – involved in cell production and loss.
• Langerhan cells – defend against viruses, bacteria, etc.
• Merkel cells – associated with skin sensation.

Dermis contains connective tissue, blood and lymph vessels, nerve fibers, hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands.

• Papillary Layer – vascular layer
• Reticular Layer – support layer.
• Fibroblast cells – skin’s support structure, production of collagen and elastin.
• Mast cells – produce histamines when skin inflammation occurs allowing blood to flow to the area to assist healing.
• Phagocytic cells – help to defend the body by destroying bacterial invaders.

Subcutaneous Layer

• 1. Made up of fat and connective tissue.
• 2. Insulation.
• 3. Contains capillaries, veins, nerves.
• 4. Supplies a source of energy.

• Discontinue use of over the counter Retinol, Glycolic and other Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Salicylic or Beta Hydroxy Acids, or other exfoliation products three (3) days prior to treatment.
• Discontinue use of prescription Retinoid products (Retin-A, Renova, Tretinoin, Avita, Alustra or other brands of Tretinoin), other prescription Retinoid products (Adapalene, Avage, Differin, Tazorac, Tazarotene) thirty (30) days prior to treatment.
• No waxing, electrolysis, other hair removal products or methods, laser treatments (any kind) within seven (7) days prior to treatment.
• No Botox injections within seven (7) days prior to treatment.
• No collagen or other dermal filler injections within fourteen (14) days prior to treatment.
• Follow all pre-microdermabrasion home care product recommendations as instructed by your Technician. Optimal results are achieved by following a home care regimen that will enhance the microdermabrasion process.

A skin microdermabrasion procedure can exfoliate up to 25 microns of the top surface (stratum corneum) of your skin. The stratum corneum is made up of dead skin cells that provide a buffer to your living cells. Any substance that is applied post treatment is absorbed very quickly and deeply. A slight rosy glow, much like sunburn, may appear for approximately 24-48 hours. Your skin will feel “wind-burned” and will also be more vulnerable. The risk of getting sunburned following a treatment increases dramatically.

• You may resume your daily activities or return to work immediately. Mineral make up can be applied following a treatment. If you experience discomfort following make-up application, remove.
• Sunscreen will be applied to your skin before you leave. You must protect your skin every day with a full spectrum sunscreen that protects both UVA and UVB with an SPF of 30 or higher. We recommend you use a sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide you with full spectrum protection. Avoid direct sun exposure. All tanning, self tanners and tanning beds must be avoided.
• For the first 24-48 hours, use a mild cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, eye cream, and sunscreen. If you are treating hyperpigmentation, the use of lightening products is strongly recommended.
• Do not use glycolic, alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, lactic acid, salicylic acid,  retinol, benzoyl peroxide or topical acne medications, SD alcohol, artificial colour/fragrance, lanolin, hydroquinones (Alustra, Lustra AF, Ultraquin, Glyquin), and propylene glycol for 24-72 hours following treatment. You may resume products after this period or as instructed by your technician.
• You may resume prescription retinoid products (Retin A, Renova, Tretinoin, Avita, Alustra or other brands of Tretinoin) and other prescription retinoid products (Adapalene, Avage, Differin, Tazorac, Tazarotene) three (3) days after last skin peel treatment, or as instructed by your technician. If you are receiving a series of treatments, do not resume any of these products until after you have completed your last microdermabrasion treatment and consult your doctor on if it is ok to proceed.
• Refrain from waxing, electrolysis or other hair removal methods, laser treatments (of any kind) for thirty (30) days. Upon resumption, please notify your technician that you recently had a microdermabrasion.
• Refrain from Botox, collagen or other tissue filler injections for seven (7) days following a microdermabrasion treatment.
• Avoid exercise for at least a few hours after procedure. Drink additional water. Cold compresses can provide relief from the “wind-burned” feeling.

We all understand the concept of cell renewal. New skin cells are created in the basal layer of the skin, via a process called mitosis. Over time, cells migrate to the surface of the skin, undergoing a process known as keratinization, becoming more acidic and resulting in hard, flattened keratinized skin cells, called corneocytes. Keratin, the protein substance that makes up our hair, nails, and skin, plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from outside elements. In young, healthy skin, the approximate time it takes for a cell to travel from the basal layer to the stratum corneum to be sloughed from the surface is about 28 days.

The Reality of it All…
The skin is a truly amazing organ. Without it, no other organ would survive; it has the ability to control body temperature, waste removal, detoxification, provide structure and protection, as well as to make us look good. It also has the unique ability to completely replace itself, all on its own. The reality is that it is designed to do it by itself! Until of course, you throw in… the “human factor.”

Now, we won’t take all of the blame, but let’s look at factors that influence the rate of cell turnover. As we age, especially following menopause for women, the natural process of skin erosion becomes uneven, which results in a loss of retained water, a dry, rough, and uneven texture. Obviously, we can’t stop the natural aging process, but we can do something about factors that contribute to the “unnatural,” or pre-mature aging process. External factors such as pollution, UV exposure, smoking, poor diet, stress, medications, illness, improper product use, and excess exfoliation all contribute to early aging of the skin, and an inhibited rate of cell turnover.

The concept of exfoliation is nothing new, and there are ever changing products and equipment for exfoliation. However, the one thing that doesn’t change is the physiological way your skin functions. With that in mind, let’s talk about what it is, why we need it, and how to determine when enough is enough!

The concept of exfoliation has been around longer than we can even imagine. The first practice of exfoliation is given to the ancient Egyptians, if you will recall, Cleopatra used to bathe in milk, a.k.a. lactic acid! In the Middle Ages, wine was used as a chemical exfoliant, with tartaric acid as the active agent. In Asia, the practice of exfoliation started hundreds of years ago. Uses of exfoliation were not simply to beautify the skin, but also noted for ridding the body of illness, rites of passage, detoxification, and removing evil spirits! For purposes of the 21st century, let’s stick to beautifying and improving the health of the skin.

Facials

Facial treatments clean and refresh your face but they don’t involve exfoliating crystals or a suction wand. A facial is essentially a less intense version of microdermabrasion, but it can have a similar effect, depending on which type of facial treatment you’re looking for. Unlike microdermabrasion, there are several different types of facials that you can try, in order to treat different skin types and conditions. A facial starts out with cleaning your face and a skin analysis to see if your skin is dry, combination, or oily. Then, your aesthetician will implement the right type of treatment for your skin. You can get a facial for many reasons, with a monthly spa visit delivering the most benefits and consistent results.

You may simply want to relax, feel pampered, celebrate a special occasion, or you may want to gain its anti-aging and anti-acne benefits. There is not a wrong reason for taking the time for self-care, so schedule one today!

What You Can Expect During A Facial

• Exfoliation: Just like a microdermabrasion, you will have your face’s dull top skin scrubbed away. Though it’s not as intense of a scrub as a microdermabrasion, you’ll still leave the spa with a glowing complexion!
• Steam: If you have large pores, acne, or blackheads, steam will open up your pores to give your skin a deep clean.
• Blackhead Removal: If you have stubborn blackheads or whiteheads, your aesthetician can professionally remove them with sterile tools. This has to be done correctly by someone with experience. Ask us how we can help.
• Massages: To further stimulate collagen production and blood flow in your face, you can get a relaxing face massage included in your treatment. You can also get a soothing scalp massage to top off your experience.
• Face mask: If your skin needs extra care, you can get a variety of masks that will address your skin’s unique type. For example, if you have oily skin, a clay mask would be an excellent way to end your facial.
• Application of products: Your treatment will often finish with a moisturizer, toner, and/or sunscreen—all depending on what your skin needs.

Besides making you feel great about your skin, microdermabrasion has several other common benefits:

• Anti-aging –  Microdermabrasion can help ease the appearance of early signs of aging like fine lines, dark spots, and an uneven skin texture. The procedure can also minimize the appearance of fine lines by stimulating collagen production and restoring moisture to dry and damaged skin. It’s also known to make your skin appear more plump and smooth, which are the characteristics of younger skin.
• Better pores. Deep exfoliation combined with suction power can unclog your pores and make them appear smaller over time. As we age, our pores get larger with sagging, loose skin, which makes it difficult to achieve a smooth canvas for makeup application. Microdermabrasion, however, can help restore the youthful texture of your skin by tightening your pores.
• A short recovery time. One of the main appeals to getting microdermabrasion is its convenience.  It can be done in under an hour while the recovery time is less than 24 hours. You may experience some pink or red skin for a short period of time, but you won’t need to take a day off work to get this treatment.
• It’s non-invasive. As opposed to other anti-aging treatments, microdermabrasion doesn’t involve any injections or outpatient procedures. It’s quick, painless, and effective.
• Improved skin tone. If you have sun spots or acne scars, microdermabrasion can help fade these marks over time. Getting regular microdermabrasion treatments will maximize the potential results for your skin. People who have chronically dull skin may also notice a brighter complexion that looks healthier and younger.
• Can improve oily skin. Anyone who is looking for a better way to reduce oil production on their face should try microdermabrasion. It’s the ideal treatment for patients with mild to moderate acne that is triggered by excess oil from the pores. The suction component of the procedure removes dirt and oil that gets stuck in the pores, reducing pore size and ultimately sebum production.
• It’s fitting for most skin types. Another great aspect of this treatment is that it’s appropriate for many skin types and conditions. Whether you’re in your 20s, 60s or beyond, microdermabrasion is a good option.

Microdermabrasion comes in a few treatment types, but all of them deliver similar results. Here are the two most common procedures that are available today.

• Crystal Microdermabrasion—This is the original type of microdermabrasion treatment. A wand sprays tiny crystals over your face and these gently scrub away dull and dead skin cells. Then, a microscopic tool acts like a vacuum to clean up the dead skin and crystals. This reveals the clean and fresh skin underneath. It’s also a great treatment for acne scarring because scars can appear less visible in the lower layers of facial skin. Side effects may include raw pink skin which should subside within 24 hours.
• Diamond Microdermabrasion—This is a newer procedure that doesn’t use loose particles. Instead, a wand that has a tip made of diamond chips uses suction to remove your dull skin. The diamond exfoliates while the suction acts to get rid of the dead skin cells. Diamond microdermabrasion also can have the side effect of red or pink skin, but this should fade within a day.

The best way to find out which kind of microdermabrasion would suit your needs is to get an initial consultation. Your skin care professional will be able to assess your specific needs and give you expert advice on which treatment would address your skin problems effectively.