What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a term that is being used in a wide variety of treatments and products on the market and I'm sure it can be very confusing. The reason so many treatments and products can use this term, is because broken down it means: Micro = small, Derm = epidermis, Abrasion = exfoliation, so any mild exfoliation of the epidermis can be called microdermabrasion.

The traditional treatment known as Microdermabrasion, is a machine that blows Corundum, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide, or Sodium BiCarbonate (the later need only be used by physicians performing complete Dermabrasion, where they are drawing blood and fluids. These crystals need to be able to dissolve as to avoid infection from remaining crystals). So we use Corundum, which is a harder element. The crystals are blown through a hand piece with an accelerator to "blast" the crystals against the skin to break up the corneus layer (dead skin cells). There is also a vacuum element to the treatment to remove those cells and to stimulate blood flow and lymph drainage in the dermis, which will increase, smoothness, luminosity, detoxification and Fibroblast production, (Fibroblast cells produce Collagen and Elastin). The minor "injury" to the skin will trigger the skin to heal itself, leading to improved skin appearance, function, and cellular renewal.

Why Microdermabrasion? It is a highly effective treatment, that does not use any chemicals that can irritate and inflame the skin, and are harder to control the outcome. There is no downtime with this treatment, the skin will not have any negative visible indications of the treatment, it could possibly still be a little pink when you leave, but should go down quickly. You will however feel the treatment for approximately 24-48 hours, mostly just when washing or applying product, it will feel mildly tingly. It is best to avoid working out, hot showers, or anything that greatly increases your heart rate the day of the treatment, for optimal comfort. Sun exposure should be minimal for at least two weeks after the treatment, and should always be enjoyed in moderation and under protection of a physical sunblock. With a series of treatments, the skin can only minimally repair itself, but not fully rebuild the epidermis between treatments. By continually inducing "injury" to the skin it will greatly increase the cellular activity and renewal of the skin, but also help diminish or soften surface imperfections, such as acne stains and scars, surfaced pigmentation, and fine lines. Because it is done over time, you still avoid having downtime.

Not all machines are created equal. As with most pieces of equipment, some are more effective than others. The machine I have chosen has exceptional efficacy, because of it's thoughtful and intelligent design, it can produce even and reproducible treatments. What does that mean? Most machines, read the vacuum pressure of the entire machine, because of this, how full the new crystal canister or the waste crystal canister are can change the reading of the pressure gauge. Therefor to recreate the same treatment the levels of both would have to also be the same. It also means the pressure will change throughout the treatment due to the change in both of these canisters, therefor the pressure won't even be consistent for an entire treatment. The machines are engineered and built in the USA and will give wonderful results.