Microdermabrasion!

Recently I treated myself to one of my favourite facials, and that’s a microdermabrasion.  And it occurred to me, that not enough people know about this total gem of a treatment!
It’s affordable, it has an instant result, and makes you feel like a shiny new penny.
I mean, what’s not to love?
 
My previous blog entry that was all about hot stones click here to check it out.   I thought for my next edition I would post another informative 5 minutes, dipping into world of microdermabrasion.
 
What is it..
Microdermabrasion is a deep exfoliation of skin. A big, long word for a process that sounds scary and invasive when really, it’s one of the few specialist skin treatments that’s quite relaxing to have done, who knew that was possible right!
Microdermabrasion is a treatment that gently removes the most outer layer of dead skin revealing new, fresh skin that’s soft as silk and best of all you get an instant result!
You can have it as a facial treatment, and you can also have it for other areas such as the back or chest to treat acne scarring and also to treat stretch marks.
 
Why have it?
Microdermabrasion can help with a multitude of skin problems.

• Light Scarring from breakouts or acne
• Uneven skin tone
• Uneven skin texture
• Age spots
• Skin dullness
• Anti-Aging
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Stimulate new skin cell regeneration
• Minimize the appearance of large pores
• Black heads
• pigmentation

 
Another reason, which is what I personally have this treatment for, is to banish those devilish under the skin spots. Those ones that no amount of steaming and squeezing is ever going to shift. The deep exfoliation basically uncovers them. So yes, you can get a bit of a breakout afterwards but that’s a good thing, because its deep cleaning the skin, better out than in!
 
There are two style of Microdermabrasion
Crystal
Crystal Microdermabrasion is a handheld device that simultaneously blasts out aluminium oxide crystals onto the skin that break down the dead skin cells and then vacuums up dirt, dead skin cells, and the used crystals. The vacuum element also drains the face and removes any blackheads.
 
Diamond
The diamond microdermabrasion is a handheld device that has a rough rotating diamond tip, when it spins over the skin it removes the dead skin cells. Some diamond machines also have a suction element to pick up the dead skin cells, drain the face and remove any blackheads.


What’s the difference?
Both styles of microdermabrasion are the same in the results they produce when used on the face.
But the crystal microdermabrasion is the better choice if your wanting to treat stretch marks as it has an inbuilt suction function which will have a better effect compared to the diamond option.
 
The crystal was the original microdermabrasion. The diamond is the newer application, as there’s no crystals flying about it’s easier on those harder to reach areas like around the eyes, nose and mouth. As the crystals are purely single use it can be the more expensive option, whereas the diamond heads can be sterilized and replaced making the treatment more affordable.
 
When deciding which application to opt for think about this;
Crystal microdermabrasion is great for treating scarring, pigmentation and even stretch marks. It can definitely be used for a facial treatment, but tends to feel more scratchy.
Diamond microdermabrasion generally feels more comfortable and is great for a one off facial before a big event to leave your face feeling super smooth! 
 
Who is this suitable for?
Microdermabrasion is suitable for any skin type, oily or dry!
Even if you have sensitive skin as the treatment will be adapted to suit you.
 
There a few skin conditions with which this treatment is not suitable for immediately,

• If you are using steroids for acne, Including the use of AHA’s -you must wait until 6 months after you’ve finished the course of steroids.
• If you have psoriasis or eczema on the face.
• If you have had botox or fillers -you must wait until 8-12 weeks after the procedure.
• If you have had any facial peels within the last 3 months.

 
A one off or a course?
With microdermabrasion you do have an instant result with just one treatment, the skin will be softer, smoother, and brighter. So you can have it as a one off treat for the skin as a little pick me up, and for a general maintenance treatment we would recommend one every 4-6 weeks.
If your planning on tackling any scarring or pigmentation you will need a course of treatments and depending on the severity will determine how many and how frequently they would need to be for the best results. An average course of treatment would be 6 sessions having one a week.
 
Aftercare
After any treatment aftercare is extremely important. It helps retain the effects of the treatment and avoids any unwanted side effects!
 
After a microdermabrasion treatment the skin can be red, the more sensitive you are the more red you could be if you are very sensitive we adjust the treatment to be suitable for your skin type. Redness is perfectly normal, and any redness will go down within the day as you can see on myself in the before and after photos I had a tiny amount of redness and it was gone within an hour!
 
 
Immediately after your treatment

• Your therapist will apply an SPF This is so important because the skin is so new and fresh that you need to have protection from the UV rays in the sun.

• Avoid excess heat on the area; saunas, steam room, very hot showers and infra-red lamps
• Avoid touching the skin (even though its hard to resist because it’s so soft!)
• No swimming

 
For 7 days prior to the treatment

• No exfoliation, this includes using products with salicylic acid, glycolic acid & lactic acid.
• No waxing on the treated area  
• No sunbathing or sunbeds
• Use an SPF every day 

To book a Microdermabrasion treatment for yourself, simply click HERE!

BEFORE MICRODERMABRASION

IMMEDIATELY AFTER MICRODERMABRASION

THE DIAMOND HEAD ON THE LEFT HAS BEEN USED ON THE SKIN...LOOK AT THE DEAD SKIN IT HAS REMOVED!