Microdermabrasion

Rediscover your skin with Microdermabrasion.

This treatment gently removes epidermal cells to treat a vast range of skin imperfections: sun damage, acne, acne scarring, uneven granular skin, fine lines, wrinkles, aging skin, enlarged pores, blackheads, scars and stretch marks. The Diamond tip head evenly abrades the skin at a depth of 30 microns, exfoliating damaged skin. It is the most effective, controlled technique for the removal of dead skin cells, and results in a much smoother, revitalized skin with immediate results and no downtime. Recommended in a series for optimal results.

Exfoliation

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.

A Little Skin Physiology
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. No
Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin

Structure of the skin

A. 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.

B. 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.

C. Subcutaneous Layer

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

Microdermabrasion Pre and Post Instructions

PRE-MICRODERMABRASION INSTRUCTIONS:

• If you are prone to cold sores, you will need to contact your physician for antiviral medication to avoid a post treatment breakout. It is recommended you begin prophylaxis two (2) days prior to treatment and continue for five (5) days post treatment.
• 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.

POST-MICRODERMABRASION INSTRUCTIONS:

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.
• 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.

Recommended Users

Microdermabrasion gently removes epidermal cells to treat a vast range of skin imperfections: uneven pigmentation, sun damage, acne, acne scarring, uneven granular skin, fine lines, wrinkles, aging skin, enlarged pores, blackheads, scars and stretch marks.

It can be used by anyone concerned about the appearance of their skin. A series of 4-6 treatments is recommended and it is available only through medical professionals.

Using AFAs (Our Chemical Peel) with Microdermabrasion

AFAs have found a natural fit for the use with Microdermabrasion. Patients undergoing this procedure need also a skin care program that will not cause additional irritation to already tender skin.
Microdermabrasion can be performed, followed by the AFA Peel, with a light to moderate microdermabrasion and only 1-2 passes of the skin, with the Peel applied post.
Alternatively, the AFA Peel can be performed prior to Microdermabrasion, which will soften the keratin bonds between dead surface skin cells, making the microdermabrasion treatment more effective.