Microdermabrasion

Body Guru Health & Beauty
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion (often referred to as Microderm) is a family of cosmetic procedures popular in day spas, doctors' practices, and medical spas in which the stratum corneum (dead outermost surface of the skin) is partially or completely removed by light abrasion, to remove sun‐damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin. The procedure is not very painful and requires no anaesthetic. Microdermabrasion can be used medically for scar removal when the scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective with sunken scars. There is very little, if any, evidence that microdermabrasion stimulates collagen formation. Microdermabrasion can also be used for treatment of acne, but must be repeated periodically to be effective. Microdermabrasion should not be used on patients who have taken the medication Accutane (Isotretinion) in the previous twelve months. Different methods include mechanical abrasion from jets of zinc oxide or aluminium oxide crystals, fine organic particles, or a roughened surface. Particles are removed with a wand/hand piece through which the abrasive particles come. The term dermabrasion itself refers to the more severe medical procedure carried out under general or light anaesthesia. Scar Reduction.
The reduction of scars, lesions, and stretch marks from the skin is dependent on a process called "skin remodelling". The skin is designed to heal wounds fast to prevent blood loss and infection. Scars are made from a quickly formed "collagen glue" that the body deposits into an injured area for protection and strength. In the optimal skin healing, the wounded skin is rapidly closed, and then the healed area is slowly reconstructed to remove the residual collagen scars and blend this skin area into nearby skin. Scar collagen is removed and replaced with a mixture of skin cells and invisible collagen fibres. One way to accelerate remodelling is to induce a small amount of controlled skin damage with a needle, laser, microdermabrasion; scrubbing massage or other means, and then let the body repair processes rebuild the skin area. A second method is to use skin healing accelerators to increase the body's natural healing processes to obtain even better results.
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Diamond Peel
versus
Crystal Microderm Abrasion
(A customer’s view)
Of the three microdermabrasion treatments I've had done over the last years, the third one was with a diamond machine (the spa was running a special promotion). Crystal‐free microdermabrasion (aka diamond peeling) was virtually unknown when I had my first facial microderm abrasion, but I see that more and more spas and medical clinics now prefer it over the regular crystal machines. Basically, the crystals are replaced by microbrasion wands with diamond tips (either natural or synthetic). Diamond is actually four times harder than corundum crystals so, I asked myself, how can something this hard be used on your face? And if it is safe, are diamonds better than aluminium oxide or sodium bicarbonate micro‐
crystals? Most doctors agree that aluminium oxide is not dangerous when ingested and is safe for use with skin resurfacing treatments (specifically microderm abrasion) but there is a great deal of controversy in the medical community about its side effects. But there is another factor to consider. Companies producing and selling microderm abrasion machines and kits are in a constant struggle to win market share in the increasingly competitive skin rejuvenation industry. They have to be proactive and set new trends in order to increase their profits. For the sake of both perceived safety and effectiveness, crystal micro dermabrasion machines (with aluminium oxide or sodium bicarbonate crystals) are slowly being phased out and replaced with diamond micro dermabrasion machines. Companies make great efforts to prove that diamond peeling is safer for us, patients and easier to use for doctors. But diamond tips can, in theory, cause skin damage because they are that much harder (there is no evidence to back up these claims, though). What is the difference between
Crystal and Diamond Micro
Abrasion?
The regular crystal micro dermabrasion technology involves the use of a special, hand‐held device that propels a high‐speed flow of aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin. At the same time, the machine's vacuum system sucks away dirt, dead cells and used crystals. The diamond derm abrasion system, on the other hand, replaces the micro‐crystal flow with a disposable or reusable diamond tip wand. Areas closer to the eyes and mouth can be abraded more accurately with diamond abrasion (no risk of stray crystals causing damage or being ingested). Other than that, crystal‐free microdermabration works in the same way traditional microabrasion does. Diamond microderm machines usually come with tipped wands of varied size and coarseness for different skin types and depths of resurfacing. The wand tip is made of natural diamond chips which polish the skin and remove dead cells, which are then vacuumed back into a waste filter. Many professionals prefer natural diamond tips because they are easier to control and don't irritate the skin (natural minerals are less likely to trigger adverse reactions). Diamond Microdermabrasion (Crystal-free)
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Microdermabrasion Crystals
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Which to choose?
Regular Microderm
Abrasion or
Diamond Tip
Peeling
Crystal‐free tips and natural diamond tips are easier to use and unlikely to leave tiny particles in the eyes, nose or mouth. But a crystal‐free micro dermabrasion machine isn't completely safe. Bacteria from exfoliated skin stays on the tip and can be unknowingly spread to another areas of the face or body. Diamond tip microdermabrasion is also not as effective on irregular surfaces because there are no crystals to fit the exact irregularities of the skin. Aluminum oxide crystals have been the most commonly used abrasive agent for the last 20 years (no wonder they were so popular in microdermabrasion). Aluminum oxide is the second hardest mineral (diamonds are first). The irregular crystal shape makes them a more effective abrader. Aluminum oxide is also an inert material and it causes no allergic or adverse reactions. It is not toxic when ingested and is non‐carcinogenic. Sodium bicarbonate crystals are an organic alternative to aluminum oxide crystals but they are a lot softer and less effective in microderma abrasion. They are used on patients with hyperpigmentation and can be easily washed off after treatment (sodium bicarbonate is water‐soluble). Both are just as effective, from what I could tell, and the price is similar (between $75 and $200 per abrasion). Diamond microdermabrasion needs a more significant, upfront investment but it doesn't use a fresh supply of crystals after every treatment, which is why spas and surgeries can offer it at a similar price. I suppose the only real reason to consider a diamond peel instead of the regular micodermabrasion is the lack of stray crystals. After having tried both diamond tipped micro dermabrasion and the regular kind, I believe the choice is a matter of personal preference. I cannot say whether diamond microderm was more effective than the regular microdemabrasion (a microscope would probably favor one over the other) but I was equally happy with the results. Consider Diamond
Microdermabrasion to keep
skin youthful looking.
One of the most popular skin care treatments on the market is diamond microdermabrasion. Able to solve many different types of skin concerns, this procedure is easy, painless and extremely effective. Microdermabrasion is an advanced method of exfoliating the skin. Exfoliation is needed for getting rid of dead skin cells on the surface layer of your skin. If not removed, numerous complexion problems are likely to occur. Through microdermabrasion, the process is completed much quicker which encourages the production of fresh new skin cells. What this means for your skin is a fresher, healthier appearance through skin cell turnover. Originally offered by dermatologists, microdermabrasion provides fast improvement for skin concerns such as fine lines, blemishes and resultant scarring, stretch marks, age spots and sun damage. This method works especially well on issues such as acne which is caused by too many dead skin cells leading to an infection within the skin. By removing this buildup of cells, skin is improved and additional problems are reduced or prevented. Although there is an option referred to as crystal microdermabrasion, you may be disappointed with the negative side effects of this procedure. This is because many dust particles are made during this procedure and they can get into your mouth or eyes. This poses a health risk and accordingly, it should not be used near any open areas such as around the eyes, ears and mouth. Although good results can be gained from the safe areas treated with crystals, the delicate eye area and skin around the lips must be avoided. Unfortunately, these areas are usually where the first signs of aging appear. Fine lines often develop in these places and often are the main reason many search for skin treatments in the first place. Diamond‐based treatments on the other hand produce none of the hazardous dust that results from crystals. Accordingly, they can be used near the eyes and around the mouth area where the signs of aging are first observed. The anti aging skin care benefits of the diamond tip machine far exceed its competition. Microdermabrasion sessions can be scheduled in most every city today as there are numerous clinics, salons and spas performing the treatments. Expect to pay for a series of treatments because this is a procedure that should be performed on a consistent basis to get and keep good results. Most women, and even men, find the benefits are worth the money and continue with sessions indefinitely. If you can't afford pricey clinic or salon sessions, you can try doing it at home. You can purchase an at home microdermabrasion kit to help you achieve great results. You can even buy your own diamond microdermabrasion machine for home use that gives you good results at a decent price. No matter which option you choose ‐ your skin will benefit greatly from it.