By Anitra Brown |
Microdermabrasion is mechanical exfoliation that removes the uppermost layer of dead skin cells from the face, chest, hands and other parts of the body. Microdermabrasion is also known as particle resurfacing, power peel, derma-peel or Parisian peel. It takes about 20-30 minutes and there’s no down-time for the skin to recover. That’s why it’s also sometimes called a “lunchtime peel.”
How Microdermabrasion Works
Microdermabrasion uses a powerful device to spray microcrystals of aluminum dioxide (corundum powder) across the skin’s surface. The aluminum dioxide is a very fine, very hard, sand-like material that blasts away the uppermost layer of dead skin cells on the skin’s epidermis.
Microdermabrasion can be uncomfortable around the sensitive tissue of the mouth and nose, but should not be painful. After the treatment, the technician vacuums away the traces of the corundum powder.
Microdermabrasion Benefits
• It leaves skin with a fresher, more glowing look.
• Diminishes sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and coarse textured skin.
• It makes it easy for high-tech skin care products to actually penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and help build collagen, which gives skin its youthful appearance.
Microdermabrasion Cautions
• Check on the training of the person who is going to give you the treatment. Results depend in part on their expertise.
• Make sure all traces of the aluminum dioxide is removed from your skin.
• Avoid sun exposure as mush as possible for about a week. When going outside is unavoidable, make sure to put on extra sunscreen. Along with the dead skin cells, you have removed some of your protection.
• Microdermabrasion is not recommended for sensitive skin or skin that easily reddens (called couperous).
Reference:
spas.about.com/od/medicalspatreatments/a/microderm.htm
