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Exfoliation

A History of Exfoliative Skin Therapy

Exfoliation is thought to have originated by the Egyptians. Egyptian royalty used pumice and alabaster to remove skin imperfections. Over the centuries, everything from extracts of minerals and plants to acids and fire were used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.

Originally a Syrian goddess, Qetesh, depicted here on a stele, was later worshipped in Egypt as a goddess of beauty.She wears a crescent moon or disc on the head and holds symbols of fertility and eroticism.

Ancient Dermabrasion Techniques Evolve

Dermabrasion is Born

By the mid part of the 20th century the first modern dermabrasion utilized a rotating wire brush called a burr or fraise. Dermatologists performed this technique using cryoanesthesia (applying cold) or refrigeration anesthesia on these early patients. The wheel was gently moved over the skin’s surface wearing away the epidermis and part of the dermis. This technique was primarily used to improve scars from acne, chicken pox, disease or accidents.

Dermabrasion Evolves into Early Microdermabrasion

Early dermabrasion techniques develop into what is known today as microdermabrasion in Italy during the 1980’s. Microdermabrasion was dubbed as such as it used small, inert (micro) crystals (Aluminum Oxide) to abrade the skin. This new technique offered advantages over earlier methods as it did not require anesthesia, had quick recovery time, was low risk and relatively painless.

Early Microdermabrasion's Popularity Explodes

The 1990’s saw Microdermabrasion's popularity spread through Europe for several years prior to exploding across the United States where it obtained FDA approval. As this technology involved the high-speed propulsion of sand crystals composed of aluminum oxide against the skin (i.e. "micro-sandblasting"), concerns rose regarding the safety of absorbing and inhaling aluminum oxide dust. As skin care moved into the 21st century controversy in the medical profession emerged regarding the use of aluminum oxide and other crystals. These concerns spawned a new microdermabrasion technique that utilizes a natural diamond tip to abrade the skin layers.

The Future of Microdermabrasion is Here:
Natural Diamond Crystal-Free Microdermabrasion

Natural Diamond Crystal-Free Microdermabrasion offers the benefits of the controversial crystal method but with significant advantages. With natural diamond, there is no threat of Aluminum Oxide particles left embedded in the skin or inhaling the particle dust and no disposal concerns.

Natural Diamond Microdermabrasion is Safer

Natural Diamond Microdermabrasion polishes the skin utilizing a diamond tip wand. The diamond tip wand has tiny natural diamond chips embedded into the circumference of the tip. As the natural diamond wand passes across the skin, it polishes as it gently removes the stratum corneum.

Natural Diamond Microdermabrasion is safer because it has no threat of dust inhalation. Because of this, it allows treatment to areas closer to the eyes and those fine lines around the mouth. The results include healthier, uniform, and more youthful looking skin with a silky smooth feel. Due to the recent reclassification of microdermabrasion devices, FDA approval is no longer needed. However, some manufacturers continue to seek and obtain approval. Microdermabrasion has become one of the most popular non-surgical procedures to improve the skin’s appearance performed today.

Popular Around the World

You may have heard or read the term “Microdermabrasion” on the radio, television, and in magazines, newspapers, and popular magazines. You've probably heard your friends talking about it also. Microdermabrasion has become the standard to describe this skin care technology. It is a non-surgical, non-chemical, non-invasive method of skin resurfacing. First introduced in Europe, it has now become one of the most popular non-surgical procedures for skin care around the world.

How Does Microdermabrasion Work?

Microdermabrasion can also be referred to as micro dermabrasion, micro-dermabrasion or microderm abrasion. It is a skin care technique that refines, rejuvenates and softens the skin. This procedure was initially termed "microepi-dermabrasion" because the dermis layer of skin is not actually abraded.

Microdermabrasion uses a hand held wand to exfoliate (remove) the outer layers of dead and damaged skin. It is relatively painless with the feel of a facial massage with mild discomfort and a sensation of light tingling.

The outer most layer of skin (stratum corneum) contains dead skin cells that are continuously shed. Our bodies remove this layer naturally every four weeks. This is the same layer that gives skin its appearance that shows flaking (dryness), fine lines and wrinkles. Keeping this layer free of dead and damaged skin cells is vital for healthy looking skin.

Removing the stratum corneum increases blood circulation and stimulates the production of fresh, young skin cells and collagen (fibrous protein). Once the stratum corneum is removed, a new vibrant layer of skin is revealed.

With microdermabrasion you can maintain healthy and clear skin on a regular basis. Since microdermabrasion is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure, the risk of injury is very small. The time it takes to complete a session is less than other procedures. A typical session lasts between 15 and 30 minutes dependant upon the areas of treatment and the condition of the skin. And the downtime is considerably less than other skin resurfacing procedures.

Optimum results are achieved with multiple sessions. Optimum results are achieved with multiple sessions for certain skin conditions or imperfections.

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion provides the means to efficiently and effectively address different types of skin conditions while combating facial imperfections caused by such factors as aging and sun exposure. Removal of dry, dead surface cells helps the skin in many ways.

• Makes the skin smoother
• Stimulates blood flow
• Facilitates the removal of debris that clogs pores
• Helps product penetration while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery into the epidermis. (Use less product with better results)
• Increases the cell turnover rate that brings younger skin cells to the surface more rapidly
• Improves the skin's ability to retain moisture and elasticity
• Makes application of makeup easier.

The benefits of regular microdermabrasion sessions are:

• Erase fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduce large pores
• Recovery of aging skin
• Reduce age (liver) spots
• Reduce sun damage
• Reduce stretch marks
• Diminish certain types of acne scars
• Remove whiteheads, blackheads and blemishes
• Reduce mild hyper pigmentation
• Firms skin and muscle tissue (reduce sagging)

A Few Concerns with Microdermabrasion

Although microdermabrasion is one of the very best methods for skin care, there are a few issues to be aware of and consider prior to treatment. Microdermabrasion is not a cure all for every type of skin disorder or imperfection. Depending upon the severity of the imperfection, there may be other methods that achieve better results.

Microdermabrasion should not be performed if you have certain medical conditions such as active herpes, warts, weeping acne (stages 3-4), active rosacea or eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, lupus, unstable diabetes, cancerous or precancerous lesions, or auto-immune system disorders. Also, certain medications may prevent you from receiving microdermabrasion such as Accutane. Always check with your doctor if taking any medication prior to treatment.

It is recommended to use plenty of sunscreen for the first few days after treatment and keep your skin well hydrated with a cream or lotion. This is a good idea to do regardless of treatment.

The crystal method of Microdermabrasion can produce dust. An inherent risk of the crystal method is that it is possible to inhale the Aluminum Oxide dust. Eye problems have also been reported from using this method. Even substituting Aluminum Oxide with other types of crystals still leaves the risk of inhaling or absorbing dust debris.

Although very rare, there is a risk of infection or hyper pigmentation if the equipment is contaminated. The former is of course true with any medical treatment. In conclusion, essentially if you are a healthy adult, you should be a candidate to benefit from microdermabrasion skin care.

Similar Results without the Risk

Today the natural diamond method is overwhelmingly replacing the crystal method. The simple reason is that the results are extremely comparable to that of the crystal method without the risks associated with the aluminum oxide dust. Natural Diamond Microdermabrasion peels away dead skin naturally.

Two methods of Microdermabrasion, Natural Diamond and Crystal method: diamonds or dust, you decide...

Risks exist with the use of Aluminum Oxide crystals.

• Crystal Peeling
• A technology that uses crystal powder (Aluminum Oxide) to abrade the skin by vacuum pressure.
• Used Crystal powder can remain on the eyes, nose or mouth after peeling. It is not healthy or sanitary.
• Post Procedure - redness and possible bruising.
• Downtime - couple of hours to 2 days.
• Cost $100-$200 / per treatment.

Risks exist with the use of TCA (Trichloroacetic acid).

• TCA (Trichloroacetic acid)
• A technology that uses chemicals to resurface the skin.
• The depth of peeling depends on concentration of chemical solution.
• Used only by Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons.
• Post Procedure - severe redness and continual peeling.
• Downtime - 2-3 weeks.
• Cost $500-$800 / per treatment.
• Risks exist with Laser Resurfacing.

Laser Resurfacing

• Exposing laser (CO2, Er: YAG Laser) on the skin.
• Used only by Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons.
• Post Procedure - extreme redness and peeling, oozing, bleeding, painkillers prescribed for pain.
• Downtime - several months.
• Cost $1000-$4000 / per treatment.

Risks exist with the use of Glycolic Acid AHA and Salicylic Acid BHA.

• Glycolic Acid AHA and Salicylic Acid BHA
• A technology that uses chemical peeling agents.
• Used only by aestheticians and dermatologists.
• Post Procedure - extreme redness and peeling.
• Downtime - 3 to 7 days.
• Cost $75-$100 / per treatment.