Frequently asked questions about Microdermabrasion:
This advanced treatment removes the outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells, to reveal a fresher, younger-looking face. Over time, this repeated process stimulates the production of a new layer of skin cells, bringing with it an increased level of collagen and elastin, which further improves your skin’s appearance. Soul Care offers a new development that goes beyond micro-dermabrasion, combining diamond head exfoliation and solution infusion to deliver maximum results to any skin condition in half the time of any ordinary micro-dermabrasion.
micro–dermabrasion with infusion 35 mins $75
Crystal or Diamond MicrodermabrasionIf you could remove that outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells, you would see that just below the surface lies a fresher, younger-looking face. That’s exactly what microdermabrasion treatments can do for you. By gently, precisely exfoliating the surface of your skin over a course of weekly sessions, treatments whisk away years of buildup, revealing a more beautiful you.
Brighter, clearer and more evenly toned skin is waiting for you in as little as four to six treatments. Over time, this repeated process stimulates the production of a new layer of skin cells, bringing with it an increased level of collagen and elastin, which further improves your skin’s appearance.
Crystal microdermabrasion systems have been around for several years and the industry has made good use of the excellent work that they can do. However, in the last couple of years we have seen an important step forward with the introduction of diamond tipped treatment heads.
This process does two things, firstly it exfoliates the surface of the skin and, secondly, it stimulates the production of collagen, elastin and fibroblast (the underlying skins’ scaffolding). The aspiration (sucking) also draws blood to the surface of the skin giving a greater level of oxygenated blood in the dermis which automatically increases intercellular activity and the skins regeneration process. Simple but extremely effective.
As we age, our production of collagen, elastin and fibroblast slows down, but if we stimulate this production on a regular basis we will automatically have a stronger underlying substructure to the skin which will reduce the visible signs of ageing ie. lines and wrinkles.
Are diamonds really a girl’s best friend?
The answer is a simple yes, but let me explain why.
Conventional microdermabrasion systems fire a crystal or other particle at the skin, however with diamond heads the technician gently ‘strokes’ the skin with a clever, diamond-tipped treatment head. The tip of this treatment head is encrusted with real diamonds and it is these diamonds which achieve the exfoliation of the skin.
Microdermabrasion is effective in reducing fine lines, “crow’s feet,” age spots and acne scars. It stimulates the production of skin cells and collagen. It has proven to be a very popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure;
What are the Benefits:
- Virtually no side effects.
- Gives the skin an overall fresh, healthy-looking glow.
- Nonsurgical, safe, effective “lunch hour” procedure.
- Effective on all skin colors and types.
- No anesthetic required.
- Excellent for skin sensitive to chemical procedures.
- Normal activities can be resumed immediately.
Other Considerations:
- Requires multiple sessions and maintenance treatments.
- Patients with good skin tone will show best results.
- An individualized skin care program may be recommended to maximize results.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a mini procedure that involves the removal of the stratum corneum (top) layer of the skin; dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion also promotes the production of new cells in the basal (deepest) layer of the dermis. It can clean your pores incredibly and hinder any future breaks outs if used on a regular basis. Microdermabrasion also stimulates collagen net working to further even out skin texture and appearance.
Are You a Candidate For Microdermabrasion?
The best candidates for microdermabrasion are individuals with acne prone and blotchy skin, small scars, rhytides, keratoses, large pores, milia, or sebaceous hyperplasia. If you have sun damage or uneven texture and would like to improve the condition of your skin, you may be a good candidate for Microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion is not recommended for those who have active keloids, undiagnosed lesions, recent herpes outbreaks, warts, active, weeping acne (stages 3 to 4), active rosacea, unstable diabetes or auto-immune system disorders.
Does Microdermabrasion Hurt?
Microdermabrasion does not hurt although it may sting a little around the eye area. The patient normally works up to a level as they go to increase the penetration to the skin. Your skin may feel a little hot and appear a little pink for the first day.
You should be perfectly fine that night. Although really intense micro- dermabrasion treatments may leave you pink for several days.
What to Expect
During a Treatment?
People have attributed the sensation of a microdermabrasion treatment to a slight windburn. Although depending upon the level that you wish to reach the discomfort is usually quite minimal, if at all. The treatments typically last 20 to 30 minutes for the face, if your treatment includes the neck and upper chest area, it may last up to an hour.
A normal course of microdermabrasion treatments varies between 4 to 8 at approximately 3-4 week intervals. It is recommended that you schedule an additional treatment every 1 to 3 months to maintain your skin in excellent condition. Most people actually feel and see a difference just after one or two treatments but schedule additional treatments to increase this improvement.
After The Treatment?
A rehydrating toner, moisturiser and sunscreen is applied to your skin prior to leaving.
Some redness is expected after a treatment, however this is not likely to persist more than a few hours. The sensation of having a mild windburn or sunburn will also pass after a few hours. Applying a high quality moisturizer to re-hydrate the skin at this point will help.
Avoid direct sun exposure for 7 days after a treatment. We do stress the importance of using a high quality sun protectant product as well as minimizing sun exposure. Exposure to UV radiation is one of the key factors in speeding the skin aging process.
Avoid Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid products and skin exfoliation scrubs for 72 hours both before and after a treatment.
Avoid full face make-up, i.e. liquid foundations or pressed powder foundations for 24 hours after a treatment. Eye make-up, lipstick etc. may be applied immediately after a treatment.
What Results Are Gained From Microdermabrasion?
Your skin will feel vibrant and healthy and you will notice an immediate difference in your softer, smoother skin. There is virtually no recovery time, no discomfort and you can return to work immediately.
A series of microdermabrasion treatments can help reduce the look of fine lines and superficial wrinkles, remove thickened skin areas due to the impact of environmental factors and reduce the appearance of blemishes caused by sun damage. Additionally, microdermabrasion can reduce the appearance of open pores by unclogging sebum (oil) build-up and eliminate white and black heads.
What Can’t Microdermabrasion Do?
Please be advised, raised or deeply pitted skin areas (possibly from old severe acne scars) and darker pigmented areas will require multiple treatments. I must advise that while Microdermabrasion does is not the cure all for heavily damaged skin, it is a non invasive technique for those of you who do not need a serious laser or chemical peel treatment.
How Much Does Microdermabrasion Cost?
A single microdermabrasion treatment costs NZ$75.00 or $300.00 for 6 treatments.
When should I avoid Microdermabrasion?
You should NOT have a microdermabrasion treatment on the affected area if you have the following:
- Undiagnosed lesions
- Recent herpes outbreaks
- Warts
- Active, weeping acne (stages 3-4)
- Active Rosacea
- Unstable diabetes
- Auto-immune system disorders
- Some patients hyperpigment post-treatment. Lower pressures are used on follow-up treatments for these individuals.
- Using Retin A religiously or just had a chemical peel
- recently had laser surgery
*source for the immediate above, Medscape Medical Journal (1999) and additional media