1.) What is Microdermabrasion ?
Developed in Europe in the mid-80s as an alternative to other risky and unpredictable forms of skin peeling, microdermabrasion is a non invasive form of exfoliation that can be performed with varying degrees of intensity. Abrasive crystals (typically, but not necessarily, Aluminum Oxide crystals) are used to remove the stratum corneum, the horny upper layers of the skin, revealing the younger, fresher, tighter skin cells beneath. Benefits can include new cellular growth in the basal level -that is, the deepest level- of the skin and the stimulation of collagen and elastin production (the loss of collagen and elastin being a major factor in skin ageing).
Microdermabrasion requires no anesthetic and no down time, hence the label "the lunchtime peel". You can return to work and resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
2.) Why is it important to regularly exfoliate the skin ?
Despite our best efforts, skin is continually subject to damaging factors such as fatigue, stress, the sun, dietary deficiencies, smoking (including second hand smoke) and environmental pollution (especially in cities). The exfoliating action of microdermabrasion a) removes damage in the epidermis, the skin's upper level and b) stimulates new cellular growth at the skin's deepest level to smooth, firm and tone the complexion.
3.) What is special about the MicroDermAbrader® Home Microdermabrasion system ?
Cheaper, safer, and more convenient than making an appointment at a salon or spa, the MicroDermAbrader® Home Microdermabrasion System has all the advantages microdermabrasion has to offer without the problems associated with salon treatments. The $ savings are considerable and by using the MicroDermAbrader® kits at home you can customize your treatment according to your particular skincare needs and desires.
5.) Is Microdermabrasion safe and why is the MicroDermAbrader® Home Microdermabrasion system safer ?
Although the treatment itself is safe (and FDA approved), spa or salon treatments pose significant risks to their clients' health, not least risks of HIV infection and Hepatitis B or C. The sale of microdermabrasion machines is not subject to regulation; the same is true of training, provided and organized at the discretion of the machine manufacturers. When performed in unsterile conditions, more invasive, medical grade microdermabrasion machines can cause infections. Medical grade microdermabrasion is deeper and can cause bleeding and hyperpigmentation. There has also been a suggested link between Alzheimer's Disease and inhalation of aluminum from the Aluminum Oxide crystals used almost universally for microdermabrasion.
The MicroDermAbrader® Home Microdermabrasion System does not use Aluminum Oxide crystals and is performed by the client at home. This removes the unneccessary dangers entailed by salon, spa or medical suite microdermabrasion.
6.) Who can use the MicroDermAbrader® Home Microdermabrasion kit ?
The kit is safe and suitable for almost all skin types, skin tones and ages.
There are particular groups of people that are more suitable for this treatment than any other :
Microdermabrasion is excellent for both maintaining good skin and treating problems to achieve good skin. It can be used on the body as well as the face and is very effective in treating hard-to-reach or extra sensitive areas (especially unsuitable for chemical peeling) such as the hands, elbows, neck, chest, knees and feet.
See the product insert for more details on contraindications for use.
7.) Is the MicroDermAbrader® Home Microdermabrasion kit suitable for ethnic skin ?
Yes !
Other forms of skin peeling can cause uneven skin tone in naturally pigmented skins. Unlike chemical peeling and laser resurfacing, the MicroDermAbrader® System does not involve the application of acid or heat to the skin and is therefore not associated with the risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation. This makes it an excellent treatment for African American, Hispanic, Asian and other pigmented complexions.
8.) Why is the MicroDermAbrader® Home Microdermabrasion kit good for men ?
Many of the same reasons why the kit is good for women who want to maintain or improve their skin apply equally to men.
a. It works.
b. Treatments are quick to perform.
c. It's good value for money.
However, the fact that no salon appointments are necessary and that you do your own treatments in the privacy of your own home may be especially attractive to male users of the kit.
There is also the issue of shaving. Compared to other forms of skin peeling, use of the MicroDermAbrader® Home Microdermabrasion kit is least disruptive of normal grooming activities and does not interfere with shaving. In fact, use of the MicroDermAbrader® is actively recommended for people who shave because the exfoliating action of the crystals loosens up the ingrown hairs shaving causes.
9.) What does the treatment feel like ?
Imagine the rough, gritty surface of sandpaper being rubbed across your skin. That is akin to the sensation produced by the leather pad and crystals. Afterwards, you may feel a light tingling. It is neither painful nor uncomfortable and with the home kit this can be precisely controlled by you as you become more adept at the procedure. Go gently at first and then adjust the degree of intensity as you get to know how your skin reacts.
10.) How many treatments will I need ?
A typical course of treatments is about 6-10 . More specifically, it depends on what you want to achieve and how dedicated you are about maintaining results.
Immediate improvements are visible in terms of skin tone and texture - skin is smoother with a vibrant, healthy glow- but more radical results (to reduce pigmentation problems or lines, acne scars or wrinkles) require multiple treatments.
Unlike laser resurfacing or chemical peels, microdermabrasion is a progressive form of skin therapy that furnishes gradual improvements over time, rather like an exercise program. And like an exercise program, best results are achieved and maintained by continued exertion. This means that sustained use of the kits is necessary to gain optimal benefits. When specific problems have been addressed, continue with treatments every 1-2 weeks.
11.) What cannot be treated by the kit ?
Extensive skin damage may be too extensive for microdermabrasion and may respond better to more invasive, albeit more dangerous, techniques.
On the other hand, some significant problems may be improved, although not totally resolved. Even deep, "ice pick" scarring has been known to be reduced by microdermabrasion, if not removed completely.
It takes considerable time for serious skin damage to respond to microdermabrasion. Use common sense and patience. This is not a miracle formula or a route to the fountain of youth.
The fact is, results are highly individual. It is difficult to generalize about what works and how many treatment are required to achieve results, partly because skin types differ and partly because people have different expectations. (As a testiment to this, the jury is still out on the efficacy of microdermabrasion for tatoo removal.) Each skin will respond in its own way and you can tailor subsequent treatments to this with the at-home MicroDermAbrader® kit.
The bottom line is that there are few risks associated with microdermabrasion, so it can usually be tried as a first port of call. In severe cases microdermabrasion can be most effective when used in tandem with other treatments such as careful use of Retin-A and Glycolic preparations. (Check with a dermatologist on this because this combination is not usually recommended.) It also acts as an excellent pre- and post-treatment to supplement more invasive (surgical) procedures.
12.) How can I best prepare my skin before treatment ?
Take steps to avoid sunburn and windburn which must heal before using the MicroDermAbrader® System. Avoid scrubs, peeling products (including post-shaving lotions such as "Tend Skin") and waxing shortly before and after treatment. Also ensure that any collagen injections are no less than 2 weeks before and after using the kit. Read the instruction booklet in the MicroDermAbrader® Home Microdermabrasion kit and pay particular attention to the "Warnings" section.
13.) Are the kits safe for pregnant women ?
Microdermabrasion is not recommended during pregnancy. After pregnancy, however, it can be very effective in dealing with stretch marks and skin discoloration.
14.) What happens post-treatment ?
You may be a little pink or red shortly after treatment, especially at first, depending on your skin sensitivity and how much the skin has been abraded. (Any peeling or flaking is usually averted by use of a good, anti-inflammatory product such as the MicroDermAProtector.) With more aggressive abrasion stretch marks and scars may show signs of temporary swelling or blood spotting.
All the more reason to be gentle with your microdermabraded skin. Avoid pulling and stretching it with massage, avoid AHA and Glycolic Acid preparations a few days before and after treatment. You may apply make-up after microdermabrasion but use a light hand. Oil-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic products are best to avoid clogging and possibly enlarging pores.
Above all, wear a sunscreen (SPF 30 and up) whenever you go out during use of the MicroDermAbrader®