MICRODERMABRATION
TREATMENT
Microdermabrasion, also known as microderm, is one of the easiest and most
effective anti-aging treatments.
Microdermabrasion is essentially powerful mechanical exfoliation with an
expensive machine, generally either the original crystal microdermabrasion
technology or the newer diamond-tip microdermabrasion.
Both work by removing the uppermost layer of dead skin cells from the face,
chest and hands. True microdermabrasion is usually done in a day spa, medical
spa or specialized skin care studio. It gives results which is basically a scrub for
the face that is often too abrasive and can even irritate skin.
The original microdermabrasion technology, which has been around since
the'80s, is called crystal microdermabrasion. It uses a wand to both spray and
vacuum up aluminium oxide crystals, also known as corundum, the second
hardest mineral after diamonds. Crystal microdermabrasion might also appear
on a spa menu as particle resurfacing, power peel, derma-peel or Parisian
peel. Other types of crystals that are used in some machines, including salt and
baking soda, but they are not very common.
Growing in popularity is the newer diamond-tip microdermabrasion. It
achieves the same results but with less discomfort and without the crystal
residue at the end of the treatment.
The latest technology to hit the market is the Hydra-Facial, which uses water to
exfoliate and extract while infusing the skin with serums.
THE BENEFITS OF MICRODERMABRATION TREATMENTS
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Softens fine lines and wrinkles
Pain-free
Stimulate/improve circulation
Increase blood and lymph flow
Eliminates milia and blackheads/ clear spots
Helps to smooth coarsely texture skin
Decreases the appearance of scarring
Decreases and closes pore size
Reduces superficial hyper-pigmentation (age spots)
Makes it easier for high-tech skin care products to penetrate into the
deeper layers of the skin and help build/stimulate collagen, which gives
skin its youthful appearance.
 Best to have 6-10 treatments about 7-10 days apart ( for youthful skin)
 Best to have 6-10 treatments about 3-4 weeks apart ( skin with acne)
 “Lunch time peel” it takes about 30 min
(5 days) Before the Microdermabrasion treatment we need to stay
away from:
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Chemical creams for depilation
Electrolyse
Waxing
Peeling products
CONTRA- INDICATIONS FOR MICRODERMABRATION TREATMENT
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Acne-prone people
Skin disorders and diseases (like herpes simplex)
Excessive cuts and bruises
Severe scarring
Pregnancy
Rosacea
Skin cancer
Eye-lid skin area
Operations around treated area, face/body (at least 2 months restbefore the treatment)
Botox within 72 hr
skin inflammation
bacterial infections
lack of tactile sensation
keloid scarring
AFTER CARE ADVICE (MICRODERMABRATION)
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Avoid sunlight/sun beds ( for 2 weeks after course of treatments)
No swimming or other facial treatments for 24 hr
Drink plenty of water
No make-up or perfumed products for 24 hr
Apply healing products –aloe vera gel at night
Use moisturiser with sun block factor 15-30 during day
Avoid over stimulating the area (no heat treatments/exercise/hot
showers for 24 hr)
PREPERATION OF THE CLIENT- MICRODERMABRATION TREATMENT
Preparation of the client for MICRODERMABRATION TREATMENT
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Place the client in a well supported, comfortable position
Check that all the jewellery has been removed
Cleanse the face thoroughly (twice)
Tone the skin to remove all grease
Check for contra-indications and perform skin sensitivity test
Explain the treatment to the client. (Always ask the client for any
discomfort).
Procedure for MICRODERMABRATION TREATMENT
 Prepare the machine, place on the stable base and check/secure all the
plugs and leads.
 Check that the intensity controls are at zero.
 Collect commodities: face mask/glasses/hot water, non-allergic
cleanser/toner/mask/moisturiser with SPF 25 or over/ cotton wool/facial
sponges/towelling etc.
 Prepare the probes
 Check the pressure on yourself
 Place the probe in position on the face.
 Tell the client that the machine is being switched on.
 Vacum pressure between 3psi-5psi according to sensitivity of the
skin/depth of peel and manufactures instructions
 Light-medium rate movements/strokes- horizontally and vertically
 Treatment time:30 min
 Apply toner over the treated area.
 Apply moisturiser with SPF 25 or over for protection.
How Microdermabrasion Works
The crystal microdermabrasion device consists of a compressor that draws in
air through a hand-held wand. When the wand touches the skin, a vacuum is
created. Aluminum oxide crystals, also known as corundum (the secondhardest mineral next to diamonds) blast across the skin’s surface, picking up
dead surface skin cells along the way. The crystals and dead skin cells are
quickly sucked up through a different tube in the same wand and go to a
disposal bag.
The depth of exfoliation is controlled by the strength of the vacuum and crystal
flow, which is determined by the therapist. He or she makes two passes over
the skin, sometimes a third if the skin is thick enough or if there is an area that
needs special attention, like a scar or brown spot.
Crystal microdermabrasion can be uncomfortable, especially around the
sensitive tissue of the mouth and nose, but it should not be painful. The
therapist should be checking about comfort level of the client during the
treatment.
The therapist should wear gloves, a mask and eye protection. Eyes of the client
should also be protected.
Diamond-tip microdermabrasion uses the same vacuum technology and handheld wand, but there aren't any crystals moving through the tip. The diamond
tip itself exfoliates the skin and the vacuum whisks the dead skin away. There
are many different tips with various grades of roughness, and the therapist
choose the correct one for client skin type and condition.
Diamond-tip microdermabrasion is much less uncomfortable, but achieves the
same results. It is also usually better for sensitive skin.
STATE THE CONTRA-ACTION (MICRODERMABRATION) THAT MAY OCCUR
DURING AND FOLLOWING TREATMENTS AND HOW TO RESPOND
 Abrasions and pin-point bleeding that means the treatment was too
aggressive
 Erythema- redness it should disappear within 48 hours.
 Lack of hygiene after the treatment (touching the skin with dirty hands)