Joz Salon & Spa
Microdermabrasion might sound painful, but it’s actually one of the gentlest, fastest, non-invasive anti-ageing treatments around today.
Before you go running off to the salon to get the treatment, there are a few essential things to consider. Joz Salon & Spa explains the procedure in detail.
Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical facial resurfacing technique performed in a series of about six to 10 treatments. It mechanically exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin cells (the stratum corneum) and vacuums them away, leaving your skin feeling softer and smoother — and if done well, looking younger and more vibrant.
The way it works is that when you remove the stratum corneum, the body has a minor freak-out, interpreting it as an injury. It quickly replaces the lost skin cells with new, healthy ones.
Microdermabrasion machines are rather expensive contraptions that use either crystals or diamonds to abrade the skin. Crystal microdermabrasion machines consist of a compressor that draws in air through a hand-held stainless steel or glass wand. When the wand touches the skin, a vacuum is created.
The most common crystals used are aluminium oxide crystals, also known as corundum. Other crystals used are sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and magnesium oxide.
The treatment is non-invasive and recovery time is as little as one or two days. Best of all, you can have it done during your lunch hour and go straight back to work looking pretty good for someone who has just had their skin cells vacuumed off their face (but take your foundation along as your skin may be a little pink afterwards).
Facts About Microdermabrasion
• It has been shown to diminish fine lines, wrinkles and shallow acne scars, though results may vary from person to person.
• For those suffering from enlarged pores, it can help minimise pores and is great for unclogging them.
• It may decrease the appearance of superficial hyperpigmentation, age spots and other superficial skin damage caused by the sun.
• Removing dead skin through microdermabrasion can aid in the penetration of skin products by up to 50 per cent and, with a more even surface to work with, it allows make-up to go on more smoothly.
• Many people choose it over chemical peels and laser treatment because it is generally safer and more cost-effective.
• The procedure may be a little uncomfortable but shouldn’t hurt (though skin can feel a little tender afterwards).
• It stimulates blood flow, which increases the nutrition delivered to skin cells. This improves cell production, which improves skin’s elasticity and texture.
• It temporarily removes moisture, so it should always be followed by application of a rich moisturiser.
• The best results are usually seen by people in the early stages of ageing, between 35 and 50.
• It’s not recommended if you have skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, dermatitis, active sunburn, herpes, lupus, open sores, psoriasis, fragile capillaries or widespread acne. Seek medical advice first.
• A series of six to 10 treatments is usually recommended for optimum results, with two weeks in between for skin to recover.
• The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes for the face, longer if you want your neck and other body parts such as hands and feet done.
• Skin will be more sensitive to sunlight afterwards, so stay out of the sun or use a good sunscreen.
• Your beautician should check with you about your comfort level during the treatment. Don’t be afraid to speak up if your face feels like it’s being sucked into a black hole.
• After the procedure, it’s important to look after your refreshed skin with nourishing skin care products.
Joz Salon & Spa in Juffair offers microdermabrasion.
Call 17 369-133.
