In recent weeks I noticed a flurry of articles on microdermabrasion, some informative, others not so much.
To clear some of the confusion around this procedure we’ll look at the mechanics of it first.
Simply put, microdermabrasion as delivered in a spa or medical office, is similar to sandblasting a wall. In our case, the wall is the skin and the particles used to clear the surface are tiny microspheres. These are delivered in a continuous stream pushed by air onto the skin. The effect of it is to dislodge and remove dead skin cells from the skin surface.
You will feel a sensation like the snap of a rubber band, not too bad. The visible result, depending on the state of your skin at the onset, is relatively not too impressive. However, if you are a smoker or have oily, thick skin, then the result is more striking. Usually one session is not enough to make a substantial difference. You must remember, this procedure removes only a superficial layer, so deeper wrinkles and sun damage will still be visible, even after a series of treatments, albeit lighter and reduced in intensity.
It is not enough to have this treatment if the home care is not up to par. Once the skin is clear of superficial dead cells, it is the time to use intensive anti-aging and moisturizing products, because their effect is going to be that much more visible on cleared skin.
The same results can be obtained with glycolic acid treatments. These are only done by a trained professional, just like the microdermabrasion we just mentioned above. Instead of a mechanical exfoliation, the glycolic acid treatment is a chemical exfoliation that uses sugar cane extract (glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane – it is a natural product) that can break down the substance which holds together the dead cells on the skin surface. Imagine a brick wall and the glycolic acid eating away the mortar. Once the mortar is gone, the bricks fall off. The same process happens with the skin, but the skin cells are not visible to the naked eye.
What we can see are the results, which, in my experience, are superior to those of microdermabrasion. However, both these procedures can only be done by a trained professional. This is where the home microdermabrasion comes in.
There are any number of kits available, some more effective than others. The great advantage is that one can do this procedure at home, in one’s time and in privacy. Again, do not expect miraculous results after the first treatment, but if you keep it up, the results follow soon enough.
It is best to engage in this series of treatments at the change of seasons, fall and spring being the ideal time.
There is one home care microdermabrasion that I like, made by Sothys Skin Care. It is called [C] Renewal System and it involves two products which complement each other, so the results are much superior that using just the microdermabrasion alone.
First item is the Microdermabrasion Mask -At-home microdermabrasion treatment that combines mechanical and chemical exfoliation. By using both mechanical AND chemical exfoliation the results are better.
Second item is the C Continuous Renewal Care night cream designed to restore skin health with the H2CR™ Complex and pentapeptides for anti-aging skin care.
In the same category of home care microdermabrasion, but in a class of its own, is the C Renewal Double Peeling System, a high technology double-serum to renew lifeless, dull and ageing skins.
Regardless of the system you decide to use, please remember that once the skin is smoothed, it needs nutrition and moisture both. After exfoliation a good moisturizer and a nourishing night cream are the necessary ingredients for achieving the perfect complexion.
by Nadia Danay
