Your skin’s new best friend may be as close as the touch of your telephone – that is to schedule your appointment for Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion was first developed and used in Europe over 10 years ago and received FDA approval for use in the United States in 1997. Microdermabrasion is the latest in facial skin peels and has become the darling of estheticians, dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Why? Because it is a safer skin procedure than others and much less extreme. If done properly, there is literally no ‘downtime’ – by which we mean you don’t stay in your house hiding for days! This new peel goes by various trademarks, like the California Peel, the Power Peel and the Diamond Peel, but the procedure is the same and the same techniques are used. Only the brand or kind of machine is different. It is all Microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion deeply, yet gently, exfoliates the skin by lightly sanding or abrading the top layer with very fine aluminum oxide particles and then, sucking up the debris - the dead skin and the particles - with a highly controlled vacuum. What makes this procedure so wonderful – and revolutionary - is that each treatment can be customized by varying the pressure of the crystal abrasion and the vacuum. Each client gets only what they require in skin exfoliation.

After the first treatment, your skin will have a fresh pink glow and will feel smoother and fresher - almost as if you have been out in the sun. The results are gradual and only with a series of treatments will you see improvement in your skin. But the improvement is remarkable and comes from removing damaged skin and stimulating new cell growth thereby encouraging the collagen in the skin to rebuild. It is the collagen that is so important to the aging process. Our skin gets thinner with age and produces less collagen. When the skin is sanded or abraded, it grows back thicker and, as the collagen production has been stimulated with the Microdermabrasion, it encourages smoother skin. With one treatment, the skin is re-freshened; with a series you can actually reduce fine lines, because the newer, softer skin moves to the surface, revealing significant textural and color changes.

The reaction to Microdermabrasion has been fantastic. Clients are raving about their glowing skin, improved skin tone and texture! Microdermabrasion benefits a host of skin problems including sun damage, fine lines, acne, acne scars, uneven pigmentation and dull skin. This skin therapy offers significant improvement over other procedures in that Microdermabrasion takes advantage of the skin’s response to the treatment - allowing a gradual resurfacing of the new skin. Additionally, Microdermabrasion can be used on all skin types and colors. Other procedures are often much harsher and more aggressive with significant ‘downtimes’ and risk.

Another plus for Microdermabrasion is that after the procedure the skin’s absorption capabilities are greatly enhanced making topical skin treatments more effective – almost a doubled effect. Therefore, after each treatment, we apply a blend of serums, which include vitamin E, vitamin A, panthenol and a moisture builder, to the skin. These ingredients re-hydrate the new skin and enhance the Microdermabrasion procedure allowing for more dramatic results.

Physicians, too, are raving about Microdermabrasion. As part of a long-term skin care routine, it is considered a great anti-aging procedure. Microdermabrasion is being used prior to plastic surgery and laser surgery to stimulate collagen production in the skin. The increased collagen gives a better outcome for the surgical procedure.

What should you look for when researching this new procedure? Make sure that the esthetician has been properly trained in operating the equipment and that he or she has a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the skin and its various conditions. The equipment used should provide anti-bacterial filters and waste disposal, preventing the passage of bacteria through the system to you, like the Excelladerm microdermabrasion machine. Anything that comes in contact with your skin should be either disposable or able to be sterilized. The esthetician should prep your skin properly with a good cleanser and toner and, in some cases, a mild acid peel can be added as a booster to the Microdermabrasion procedure for really sun-damaged skin. Following the procedure, your skin should be re-hydrated with anti-oxidants, aloe and vitamin therapy, allowing the new skin to be healed and nourished.

Microdermabrasion may sound painful when you say it . . . but it isn’t. It’s much like having your face licked by a cat – you know that sandpaper feel that a cat’s tongue has? The most major side effect is redness, which disappears after several hours. Perhaps the best way to think of this procedure is to liken it to skin polishing, using a fine mist of crystals. Each session lasts from 20 to 45 minutes and costs range from $100 to $200, depending on the skin area covered. An average client may need 4 to 8 treatments for the best results and treatments are spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart. Microdermabrasion - still your skin’s best friend.

Q. What is the best way to cover acne breakouts and acne scars?

A. When you are covering and camouflaging, remember that the color that you are trying to cover is the key to great coverage. Acne scars are sometimes purple, while acne breakouts are reddish. If what you want to cover up is red, use concealer with a yellow undertone to cancel out the red. We love the Circle 1 from Jane Iredale. Gently dab the concealer on the area. Tap the area to blend. Cover with a thin layer of foundation and brush on a little powder. Step back from the mirror and see how it looks. If you still need more coverage, repeat the process again. The thinner the layers the better, because it looks more natural. Also, remember, that people do not look at you from 6 inches away…..a more normal distance is 2 –3 feet…so stand back from the mirror to judge your makeup.

Is it necessary to use a foundation and if so, how do I select a color for my skin tone?

Remember that foundation is used to impart a smooth texture to the skin, not to change the color of the skin. If you use a mineral powder, you really do not need a foundation because of the way the mineral powder lays on the skin. Select the shade closest to your natural skin tone and be sure to blend carefully at the jaw line to avoid a line. Blend, blend, blend all over for a smooth appearance. Also, heavier coverage should go on in thin layers with a sponge. A makeup sponge will distribute the color evenly over the face. Fingertips are a “no-no” since they can spread germs.

How should you apply powder? And is it better to use loose or pressed powder?
Dip a large, fluffy brush into the powder, shake excess off. Use a sweeping motion to apply powder all over face, including the lids and lips, with a light dusting motion. Allow powder to set and gently remove excess. Pressed or loose powder is a matter of preference—we strongly suggest always using a brush. High quality brushes allow greater flexibility in the art of makeup application and a smoother, blended result.
How do I determine the correct place to apply cheek color? And how do I know what color is best for me?
Suck in your cheeks to create a hollow and find the bone. Brush cheek color directly, but lightly on the cheekbone to highlight it, extending from the hairline to the point of the cheek just under the pupil of the eye. Don’t go any lower than your nose. The proper shade of blush is just as important as the application. The shade should match your skin tone…if your underlying skin tone has a yellowish cast, then you will choose more yellow-based colors. If your underlying skin tone has a bluish cast, then you will choose a blue-based color. If you are having trouble choosing just the right colors for you, turn your wrist over and look at the veins on your wrist. Are the veins blue or green? If they are green, you have a lot of yellow in your skin and will look much better in colors suited for your skin tone. If they are blue, you have the ability to wear very primary colors with bright reds and blue-based colors for shadows, blush and lips.