When you hear the word microdermabrasion, what image comes to mind? Let’s just take the word abrasion. Many people tend to describe this word as “harsh” or “scary” sounding, right? After all, abrasion does mean “to scrape.” So, I am sure you’re wondering: how on earth can that word relate in any positive way when it comes to your skin? I am excited to get you the inside scoop on just that, today!
As I’ve told y’all before, I have combination skin (oily in my T-zone and dry/normal on my cheeks), so my whole life I have battled with an uneven skin tone and dry areas. Also, I have Keratosis Pilaris Rubra Faceii (red cheeks and constant flushing/blushing), so am always looking for an opportunity to improve the symptoms. I recently had the opportunity to try microdermabrasion during a facial at a local hot-spot Face to Face Spa, and not only loved the experience, but the results, too! First, let’s cover some basics…
What is microdermabrasion?
It is a cosmetic treatment which aims to remove the topmost layer of the skin which is called the stratum corneum, to create a rejuvenating effect and treat skin problems such as acne scarring, mild discoloration, sun damage and wrinkles.
How does microdermabrasion work?
It is a painless, non-surgical procedure meant to get rid of the dead outer covering of the skin by applying a fine abrasive head and vacuum suction to the skin. The process requires no needles, just a simple machine composed of a vacuum suction, a connecting tube, a pump and a hand piece which has either a diamond, crystal or bristle tip.
What are the effects of microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion can be helpful in the treatment of skin problems ranging from acne scars to sun damage and even more severe problems such as hyperpigmentation. It is a thorough exfoliation, so the skin is soft and smooth after the treatment.
Procedure of microdermabrasion:
Microdermabrasion is a simple and non-invasive cosmetic treatment which takes from two to 60 minutes to perform. The machine has crystals diamonds which are pressurized by the pump to produce an abrasion of the skin. The vacuum raises a small section of the skin which the machine works on and thereafter removes the crystals and abraded skin cells. Therefore, the speed of the machine over the skin and the number of passes made determines the effectiveness of the treatment. The skin is stretched to achieve tension in the area in order to get the best abrasion. For best results it is recommend treatment regimens ranging from six to twelve sessions.
How much does it cost?
It can range from $80 to $200 per session depending on the place you go to and weather it is performed by a dermatologist or a beauty therapist.
What are the side effects?
After the treatment is performed you may have visible redness all over your skin – mine was super red, but I always get flushed easily and it went down within a couple of hours. It should not be bright red, or painful. If the person who performs the treatment does it wrong, you may encounter some bruising in areas where the skin wasn’t stretched enough. If bruising does occur, make sure you contact the company who performed the treatment and let them know.,, ,,,The reason I love going to Face to Face for my skin treatments is they were founded in 2011 to create a space designed to promote skin health, rather than a spa designed for pampering, so they are technologically advanced compared to other spas near me! Also, their membership program offers significant discounts for clients that wish to begin a goal-oriented, results-driven skin care regimen for just a small monthly fee. The membership includes a deep cleansing medical grade facial each month and up to 70% off chemical peel treatments, allowing you to maintain healthy skin affordably!!
Not only were the team members friendly from the moment I walked in, but my esthetician took time to understand my skincare goals. When it comes to microdermabrasion specifically, here are my final thoughts:
What does it feel like?
The best way I can describe it is like a cat licking your face – you know how it feels like sandpaper? It doesn’t hurt, which is great because before I got to my appointment I was scared it would hurt. NOPE!
How is your skin now?
Honestly, it has been so much smoother since I got the treatment. It’s only been a few days, but I’ve already noticed I have no rough patches across my face so my makeup has been applying much smoother.
Would you do it again?
Yes, I would. To my surprise, you can get a microderm treatment every 2 weeks, but I’ll stick to once a month for now.
Microdermabrasion is safe for nearly every type of skin or skin condition, but only a trained professional can tell you whether microdermabrasion will be right for your skin, based on your medical history and unique conditions, so don’t be afraid to inquire if you’re feeling curious!,, ,,,Whether you opt for a full spa treatment, or decide to opt for something you can use at-home, regular microdermabrasion is a great way to keep your skin glowing, radiant, and healthy, so give Face to Face Spa a call!