As we age, the automatic process of exfoliation and cell renewal
slows down. Sometimes the body needs a little help.
Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the stratum corneum
(dead outermost surface of the skin ) is partially or completely
removed by light abrasion.
The removal of the dead skin cells
reveals the softer more youthful looking skin cells underneath.
The superficial abrasion of the skin also triggers the body’s own
natural repair mechanism which triggers the production of new collagen
and releases glycoaminoglycans in order to rehydrate and replenish the
recently abraded area. This has a remarkable softening action on surface
lines and wrinkles.
The procedure is not very painful and
requires no anesthetic. Microdermabrasion can be used medically for scar
removal when the scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less
effective with sunken scars.
Microdermabrasion can also be used to treat sun-damaged skin and to
improve acne but must be repeated periodically to be effective.
Different microdermabrasion methods are used to the exfoliate the skin
Orbital
Microdermabarsion uses a hand piece that rotates at
different speeds on an elliptical axis. Instead of using exfoliating
crystals, orbital abrasion utilizes a selection of disposable, abrasive
treatment tips coated with a layer of silicon carbide to either
superficially or deeply exfoliate the stratum corneum. The orbital
rotation of the abrasive treatment tip performs a progressive and
controlled skin exfoliation and polishes and massages the skin at the
same time. The speed of rotation, the abrasiveness of the treatment tip
selected and the speed at which the hand piece is moved across the skin
surface determines the depth of abrasion.