Microdermabrasion is a popular facial treatment that is useful for a variety of skin care issues.

During a diamond microdermabrasion facial, your therapist will use a handheld wand with a diamond tip attached to it.  This tip is then gently stroked over different areas on your face from 1 up to 3 times. At the other end of the wand there is a tube which is attached to a machine which literally creates a vacuum effect to suck up any dead skin or debris which the diamond tip removes from your skin.

What are the Top 5 Benefits of Microdermabrasion?

1. Microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells from the epidermis (top layer of the skin).  This is helpful for dry, dull and also mature skin as the natural process of desquamation (sloughing of dead skin cells) slows down as we age.
2. Microdermabrasion will vacuum cleanse your skin and pores of excess oil and other debris 
3. During a microdermabrasion facial circulation to the skin is increased, this brings fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients to your skin which in turns helps your skin cells to regenerate
4. The removal of dead skin cells during microdermabrasion means that the active ingredients in skin care products are more easily absorbed.
5. All of the above means that Microdermabrasion is an effective treatment for dull, rough, dry, oily/congested skin, fine lines, superficial scarring and some types of hyperpigmentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt?

No, microdermabrasion doesn't hurt, but you can feel the exfoliating effects on your skin. Therefore your skin may temporarily redden and feel a little tight, this will normally fade after a few hours.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin or Rosacea?

This depends on each individual client.  If you have very sensitive skin or a large area of roseacea on your face, then I would say no.  However if you have slightly sensitive skin and small patch of roseacea, you should be fine.  If you are unsure,  I am happy to patch test a small area before a full microdermabrasion facial to see whether it is suitable for your needs.

Do I need to wear an SPF after a treatment?

Yes, as the epidermis has been exfoliated, it is more vulenerable to sun burn or sun damage immediately after a treatment. Therefore it is important to wear an SPF cream following a treatment.

How many treatments do I need?

• If your skin is dull, dry or in need of a deep cleanse then 1 treatment every month will be sufficient. 
• If you would like to target fine lines, superficial scarring or hyperpigmentation then 3 treatments over a 3 week period will be required.  We will then assess whether you need more weekly treatments and if not, then a monthly maintenance will suffice. 
• Please note, hyperpigmentation caused by melasma will not respond to microdermabrasion.  If you are unsure which type of hyperpigmenation you have, I am happy to do a free consultation at your appointment

Can I combine Microdermabrasion with other Skin Treatments?

Yes, you can combine it with other Electrical Facials which are also available as a 1 hr Pick and Mix

• Galvanic - to deep cleanse oily, congested skin
• Non Surgical Face Lift - to lift and tone facial muscles
• Radiofrequency - to tighten sagging skin
• LED Light - Red = collagen production (anti ageing), Blue = antibacterial (congested skin) or Green = soothe and calm rosacea or inflamed skin.

and you can also add it on to any of the Manual Facials that I offer.

Until next time

Zoe

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1) The most important benefit of using natural and organic skin care is that you are more likely to be using products which contain ingredients which are not harmful to your skin, your internal systems and the planet!

These are just some of the common, harmful ingredients found in skin and personal care products

• DEA/TEA derivatives - associated with known carcinogens.
• EDTA - a powerful metal ion chelator that doesn’t biodegrade readily.
• Parabens - concerns have been raised over estrogen-like activity.
• Phthalates - Some phthalates are very toxic and they have been banned from EU products and other main markets. 
• Silicones - synthetically produced emollients which may block the pores
• Genetically Modified ingredients
• Synthetic fragrances - which can trigger allergies and asthma.
• BHT - A petroleum derived ingredient, which is toxic to the aquatic environment.
• Mineral oils - Derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource from a polluting industry.
• Triclosan - Research indicates this ingredient may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

It is a known fact that some ingredients in many skin and personal care products are absorbed into our blood stream via the skin.  There are many ways in which those ingredients can harm us once they are inside our internal systems.  

Natural products are unlikely to contain any of the above harmful ingredients and in addition to this organic products will not contain any pesticide residues.

2) The ingredients used in natural and organic skin and personal care products are effective and are also often beneficial in multiple ways.  For example, Lavender essential oil is helpful for acne, allergies, athlete's foot, eczema, inflmmations, psoriasis, burns, wounds, muscular aches and pains, asthma, flu, low mood, insomina, nervous tension and stress related conditions.

3) Natural and organic skin and personal care products are more likely to be biodegradable and therefore will not harm the planet. In contrast some ingredients such as plastic microbeads used in body and facial exfoliators are still polluting the oceans and affecting wildlife.

4) Organic products are produced using ingredients which are farmed in such a way as to "designed to minimise the human impact on the environment, while ensuring the agricultural system operates as naturally as possible". (EU)

5) Many producers of natural and organic products will also have strong ethical practices such as sustainability, fair trade and non animal testing.

If you are thinking of switching to natural and organic products, I would advise that you

• Make a list of products that you use e.g. skin care, body care products
• Search for companies that sell natural and organic products.
• Check the credentials of the company.  You can check if they are members of the organic Soil Association and other ethical accreditation bodies such as Fair Trade and Fair Wild, which ensure fair trading for their suppliers in developing countries. You could also check to see if they have any policy in place relating to sustainability, meaning that the ingredients they use are farmed in a way that does not mean they become depleted or endangered.  Please note, to be fair, some small scale companies may sell natural and organic products and have ethical practices but may not be members solely due to the costs of accreditation.
• You can also check the ingredients in their products and cross reference them with Safe Cosmetics website. 
• Once you have found a company or companies, try out some small sizes of their products. This way you can see if they are suited to your skin before buying full size products.

I hope this is of help to you

Until next time

Zoe 

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