Do you have acne scars, blemishes, brown spots or wrinkles that
you are dying to get rid of but are unsure what the correct
treatment would be for you? This article will discuss common
skin procedures and the pros and cons of each treatment. We will
also discuss what benefits you can expect from each of these
skin care modalities.
Microdermabrasion (also referred to as micro): Is one of the
most popular skin care procedures in the day spa. Most micro
machines use aluminum oxide crystal to exfoliate the outer layer
of the skin. The Micro machine uses a vacuum to push crystals
through and onto the skin to help exfoliate the top layer of the
skin. Microdermabrasion can help reduce the appearance of brown
spots, wrinkles, fines lines, and help achieve a smoother
texture. Realistically, it is best to have a series of 4-10
treatments to achieve the best results. After you have had the
first series of 4-10 treatments then having a micro procedure
every 4-6 weeks will help to maintain your results.
The ideal
candidate for this treatment should not have unstable or active
Rosacea or Diabetes. If you have psoriasis or eczema this
treatment will not be for you either. If you use prescription
Retin-A or Accutane or topical treatments this procedure may not
be the best procedure for you, unless you have been off this
prescriptions for a considerable amount of time. (Accutane
usually a year, prescription Retin-A usually 30 days) It is also
important to use SPF daily and stay out of direct sunlight and
heat especially the first week after the treatment.
Chemical Peels: There are many types of peels, but in a day spa
most often a superficial peel will be performed. A superficial
peel only exfoliates the outer layer of the skin. In most states
day spas are only allowed to perform a superficial peel unless
they are under a physicians care. Some of the key ingredients in
superficial peel solutions are enzymes, lactic acid, glycolic
acid, and salicylic acid. Enzyme peels are gentle peels used for
sensitive skin or used in conjunction with microdermabrasion.
Lactic acid is used to help diminish hyper pigmentation (brown
spots). Glycolic acid is used to help unclog pores and can
tighten and firm the skin. Salicylic acid is great for acne skin
as it helps to clear blemishes. Peels can help improve acne,
wrinkles, and sun damage done to the skin such as brown spots.
The client can expect a tingling feeling or tightening of the
skin, but it should not cause extreme discomfort. There is no
down time needed for superficial peels and in most cases the
client can even wear make up right after their treatment if
needed. Peeling usually occurs 24-72 hours after the peel
treatment has been performed. Most just experience only a light
shedding of the skin. Again as with microdermabrasion if you are
currently using prescription Accutane, Retin-A or other
prescription medication for your skin you should avoid having a
chemical peel.
If you are prone to cold sores you should not
have a chemical peel because the peel may cause flare ups of
cold sores. It is best to wait and exfoliate three days before
and after the peel. If you are allergic to aspirin you should
not have a peel. It is also important to use SPF after this
treatment as well and to stay out of direct sunlight or heat.
Facials: Something as simple as having facials regularly can
help reduce the look of wrinkles through massage to the face. It
can help tone the skin, reduce blemishes, and make the skin
appear radiant and healthier. Facials can help increase
circulation and collagen in the skin. Best of all facials are
extremely relaxing and can reduce stress as well. Most facials
have these steps to them: Steam, Cleansing, Deep Cleansing,
Massage to skin, Exfoliation, Extractions which help unclog
pores, Masque usually a specific masque to your skin type, and
Moisturizer.
It is also important to note that while these treatments are
usually very safe you want to go to a day spa that does a
thorough health consultation with you. You want to make sure you
are the ideal candidate for any of these procedures. There can
be many contra-indications depending on what type of procedure
you are having done so it is important to have a knowledgeable
and experienced therapist working with you.
About the Author:
Kristen Trimmer is a licensed aesthetician and owner of
Absolutely Chic Skin Care Inc in Glendale, Arizona. Check out
more information at: Absolutely Chic Skincare
