Crystals vs. diamond chips?

After the age of thirty, skin cell turnover and sloughing begins to decline. As a result, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface resulting in a poorly textured and dull appearance. This also makes the skin prone to acne and uneven skin tone. There are many exfoliating treatments available today to remove these dead cells and create smoother youthful looking skin. These treatments include: microdermabrasion, which is a manual form of exfoliating the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, and light chemical peels. There are also a host of products for home use such as, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and retinoids. The benefits of exfoliation include:

• Treatment of Acne
• Reversing Photo damage (sun damage)
• Lightening brown spots or age spots
• Smoothing poorly textured skin
• Improving the overall appearance of the skin

Microdermabrasion is one of the top five non-invasive procedures for treating and improving the condition of the skin. It was originally developed in Italy and has been safely used in Europe for over twenty-five years.

There are two forms of microdermabrasion. The first is performed with a machine utilizing aluminum or salt crystals. During the treatment, a hand piece, shaped like a wand, is passed over the surface of the skin. This emits the crystals and loosens the dead skin cells. The dull layer is then removed with a gentle suction devise.

There has been some controversy over microdermabrasion and the use of crystals. It is believed that some of the crystals become airborne during treatments, and the particulate matter can be inhaled into the lungs. This can be harmful for individuals with respiratory disorders or allergies.

The second form of microdermabrasion uses natural diamond chips. The tip of the wand is composed of diamond chips, and is glided over the surface of the skin to loosen the dead skin cells. Again, a gentle suction removes this topmost layer. Since this is a particle free treatment, the concern of inhaling airborne particulate matter is not an issue.

• For deeper penetration, microdermabrasion can be used in concert with a chemical peel. The combination is especially beneficial for brown spots.
• Chemical treatments are discouraged for pregnant or nursing moms, so microdermabrasion is a safe option.
• I recommend treatment of the chest, hands, or any area that needs improvement.
  

No matter which method you chose, there is no down time involved. The skin appears smoother and brighter after the first treatment. For optimal results, it will take more than one treatment. Typically, four to six are recommended.