Microdermabrasion
(also known as particle resurfacing and by other names, including
Power Peels, Derma Peels and Parisian Peels) is a relatively
new skin polishing technique, performed both by aestheticians
in spas and salons as well as by technicians in dermatologists'
and plastic surgeons' offices.
The
operator uses a handheld device that blasts fine particles
of sandlike crystals
(aluminum oxide)
against the client's skin and vacuums away the used crystals,
dirt and dead surface skin. Microdermabrasion is also called
a "lunchtime peel," because
it takes only 30 minutes
for a full-face treatment. The client can then return to
work with only mild skin redness, which can be covered up
right
away with makeup. The redness will fade on its own after
an hour or
two. This procedure is not painful, requires no anesthesia
and will not adversely lighten or darken African American
skin, as
some exfoliating treatments do. The treatment leaves the
skin with a healthy glow. To achieve optimal benefits, five
to 10
treatments, every 4 to 6 weeks, are needed; most clients
see improvement after the very first session.
After the initial
series, periodic maintenance treatments
(from once a month
to once every
three months, as needed)
are often recommended.
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