Microdermabrasion Crystals
If you want crystal clear skin then microdermabrasion is the only answer!
OK, so it is a play on words as many people are now aware that the skin care treatment known as microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals to "sandblast" the face. However, there is no denying that this popular treatment can give you a complexion to be proud of. This article looks at the crystals used in the process and explains in the simplest terms so that you can understand how they work to improve your skin.
The microdermabrasion machine usually uses a crystal form of aluminium oxide. These crystals are really, really small and almost dust like but they have an abrasive quality to them that lends itself well to the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. The aluminium oxide crystals are gently blown onto the surface of the skin (stratum corneum) but with sufficient force to enable them to rub away dead skin cells. The debris is then removed, by the machine's wand, in a continual process, to reveal the healthier new skin cells beneath.
Many people choose microdermabrasion as an alternative to chemical peels as they fear the harm that unnatural chemicals may cause to their skin and overall health. Aluminium oxide is generally accepted as having no harmful side-effects even if inhaled or digested by mistake. People who suffer from allergies or who have relatively sensitive skin will be reassured to know that skin reactions to aluminium oxide are very rare. This makes them ideal for use in skin care treatments such as microdermabrasion. The image to the left shows aluminium oxide magnified many times over. Below right is different types of crystal available for various tasks and below that is shown the crystals used in a microdermabrasion machine.
Aluminium oxide is used extensively for it's abrasive qualities, it can be found in sandpaper, DVD cleaning kits and similar items. [It is an interesting fact that the ancient Egyptians used to use a material similar to sandpaper to keep their skin smooth and soft!]. However the crystals used in the cosmetic procedure are vastly different and have been specially prepared for the microdermabrasion machines. Common impurities such as zinc or silica are removed by a process which is repeated many times to ensure purity.
Even though the crystals are made from a material considered safe the salon/clinic professional will have been trained to consider all factors in the treatment. This includes all aspects of your personal safety and for this reason they will take great care not to expose you to the dust created by the crystals and the dead skin. The wand has a fine tip so it is very accurate but the operator will cover your nose and eyes as a further safety measure. As with any form of dust introduced into the body the debris produced by the microdermabrasion crystal could, potentially, cause irritation - especially in the sensitive tissues of the lungs and eyes. Extra care should be taken if you wear contact lenses and it would be highly advisable to remove them before proceeding with the treatment.
When I first tried microdermabrasion i was a little apprehensive to say the least. I hate pain and I am absolutely terrified of the dentist so I felt rather uncomfortable in the salon which had some similarities - especially the hand held tool moving towards my face! The machine operator was quick to notice my discomfort and decided to show me how painless the treatment really is and how little free dust is created. She did a small patch of skin on the back of my hand and I hardly felt a thing, furthermore there was no dust at all. The understanding shown and the demonstration proved to me immediately that I was in safe hands and we continued the treatment.
I am now the proud owner of crystal clear skin and I have microdermabrasion sessions on a regular basis as part of my skin care regime - though not as often as when I first started using it as there is no need for the monthly visits after your first course.
If you too want crystal clear skin consider a visit to your local beauty salon or skin care clinic soon.
More articles about microdermabrasion below this video
More articles about microdermabrasion:
