Facials, Microdermabrasions, and Chemical Peels: The differences, benefits, and designated skin types.

I.               Facials

A.    A luxurious maintenance treatment for the face that includes:

1.    Deep Cleaning – Dirt, oil, and impurities are removed with special, customized cleansers according to the skin type (i.e. dry, oily, combo). Steaming the face to open pores and aid in loosening dead skin cells follows this. Blackheads and milia are removed easier. An exfoliation product is then used as a scrub to remove the dead skin cells and helps reveal the fresh new skin.

2.    Massage – Facial massage helps to relax the facial muscles. It also tones the muscles, which aid in the delay and prevention of wrinkles. This includes lymphatic drainage (the removal of toxins and waste from the body.) It also improves the blood circulation, which is also necessary for healthy skin. The client will feel relaxed, refreshed, and relieved of stress.

3.    Masque and moisturization – According to the skin type, a specific mask will aid in the improvement of the texture and appearance of the skin. Two basic categories include clay and cream masques. Clay helps tighten the pores on oily and combination skin and works as an anti-bacterial aid on blemishes. Cream masques help hydrate skin and soften the appearance of fine lines. Following the masque a Vitamin rich SPF moisturizer is applied to protect the treated new skin. 

B.      Facials benefit all skin types as they serve as a good maintenance    regimen. They promote the general well being and health of the texture and appearance of the skin and assist in anti-aging factors. Normal, dry, oily, acne-prone, and combination skin are great candidates as each facial is customized using the appropriate products and techniques. However severe skin conditions such as extreme acne, eczema, Rosacea, etc. must receive medical treatment first and then can be accommodated by facials to further promote improvements in the skin.

II.              Microdermabrasion

 A.    A deep exfoliation of the skin where a machine uses suction and applies crystals to remove the Stratum Corneum (the outer layer of the skin). Blackheads and milia are also removed along with excess oil and debris. This 20-minute  procedure is recommended in a series of five or more treatments followed by maintenance of once a month. Microdermabrasion is usually performed in conjunction with a facial.

B.    An excellent maintanance regimen to keep fresh new skin visible and the blood circulation flowing for a healthy, glowing complexion. It also aids in relieving minor to moderate congestion of the pores, hyper pigmentation, minor acne scarring, superficial lines and dry patchy skin.

C. Most skin types can benefit from Microdermabrasion. Patients with severe acne are not recommended, as large blemishes must never be touched until completely healed.

 

III.            Chemical Peels

 A.    A topical solution customized to a specific skin type to remove the outer dead layers of the skin. This causes the skin to burn and later peel off. Fresh, new, regenerated skin is revealed and significantly improved with a series of chemical peels in biweekly or monthly intervals. As the Stratum Corneum is dissolved the specified chemical peel targets the problem areas. These functions include lightening of the skin on patients with hyper pigmentation, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles on prematurely aged skin as well as improving minor acne scarring. Patients with light skin are ideal candidates for chemical peels, as caution must be used when performing a chemical peel on darker skin so that unwanted lightening can be avoided.

B.    Various types of chemical solutions include alpha hydroxy acid, such as salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or carbolic acid (phenol). The skin type will determine the chemical to be used.

C.    A tingling, burning sensation is the most common feeling on patients but this subsides as the chemical peel is neutralized or slows down after its peak performance. The post treatment condition of the skin is similar to that of sunburn such as redness, peeling, sensitivity and itchiness.

D.   If chemical peel used in conjunction with a microdermabrasion treatment, significant and more rapid results are achieved.

 

IV.           Facials: Difference from microdermabrasions and chemical peels and the ideal candidates:

A.    They are not strong aggressive treatments that produce immediate and significant results.

B.    Almost all skin types can receive  facials

C.   No strong chemicals or machines used to remove the  outer layer of skin. . Simple machines such as steamers and electric brushes are used.

D.   Facials serve more as a luxurious, pampering, skin regimen to maintain the well being of the skin.

 

V.             Microdermabrasion: Difference from facials and chemical peels and the ideal candidates:

A.    Only a machine using suction and crystals is used to remove the stratum corneum.

B.    Patients with superficial fine lines, minor acne scarring, hyper pigmentation and congested skin are the best candidates for these treatments. Normal skin types only require a maintenance regimen instead of a series.

C.   A little downtime is required to protect the fresh new skin revealed.

 

VI.           Chemical peels: Difference from facials and microdermabrasions and the ideal candidates:

A.    They use a chemical solution to remove the stratum corneum of the skin.

B.    Slightly more discomfort is experienced with this type of treatment.

C.   Side effects can sometimes be more severe and take a few more days to subside while using caution to avoid exposure to the sun.

D.   It is the ideal treatment for patients with hyper pigmentation, acne, superficial fine lines, and minor scarring who would like to see rapid and significant results.