Skin Resurfacing
Ask Dérmica: WHAT is Skin Resurfacing?
- An esthetic procedure or personal use of an exfoliating product/tool that removes layers of damaged skin.
- Improves the overall appearance and texture of the skin.
- Boosts the regeneration rate of skin cells and promotes collagen production.
- Improves circulation and absorptive ability of the skin.
- Recommended for all skin types as part of a healthy skin care routine or to treat skin conditions.
- Methods of resurfacing include: chemical, mechanical, and light-based treatment.
CHEMICAL METHODS AND BENEFITS
Chemical Resurfacing
- There are different classifications of chemical resurfacing: AHA, BHA, Retinols, TCA, Enzymes.
- Causes a chemical reaction at the surface of the skin that dissolves the bonds between the skin cells.
- Varying intensity and penetration.
- Can be delivered in low doses on a daily basis or as a stand alone treatment delivered by a trained technician.
- Skin may require pre-treating with lower dose prior to procedure.
- Down time varies depending on the dose delivered.
- Topical products used for homecare may need to be prescribed by a physician.
- Can treat a wide range of conditions.
- Can be used as part of a daily maintenance routine.
- Broad range of penetration level available from mild – deep.
- Improves texture of the skin.
- Reduces unwanted pigmentation.
- Treats acne and related scarring.
MECHANICAL METHODS AND BENEFITS
Granular Exfoliants
- Granular product that is massaged over the skin.
- Lifts dead surface layer of skin.
- Available in various formulations and intensity.
- Product contain microbeads or granules that slough the outer layer.
- Mild resurfacing.
- Not typically recommended for acneic or sensitive skin.
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- Instant results.
- Can be used daily as part of a regular skin care routine.
- No downtime.
- Increases absorption of products.
- Stimulates circulation.
Dermaplaning
- Technician performs feathery strokes typically using a 10 gauge blade held at an angle over the surface of the skin.
- Removes surface layer of the skin.
- Form of mechanical skin resurfacing.
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- Also removes the vellus hair in the area treated.
- Delivers instant results.
- Minimal downtime.
- Can alleviate and treat eczema, skin irritations, and excessively dry patches.
- Promotes increased hydration and penetration of topical medications and treatment product.
Microdermabrasion
- Technician uses a wand over the skin to remove superficial layers.
- Can be performed with a diamond encrusted tip being dragged over the skin or using a crystal spray to gently “sandblast” the surface of the skin.
- Not recommended for acneic skin or highly sensitive skin types.
- Mild – mid level resurfacing.
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- Minimal downtime required.
- Can be paired with other methods of resurfacing for optimal results.
- Improves circulation.
- Improves texture.
- Lightens pigmentation.
Abrasive Materials
- Used to lift the dead surface layer of the skin by causing friction.
- Brushes bristles vary from soft – hard.
- Can be used with products for added cleansing.
- Abrasive materials include loofas, pumice, and other textured materials in varying coarseness.
- Mild resurfacing.
- Not recommended for sensitive or sensitized skin
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- Can be used as part of a daily routine or in a professional service.
- Instant results.
- No downtime.
- Increases circulation.
Dermabrasion
- Performed by a medical professional.
- Anesthetic is used to numb the skin prior to treatment.
- In some cases a prescribed relaxant may be given to ease the patient.
- Technician operates a high-speed device that scrapes away layers of skin.
- Mid – deep resurfacing.
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- Delivers deep resurfacing with minimal sessions.
- Can remove deep imperfections.
- Dramatic results can be achieved.
Microneedling
- Pierces fine needles into the surface of the skin creating micro-lesions.
- Varying levels of intensity depending on the device.
- Minimal – no downtime required.
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- Tightens pores and smooths texture.
- Effective on minimizing the appearance of stretch marks and acne scarring.
- Improves circulation.
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production.
LIGHT-BASED METHODS AND BENEFITS
IPL Skin Rejuvenation
- Stands for Intense Pulsed Light.
- Device emits a broad band light energy into the skin.
- Works below the surface of the skin on a cellular level, leaving the surface layer intact.
- Depth of penetration varies medium – deep.
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- Minimal down time, if any.
- Reduces redness and surface capillaries.
- Removes pigmentation and evens skin tone.
- Improves texture and tightens pores.
- Reduces fine lines and pre-mature aging.
- Treats acne and related scarring.
LASER Skin Resurfacing
- Acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
- Device emits a focused beam of light energy into the skin.
- Depth of penetration varies from medium – deep.
- Down time ranges depending on the type of laser used.
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- Improves textural damage.
- Reduces signs of aging.
- Reduces redness and vascularity from facial and body region.
- Removes unwanted pigmented lesions.
- Treats acne and related scarring.