Benefits and Effects of Micro-Dermabrasion Paper Example

Introduction

Micro-dermabrasion refers to skin resurfacing treatment that is designed to improve or correct a range of abnormalities of the skin which originate in the epidermis or the superficial layers of the skin or the dermis (Andrews, Zarnitsyn, Bondy, & Prausnitz, 2011). This form of treatment often uses diamond fraises and wire brushes to remove the epidermis deeply down the lowest levels.

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How the Equipment Works Technically

Most systems of micro-dermabrasion operate in a fashion that is similar, using a device, that allows the flow of crystals of inert corundum onto the skin via a controlled vacuum unit. This is a hand-led unit that in most cases has a three to six-millimeter diameter hole. The hand unit is then placed onto the skin, and the vacuum generates a flow of crystals towards the skin automatically. When the micro-crystals hit the surface of the skin, they cause millions of micro-traumas that in turn, remove all the fragments of the cells of the skin.

Additionally, the micro-crystals and the removed particles of the skin are then sucked up simultaneously towards a disposable flask (Boone III, Hantash, Karasiuk, & Wojcik, 2012). The used micro-crystals in the treatment are also completely non-toxic and therefore, are safe when they come in contact with the skin. Nevertheless, the crystals comprise of corundum, that is, aluminum oxide that is a naturally occurring mineral, extremely hard and irregular in shape. Also, the crystals have perfect abrasive properties that make them suitable for exfoliation. The machines can also be set at different levels to create a way for depths of abrasion that differ. However, there are crystal free systems that operate using heads which have diamonds that are ground on them, such that when it is moved over the skin along with suction, it exfoliates or abrade the skin (Boone III et al. 2012).

Specific Conditions for Use

Micro-dermabrasion is always suitable for all types of skin from acne or oily to mature and dehydrated. For the specific conditions for use, for example, post-acne scarring and stretch marks, the treatment offers other benefits like oxygenation of the skin, increased circulation, refining the open pores, increased cell renewal and improving and pigmentation of absorption of other products by the skin. Thus, Micro-dermabrasion can be used to treat post acne marks and scars, wrinkles and fine lines, general skin rejuvenation, pedicures, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, post-surgical scars to name but a few. Moreover, most machines used in the micro-dermabrasion have approximately three peeling levels. The first level involves the peeling of the stratum-corneum epidermis layer that is suitable for wrinkles and fine lines (Andrews et al. 2011). Also, it may be used as a pre-treatment hydration to enhance the penetration of products. The second level involves more peeling of the epidermis to improve the scar tissue, acne scarring, and pigmentation. The third level consists in peeling the entire epidermis until blood is seen and it cannot be carried out by a therapist, only a physician or dermatologist is advised to do so.

Nevertheless, some equipment of micro-dermabrasion incorporates an infra-red laser which emits pulsing monochromatic light (Boone III et al. 2012). This is designed to speed up the skin healing following proper treatment. It also helps to regenerate the surface of the skin by high stimulation of the fibroblast cells that increases the speed of production of collagen and elastic fibers, while also stimulating the absorption of fluids through the capillaries with a reduction in swelling. The application of the laser reduces the rate of micro-peeling treatments that are needed, thus, accelerating the repairing process of the skin (Karimipour, Karimipour, & Orringer, 2010).

The skin comprises three thin distinct layers of tissues which are the dermis, epidermis and the subcutaneous tissue.

The Epidermis

This is the outer layer of the skin and therefore, is in closest contact with the environment. It is the layer responsible for the health and look of the skin, protection from dehydration and the penetration of exotic items and bacteria. The epidermis often gives the skin its glow, youthfulness, beauty, texture, and suppleness. Nevertheless, it is a relatively thin layer that ranges from about one point six millimeters thick on the feet's sole to about zero point zero four millimeters on the eyelids (Boone III et al. 2012). Therefore, it meshes with the underlying dermis. The tissue that forms the epidermis is always a stratified squamous epithelium that has five layers; the stratum corneum, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum, and germinativum. The epidermal cells that often form in the germinative layer and move to the stratum corneum. The process takes a month in people with young and healthy skins. However, with age, the speed of the process is highly reduced and can be estimated that after fifty years, it might take thirty-seven days or more for the same process to be completed (Boone III et al. 2015). During the entire process, the cells get transformed into keratin, become fatter and larger then they die. Also, during the migration upwards, the epidermal cells undergo numerous transformations from the round protoplasmic cells to the flattened discs that are eliminated systematically to create room for any new cell (Andrews et al. 2011).

The Dermis

The dermis is always thicker than the epidermis and serves two primary functions: nourishing the epidermis by a dense network of capillaries and the blood vessels and forming a supporting network that is composed of elastin protein fibers and collagen. The dermis is always responsible for the elasticity of the skin. Elastin protein fibers and collagen gives it the required consistency. However, this elasticity depends greatly on the fluid (water) balance between other layers of the skin and the dermis. The high hyaluronic and chondroitin content of acid provides a supply which nourishes the epidermal cells (Boone III et al. 2015). Also, in this layer, the sensory cells are located, and all the sensations are transmitted from the receptors to the brain as electrical impulses via the nerves. Nevertheless, any disruption in the hydrolipid film might cause challenges that range from minor irritations to skin diseases.

The Hypodermis

This layer connects the muscles tissues to the skin, and it is the deepest layer of the skin. It may be regarded as the extension of strong fibrous and elastic bundles which form the dermis. The hypodermis consists of fat cells and is highly elastic, sebaceous glands, blood vessels that are rich in nutrients, erector pili muscles and sudoriferous, which support the nerve endings and the blood vessels. Nonetheless, the skin should be supple, smooth and soft and it is achieved by a thin hydrolipid film that covers the stratum corneum. It consists essentially of sebum that is secreted by the sebaceous gland (Boone III et al. 2012). Additionally, this film contains secreted sweat and performs the following functions: keeping the skin supple, preventing loss of water in the stratum corneum and forming a natural coating that is acidic on the surface of the skin that prevents penetration of harmful substances that might cause infection, inflammation or allergic reactions (Karimipour, Karimipour, & Orringer, 2010).

Contra-indications to Specific Treatments

Contraindications are considered as things that can stop or restrict a person from carrying out a treatment. The specific contra-indications to the microdermabrasion include skin diseases or disorders, diabetes, recent chemical peels or laser surgery, keloid scarring, young or fine skin, anticoagulation drugs that treat the cardiovascular conditions. Also, high vascular skin, epilepsy, recent sun exposure or sunburns, pigmentation disorders, hypersensitive skin, recent cosmetic treatments that are injectable, Roaccutane medication, expectant women who are in their first trimester, circulatory disorders to mention but a few (Andrews et al. 2011).

Special Care Conditions to Specific Treatments

The area that is around the eyes is always sensitive to exfoliation. The length, tension of the skin and the moving speed are considered to be significant. The face of the vacuum is more beneficial in this area as it increases the capacity of absorption of the epidermis, and therefore increase the efficiency and effectiveness of products that estimates collagen regeneration and the elastin fibers. Nevertheless, the lip area is also a sensitive area that must be treated like the eye (Boone III et al. 2012). Other conditions that require special care in micro-dermabrasion include tattoos in the area of treatment, pigmented Naevi, bruising, varicose veins, collagen, recent scar tissues, recent chemical peel treatments to name but a few.

Contra-actions to Specific Treatments

Some effects that are always undesirable are sometimes observed during micro-dermabrasion. The effects are such as excessive erythema; pigmentation can also occur due to the skin's exposure without SPF protection. Moreover, there are episodes of cutaneous excoriation that lead to small scabs might appear when the treatment of abrasion is too deep (Boone III et al. 2015). There is also initial red striping that lasts longer than overall erythema, might occur if the hand-piece movement is not homogenous. And red spotting of blood beneath the skin or bruising may be seen if the setting of the vacuum is very high.

Benefits and Effects of Micro-dermabrasion

Effects on the Skin's Appearance

This type of treatment works by causing a small trauma amount to the skin that allows the skin to repair itself in a fashion that is more organized. This action often creates a healthier and younger looking skin that is performed over numerous treatments. However, changes that are noticeable are always visible after the first treatment, but almost immediately, the skin might appear rejuvenated, healthier and smoother. As the treatment proceeds, the pores become less pronounced; skin becomes less oily and thick skin areas will feel and look thinner. Also, fine wrinkles might appear smoother (Boone III et al. 2015).

Effects on the Epidermis

As the topmost layer of the skin, the epidermal changes must be the most apparent. Thus, a microscopic examination might show numerous processes occurring following the treatment. The epidermis will grow thicker because new cells of the skin are being produced rapidly. The cells will also be larger that leads to the look of a fuller and a skin that is plumper (Andrews et al. 2011). The lower epidermis cells will also be knit together in a consistent basket-like weave configuration than a haphazard fashion. Additionally, as the function of the barrier of the epidermis is disrupted in the first day of the process, the skin will appear drier than usual but will resolve itself quickly after a week because the cells that are replenished are capable of absorbing moisture (Karimipour, Karimipour, & Orringer, 2010).

Effects on the Dermis

The effects of micro-dermabrasion often go well beyond the surface layer after the changes in the epidermis have occurred. The chemical changes might occur immediately causing the layer of the dermis to be healthier and thicker. Therefore, in the dermis, this treatment increases the rate of collagen fibers that later become more tightly packed, thicker and more organized consistently (Boone III et al. 2012). Also, the elastic fibers increase and become more oriented vertically instead of horizontally to give the layer of the dermis more spring. The size and number of fibroblasts also become more in number.

Aftercare and Homecare Advise for Micro-dermabrasion

Following the treatment of micro-dermabrasion, some symptoms might appe...