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Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels

Paula Gilmartin | October 13, 2009

With the wide variety of skincare treatments offered in medical spas, it can be difficult to determine which treatment will best suit your needs. When visiting a medical spa, it is best to begin with a skin analysis. Dermalounge in California offers a complementary analysis for both men and women that will reveal UV sun damage, broken capillaries, enlarged pores, and wrinkles. Following the skin photos, you will meet with a nurse or physician’s assistant to determine the best options for repairing and improving your skin. While treatments will vary, there is a chance the medical spa may suggest a microdermabrasion treatment or chemical peel.

The process of microdermabrasion is typically considered the least invasive dermatological treatment. It is also more affordable than other cosmetic surgeries, and those who qualify for Care Credit can use it to pay for the microdermabrasion service. The process is pain free and has few side effects. It is also able to be used by all skin types and colors. Following the treatment, your skin will look healthy, younger, and cleaner. Most people require a half-dozen to a dozen microdermabrasion treatments to see results. Following those initial treatments, you may want to schedule a maintenance session every two or three months.

The treatment consists of a mixture of suctioning and abrasion. A stream of crystals is used to gently exfoliate the skin while the suction sloughs away dead skin cells. It usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete a full facial process, and it can also be performed on the neck, chest, feet, back, and hands. Following the treatment you can return to your regular activities, and aside from sun protection, no follow up care is required. The procedure is non-invasive and is used to revitalize dull skin, reduce pore size, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and lessen the appearance of acne scars, stretch marks, and age spots. The microdermabrasion procedure available at Dermalounge exfoliates the skin’s outer layers to reveal clean, smooth skin. This process has been used for over 20 years in Europe and North America, and is a simple, accessible, and powerful way to bring out the skin’s underlying beauty.

Chemical peeling is another method of skin resurfacing and exfoliating. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels should not be used together because they can create a double peeling effect. You will need to choose one treatment over the other, at least until your skin has completely healed and is in need of a new service. A chemical peel is usually more effective on serious skin problems like deep scars and wrinkles. Keep in mind that because it penetrates more, there will be more after care and you will experience a period of time where you may not feel comfortable being in public. Chemical peels are available in a variety of strengths. The deepest peels may require anesthetic and can be very uncomfortable.

The recovery time associated with a peel will depend on the type of peel you choose. Glycolic peels are less effective but require the least amount of downtime. A phenol treatment may require up to two weeks of downtime, which may include painkillers, facial bandages, and antibiotics. You may still notice redness on your face up to three months following your treatment.  Deep chemical peels can cause burning, swelling, flaking, and scarring so they are performed only once in a person’s life. Glycolic peels are typically mild and are fairly safe, and can be performed every few months.

Dermalounge chemical peels can be combined with their Signature Facials. They offer rejuvenation for all skin types, and are helpful for those who want to reduce the appearance of fine lines, rough skin, uneven pigment, or skin damaged from the sun or acne. The advanced peels are formulated with alpha hydroxyl or glycolic acids, which gently rid the skin of dirt, oil, bacteria, and dead cells. The peels are performed with limited irritation because they attempt to mimic the body’s natural elements. Because these are not deep chemical peels, you will leave the medical spa with a healthy glow and will require little downtime.

Chemical peels and microdermabrasion do have a few similarities. They can both be used on the face, chest, neck, back and hands. Both take approximately 30 minutes for the face, and up to an hour for other areas. Both can be performed in a medical spa and both are offered at both Dermalounge locations.

Dermalounge offers a variety of skincare treatments in a medical spa environment. If you are interested in learning more, contact either of the Dermalounge locations.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

About Paula Gilmartin

Author Name

Paula Gilmartin, RN, BSN, attended the University of San Francisco, School of Nursing where she graduated Cum Laude. Her career includes working as Director of Nursing for the Hillsdale Group at Menlo Park Place and Hillsdale Manor in California. She also provided full nursing care at Kaiser Permanente in Redwood City, California. Gilmartin has been with Dermalounge since 2006 and was promoted to regional manager and aesthetic nurse trainer. She is certified in numerous aesthetic procedures including Advanced Botox, Intense Pulsed Light Photorejuvenation, Laser Hair Removal, Aluma Skin Firming, Restylane, Perlane, Radiesse, Juvederm in addition to Advanced Injectible Filler Training.

Dermalounge

(650) 262-4321
1111 Howard Avenue Burlingame, CA 94020 http://derma-lounge.com/dermalounge.html

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