There are countless options today for beautification, keeping the skin looking young, supple and glowing without surgery. (Yay!) But with all the options, defining your needs can be a little confusing. Here we define a few of the most popular options and their benefits for your skin.
Both dermaplaning and microdermabrasion are stellar forms of mechanical exfoliation. Both are professional skin resurfacing treatments that require no downtime. For optimal results, a general maintenance routine of one treatment per month is suggested. For more corrective results, and to improve acne scarring, pigmentation, and overall texture without any downtime, I recommend more frequent treatments — usually every two to three weeks.
Dermaplane
The process of dermaplaning consists of using a sterile disposable blade to gently scrape off the top layer of dulling dead skin cells. This process also eliminates that annoying “peach fuzz” that often cakes up in makeup. Dermaplaning allows for greater penetration of skincare products and creates a flawless canvas for smooth makeup application. In fact, in my experience, dermaplaning helps to prepare the skin for more invasive procedures such as laser, chemical peels and microneedling.
Dermaplaning is an effective skin resurfacing treatment option for clients who are pregnant or nursing. It’s a painless procedure that usually takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The treatment at the Village Spa includes a light enzyme exfoliation mask under steam after dermaplaning and does not utilize active ingredients such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, skin bleaching agents and/or retinols that are contraindications when pregnant and/or breastfeeding.
Immediately after dermaplaning, your skin will look more radiant and have a more even tone and texture. It will also be highly sensitive to sun exposure and may appear slightly pink so be sure to use a sunscreen afterwards. My favorite tinted physical blocks with a tint are Revision Intellishade, Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF brush on sunblock, Eminence SPF 30 brush on sunblock, Jan Marini’s Physical 45 and Sheer Tint SPF 45 by PCA.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a great alternative treatment to dermaplaning and is a safe and effective way to polish the skin, stimulate blood circulation and increase collagen production leading to a younger looking complexion with taut, smooth skin.
Microdermabrasion treatments use a minimally abrasive instrument to gently “sand” your skin, removing the thicker, uneven outer layer. Some machines use aluminum oxide crystals to polish the skin, while others utilize a diamond-tip wand. Personally and professionally, I prefer dermaplaning to crystal microdermabrasion machines. I feel I can get a better exfoliation with the blade, and I am not a fan of the mess that the crystals leave. I am, however, a big fan of dermalinfusion systems such as SilkPeel dermalinfusion that utilize diamond-tip exfoliation and our NEW hydrodermabrasion systems! This treatment just launched on July 1st and you can read more about it in my article in our next BetterLife Magazine. Our hydrodermabrasion machine utilizes exfoliating tips, water and oxygen to exfoliate and infuse key active ingredients and nutrients.
Microdermabrasion is also best for men as the dermaplane blade cannot be used on the skin where facial hair grows. For men in particular, I like to use the blade around the eyes and on the forehead and the microderm for the rest of the face.
Dermaplaning and microdermabrasion are both excellent for all skin types except those with active breakouts. Dermaplaning is safe and effective for clients with sensitive skin, those prone to rosacea and/or broken capillaries, whereas microdermabrasion is not recommended in these cases. If you have deep cystic acne, I recommend controlling the breakouts before trying this treatment. As always, it’s important to discuss any allergies or skin sensitivities before starting a treatment.
Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), is a more aggressive and goal-oriented treatment compared to the skin resurfacing treatments mentioned above. This treatment is by far the best bang for your buck, and the most corrective treatment aestheticians can perform. Sessions should be spaced about four weeks apart. We recommend doing a series of three treatments to begin. If you want to kick it up a notch, a chemical peel series can be done in conjunction with microneedling by alternating the two treatments two weeks apart.
Microneedling utilizes an automated pen that contains a disposable sterile tip with tiny needles. While holding the skin taut and gliding the pen in a rhythmic motion perpendicular to the skin and applying equal hand pressure throughout the treatment, this device creates superficial micro-channels, which force the cells to repair. We incorporate the application of topical hyaluronic acid, growth factors, stem cells and peptides to help improve the appearance of the skin. Needling growth factors into the skin during the treatment increases collagen production by 800 percent! Pigmentation breaks down and lightens, acne scars become less noticeable, the skin appears firmer, plumper, tighter, lifted and the overall appearance of skin is more youthful and vibrant!
The DC Ranch Village Spa incorporates the use of the Eclipse MicroPen® Elite, the latest innovative technology for microneedling available on the market. An automated microneedling device that serves as a safe alternative to common skin resurfacing tools such as lasers and dermal rollers, MicroPen® Elite Microneedling is affordable and effective, requires minimal downtime, and provides natural looking results. Typical downtime ranges between one and four days with the first 24 to 48 hours being the most intense. Clients typically leave feeling warm to the touch and describe their skin as feeling wind burned and sunburned. While the skin is healing, it’s important to use only mild, calming and hydrating products post treatment. Please refrain from the use of any active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinols, alpha and beta hydroxy acids and skin lightening agents until the skin no longer feels sensitive. Then you may resume your normal skincare regimen.
While results may vary based on each individual’s skin concerns and whether the client is receiving one treatment or has committed to a series of treatments, microneedling targets fine lines, acne scarring and pigmentation caused by hormones and sun damage, while improving the texture, tone and clarity of the skin.
However, as with any skin care treatment, it’s important for every client to discuss specific skin-care issues and desired results with a professional aesthetician.
Ready to get started? Set up a personalized consultation with a Village Spa aesthetician and regain your youthful glow.
