A Professional Opinion On Microdermabrasion
Over the last several years, microdermabrasion has become one of the most popular skincare treatments. Some rave that the tiny crystals used to exfoliate the skin work miracles. Some even believe the effects are on par with a face lift! But, is it all hype? Is microdermabrasion another fad treatment with little backing?
We sat down with Dr Martin Wade and to find out their thoughts on microdermabrasion and why it isn’t offered as a treatment at London Real Skin.
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive, mechanical exfoliation that removes dead cells from the outermost layer of skin. You can think of the microdermabrasion machine as a buffer. It scrapes, suctions and polishes the skin, leaving healthy, glowing skin behind in just 30 minutes. Does it sound too good to be true?
Instant But Temporary Results
Microdermabrasion is a quick, temporary solution for people with uneven pigmentation, fine lines or clogged pores. In order to see any lasting results, you’d need to visit the clinic once a month for 6+ treatments. Not only is this costly, it’s incredibly harsh on the skin. Many Dermatologists around the globe, including Dr Martin Wade, believe that the physical abrasion from microdermabrasion is actually harmful to the skin. What’s more, the results vary depending on your skin type and microdermabrasion can irritate the skin, especially if the patient has rosacea, acne, eczema or a sunburn.
Evidence-Based Treatments
London Real Skin is focused exclusively on evidence-based treatments. Dr Martin Wade perhaps put it best when he said “We want to deliver results. We want happy clients.”
As a results-driven clinic that values customer satisfaction, the clinicians at London Real Skin don’t ‘sell’ treatments for the sake of selling them. Instead, they look at patients on a case-by-case basis in order to determine what treatment is best for them given their skin type, goals, expectations, age, sun damage, etc.
With all of this in mind, Dr Wade doesn’t recommend microdermabrasion. He prefers other less harsh and more effective non-physical abrading treatments.
More Effective Alternatives
The following three treatments are offered at London Real Skin. They’re quick, painless and require little to no downtime.
Kleresca Skin Rejuvenation is, again, a non-invasive treatment that will improve the appearance of your skin by reducing pore size, eliminating fine lines and inducing collagen production. Unlike microdermabrasion, the results aren’t temporary. After four weeks of treatment (one per week), the quality of your skin will continue to improve over the next 2-3 months.
So, how does it work?
I watched the treatment for myself at London Real Skin’s Aesthetic Discovery Evening where Janie from Kleresca described and demonstrated the quick, 9-minute treatment. A ‘magic’ gel as Janie described it is applied to the patient’s face. Kleresca’s Multi-LED Lamp is then placed over the patient’s face, illuminating and activating the gel. The treatment is painless and is actually described as relaxing! Afterward, the gel is removed, the face is cleaned and moisturized, and the patient is given instruction on aftercare.
Like Microdermabrasion, a glycolic acid peel is non-invasive and removes dead cells from the outermost layers of skin. Unlike microdermabrasion, it’s not a physical abrading process but a chemical abrading process so there isn’t a physical action involved.
As the skin cells are painlessly burned off, the skin regenerates itself to reveal soft, glowing skin. Last week at London Real Skin’s Aesthetic Discovery Evening, I watched Laura, a representative from Obagi, apply their Blue Peel Radiance Peel to several attendees of the event.
During the demonstrations, Laura assured patients and anyone watching that Obagi’s chemical peels won’t make you look like Samantha from Sex & The City did after her treatment. She was right! With no down-time, those who received the treatment had the appearance of brighter, tighter and smoother skin.
London Real Skin offers a range of signature, medical-grade peels that visibly improve the appearance of skin by removing dead skin cells. Facials have been specially designed for oily, dry and sensitive skin and will be able to advise which facial is right for you based on your skin type, age and goals. While these facials are relaxing like one you might get at a spa, products designed by dermatologists are used which means you’ll see lasting results. The signature facials at London Real Skin use products from the NeoStrata and Exuviance range, along with medical grade ingredients.
For more information about any of these treatments or to book an appointment, contact London Real Skin today.
