Does Microdermabrasion Work?

Microdermabrasion is a procedure that can be done either in a dermatologist office or at home with over the counter products. The procedure involves having crystals sprayed onto the skin to attack dead skin cells. Lost skin cells will be replaced with new, fresh ones. The process exfoliates the skin, leaving the skin fresh and rejuvenated. It is considered an instant facelift by many and many dub it a “Lunchtime Peel”, as it can often be done in half an hour. It is usually done on the face, chest, arms, hands and neck. The procedure is painless, very effective, with no chemicals or lasers being used. There are very few side effects associated with microdermabrasion, and are usually minor, such as redness, itching and slight stinging.

There are many that can benefit from a session or two of microdermabrasion. Good candidates include those that would like to shrink their pores, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, correct age spots, reduce acne scarring and have smoother skin. Those with sun damage and discolored skin can also benefit from microdermabrasion. Collagen production is stimulated during the microdermabrasion process, which means the skin will be rejuvenated faster than usual. Those with active rosacea, open lesions, warts, open sores, lupus, widespread acne, fragile capillaries, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, erythematosus, and diabetes mellitus should avoid microdermabrasion as they are not good candidates for it.

Types of Microdermabrasion

There are two types of microdermabrasion, crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion. Crystal microdermabrasion is often referred to as microcrystal dermabrasion and is the most popular form of dermabrasion. Fine crystals are spurted out of a stainless steel tube, and sprayed onto the face. The “sandblasting” of the skin will allow dead skin cells to fall off the skin. The crystals will then be vacuumed off the skin with the dead skin cells using the same wand. Most times aluminum oxide crystals are used for this but magnesium oxide, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride have also been used.

The second type of microdermabrasion is diamond microdermabrasion, in which no crystals are used.  A wand with a diamond encrusted tip is put over the skin, which will abrade the skin. The dead skin cells will then be vacuumed up the same as crystal microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion products

There are many do it yourself microdermabrasion products on the market today. While these products were designed to do the same thing a professional treatment does, exact results may not be seen. A few of the best at home microdermabrasion kits include:

• Regenerist Microdermabrasion and Peel kit by Olay
• Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub by Derma e
• Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System by Neutrogena
• Pro-X Microdermabrasion Plus Advanced Cleansing system by Olay
• St. Ives Timeless Skin Daily Microdermabrasion by St. Ives
• Estee Lauder Idealist Micro-D Deep Thermal Refinisher by Estee Lauder
• DERMAdoctor Physical Chemistry Facial  by DERMAdoctor

Microdermabrasion is perfect for those that want to improve their skin without having any downtime.  The procedure is less risky than other resurfacing procedures. Microdermabrasion will successfully remove fine lines and wrinkles from the face as long as they are not deep set ones. It often requires several rounds of treatment to see results. Do note that after a few treatments, skin will feel softer and look healthier. Add in a few more treatments and the pores will shrink and the skin will become smoother. Most results will be seen after the 5^th treatment. Many times 6 to 10 rounds of microdermabrasion will be needed to see the results that are desired. To maintain the effect of microdermabrasion, every month or two a maintenance session may be needed.

Your Anti Aging Guide

Anti aging has become the number one reason clients are opt in for a treatment at Advanced Dermatology. No one wants to age, and if they do, an individual would prefer to do so gracefully. Sometimes this is just not the case though. There are many factors that cause aging skin. Natural aging, or intrinsic aging, is when the body and its skin age in a natural way, without the help of any other components. Often times the skin will start to sag in the 20s, with collagen production slowing down. Many times these symptoms in intrinsic aging will not show up for decades to come. There will be a decrease in exfoliation, as well as thinning skin and a decrease in underlying fat. Other symptoms of intrinsic aging include dry skin that could itch and the inability to sweat to cool the skin and body. Extrinsic aging occurs for many reasons. The biggest concern for extrinsic aging is the sun. Exposure to too much sun is the number one cause of aging skin. Other factors that play into extrinsic aging include repeated facial expressions, smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diets that are lacking in antioxidants that protect the skin. Excessive exercise, especially running, can cause the skin to sag, causing aging skin.  Sleeping positions could factor into aging skin, as resting the face on a pillow the same way every night can lead to wrinkles. Gravity plays a role by allowing the bridge of the nose to drop, the eyelids to droop, and jowls form.

Anti Aging Treatments

The good news is there are things that one can do to protect the skin and reverse the signs of aging. These anti aging treatments and products were designed to reduce the number of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, showing an improvement in the skin’s elasticity, increasing collagen production,as well as making wrinkles and lines less prominent.

There are many different treatments available that help the anti aging process. These  anti aging treatments are done at medical clinics and should be only done by trained professionals.

• Fractional Laser treatment- This treatment is a procedure that uses radio frequency that is non-invasive. The individual’s own collagen is stimulated. There will be two different levels of results seen. After the skin is healed, the surface of the skin will be softer than it previously was and there will be a reduction in wrinkles. Over the next three to six months, additional results can be seen as the deeper skin layers are healed.
• Sixty Minute Facelift- This non-invasive facelift will tighten the skin without any surgery. Wrinkles, age spots and sagging skin are corrected during this procedure that can be done on a lunch break. All three layers of skin are reached with this procedure. An improvement in tone, volume and texture will be seen and will continue to be seen for up to six months. Advantages of a sixty minute facelift include no recovery time, no injections, long lasting effects, removes brown spots, discoloration, and sun damage, plumps the skin, and renews dermal collagen production. It can be used on the entire face or it may be used on specific portions. The sixty minute facelift works on all skin types and colors and needs no anesthetic.
• Gentlewaves- Gentlewaves is a procedure that utilises LED. Gentlewaves is the most advanced LED treatment on the market today. With this procedure there is no downtime, no pain, or any side effects. Within eight treatments, the skin will see visible results. It is safe and effective for all skin types and can be used in conjunction with other anti aging treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, IPS, facials and other laser treatments.
• Anti wrinkle injections- Anti wrinkle injections are great for those with wrinkles around the eyes, between the eyebrows, around the mouth, on the forehead, and other places on the face. An injection from a purified protein is injected into the skin. The protein will relax the muscles and the wrinkles will begin to soften. Within a couple of days, results can be seen, and after a month, will be completely seen, with results lasting three to four months. This is an effective and usually inexpensive treatment. It is one of the most common anti aging treatments.
• Dermal fillers- These will restore youth and add volume to the face. This anti aging treatment is a non-invasive procedure that can plump up the lips, chin, cheeks, under the eyes, under the nose and the jawline. Tiny injections are placed into the skin, and will provide instant results. Dermal fillers contain a substance which is already naturally found in our bodies, making this a trusted procedure. A numbing cream will be applied about half an hour before the procedure to numb the area. There is little to no downtime with this treatment, and an individual can return to their normal activities right away. Dermal fillers last from six months to two years and are often used in conjunction with other treatments to further smooth out wrinkles and rejuvenate the face.
• Refirme– Refirme is a non-invasive skin tightening procedure that utilises Elos technology. There is no downtime with this treatment, and can take as little as twenty minutes to perform. Refirme will target saggy brow lines, sagginess under the eyes, jowl laxity, neck laxity, and nasolabial folds. This is a painless treatment that is very safe and considered one of the most effective anti aging solutions available on the market.
• Liquid Facelift- A liquid facelift boosts youthfulness of the skin. The facelift is non-invasive and will restore the volume in the cheeks, remove wrinkles, and restore the structure of the face. Immediately after the procedure, results can often be seen. Healthier skin with fewer lines and wrinkles will be apparent.

Anti Aging Products and At Home Treatments

There are also many wonderful anti aging products on the market today. These products were designed to help diminish and prevent fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and deliver moisture to aging skin. Advanced Dermatology 90 Day Anti Aging Skincare Regimen Kit provides everything needed to keep aging at bay. The kit includes:

• Daily Renewal Cleanser- This foaming cleanser provides a deep cleaning sensation without stripping the cells of moisture. Gives a healthy complexion while healing the skin from environmental elements. Stimulates cell regeneration to give a radiant glow.
• Super Youth Serum- This serum is super hydrating, yet feels very light on the skin. Full of free radical fighting antioxidants, it will protect the skin from future aging. Skin is plumped up while it is repaired. Firming of the skin will take place, leaving the skin look flawless and luminous and feel soft.
• Complete Age Defense (Day Cream)- This day cream combats signs of aging, leaving the skin have a youthful appearance.  Skin is protected against UV damage, oxidation, and glycation. Skin will look refined and feel balanced and hydrated. Skin will feel moisture without having a weighed down feel.
• Deep Cellular Regeneration (Night Cream)- This night cream repairs and rebuilds collagen while replenishing moisture. Skin will feel renewed and look lifted. Elastins and essential proteins are rebuilt to help with a youthful appearance.
• Anti-aging Firming Night Treatment- This treatment boosts cell renewal while targeting damage  that is caused by daily stresses. While you are sleeping, the night treatment works to reduce deep creases, smooth’s the skin, reduce discoloration and wrinkles, and give a luminous glow to the skin.

With the combined use of a good anti aging skin care line and treatments that help with the anti aging process, we can all look younger and see dramatic results over time.

What causes Acne?

Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands become infected or inflamed with oil or dead skin cells. Acne can include blackheads, whiteheads, and red patches on the skin that are inflamed. Acne will commonly appear on the face, chest, neck, back and shoulders. Acne can happen to anyone, at any age, but is commonly found in pregnant woman, teenagers, woman and girls that will be menstruating in a few days, and individuals that are taking certain medications such as lithium or androgens. Genetics may also play a role in acne. Other factors that play a huge role in acne are the cosmetics an individual uses on their skin, cell rate turnover (if the turnover rate is poor, one can expect the dead skin cells to block pores), stress, overly active sebaceous glands (oil glands), diet and food allergies.

Different Types of Acne

Acne has many forms including:

• Whiteheads and blackheads, which are commonly described as comedones. Hair follicles will become plugged with oil, bacteria and dead skin cells. When they are open at the skin surface, they are referred to as blackheads, due to the dark appearance they have in the plugs of the hair follicles. When they are closed, they are referred to as whiteheads. Comedones are non-inflammatory lesions.
• Pustules are pimples that have white pus at the tips. They tend to be red and tender. They are an inflammatory lesion.
• Papules are often a red and tender inflammatory lesion. They are small bumps that are raised that have an infection in the hair follicle.
• Cysts are inflammatory lesions that are very painful. They are filled with pus, and look like boils. Cysts will often lead to scarring of the skin.
• Nodules are painful lumps that are classified as an inflammatory skin lesion. They are large and solid and are formed by secretion build up in the hair follicles.

Acne Treatment: Elos

While acne is usually not a severe medical condition, many want to improve the appearance of the skin. It is often wise to visit with your skin specialist to avoid having acne get worse. Or leaving unwanted scars on the skin. There are many treatment options that your skin specialist can offer, healing the skin of wanted acne and scarring. Some of the most popular acne treatments are the most effective treatments on the market. Elos is a very effective acne treatment that is noninvasive. Under this method of treatment, the skin will be cleared of acne, and an individual will see healthy skin that is vibrant. This technology brings forth comfort and is very safe. Elos utilises two forms of energy (optical or laser or pulsed light and radio frequency) to give the skin a fulfilling treatment. Elos is safe on all skin types due to the fact that it uses lower optical energy. What this means for the skin is there is a lower risk of damage to the epidermis. Elos uses radio frequency energy that isn’t absorbed by the melanin in the skin. It can targets the skin’s tissue by using long or short pulses. This radio frequency will allow a deeper penetration into the skin. Elos will treat bacteria that is causing the pores to become clogged, and will help to heal acne by facilitating fast healing time. After the skin is treated with Elos, it will look pink and feel warm. This pinkness will fade after a day or two, and an individual will be able to wear sunscreen and cosmetics right away. The skin could have the possibility to be sensitive, so it is best to avoid any harsh scrubs or cleansers at this time. During the treatment, a layer of gel will be applied to the area being treated, then the area will be treated with a series of pulses of bright light.  Several rounds of the Elos treatment may be needed to see desired results. The procedure can be repeated every month.

Acne Treatment: Chemical Peels

Another effective treatment that can be done by a skin specialits are chemical peels. Chemical peels improve the appearance of the skin, thus making acne banish. The outer layer of the skin will be peeled away, taking the gunk that causes the pores to clog up with it. There are many different kinds of chemical peels, from lactic acid peels to glycolic acid peels. Other types include salicylic acid peels, TCA peel, Jesner’s peel and phenol peel. Chemical peels are effective and are an outpatient procedure. Your skin will be cleansed first, then the chemical solution will be applied. One or more chemical solutions will be applied to the skin and left on a set amount of time. There may be some burning and stinging of the skin. The solution will then be rinsed off and a lotion can be applied to the skin to seal in moisture. A mild chemical peel can be performed every one to four weeks while a medium depth peel can be performed once every six to twelve months. Deep chemical peels are typically only performed once on the skin.

Acne Treatment: Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion can be used to treat acne as well. Microdermabrasion involves removing the outer layer of the skin. Fine crystals will be sprayed onto the area that is being treated. The crystals will exfoliate the skin. The skin will then be vacuumed up, taking the crystals and the dead skin cells with it. Microdermabrasion will help to increase circulation, and will suck out anything that is clogging the pores. Smoother skin will be a result of microdermabrasion, and pores will be diminished. Treatments can be performed once every ten to fourteen days. Microdermabrasion can help to keep the skin clear, but a good quality skin care routine is a must to follow with this procedure.

Acne Treatment: Advanced Dermatology Skincare

A good quality skin care routine will involve using a cleanser that really digs deep into the pores to clean them out. Advanced Dermatology Daily Renew Cleanser deep cleans the pores while delivering skin that look flawless. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich botanical extracts help to heal the skin.  The cleanser is activated with water. The cells are not stripped of moisture with this cleanser, and a fresh, vibrant complexion will be delivered with faithful use. Washing the face twice a day will be beneficial.

Super Youth Serum by Advanced Dermatology is a lightweight serum that will deliver hydration to the skin. Natural lipids, proteins, peptides, and antioxidants promote deep tissue repair and protect the skin against moisture loss. This is essential for a healthy looking complexion. Using daily, an individual will see results as this serum can reduce the inflammation seen by acne.

Using Complete Age Defense cream by Advanced Dermatology will leave the skin feeling hydrated and promote healthy skin. This produce was designed to nourish the skin without weighing it down, which means the pores will not be clogged by excessive ingredients. Used daily, this cream will allow the skin to be soft, fresh and smooth.

Deep Cellular Regeneration is a night cream that was designed to repair and rebuild collagen. It will help to strengthen and firm the skin. This cream can help to regulate sebum production, which can mean less pores clogged by excessive oil.

The Anti-aging Night Treatment by Advanced Dermatology is very effective at treating acne. Damage to the skin will be treated while you sleep. It helps to boost cell renewal and over time will reduce pigment related scarring that is caused by acne.

What is a Keloid?

PLEASE NOTE: Advanced Dermatology does not treat keloids at this current time. This article is for education and information purposes only. 

A keloid is a scar tissue growth from a previous injury. They can be found on any part of the body where an injury has occurred. They are very common on the back, shoulders, central chest, and the ear lobes. Keloids result on the body due to the body trying to heal itself. Do take note they can occur on body piercings. They are usually not harmful, but many are self conscious about them. Keloids are common in Asians, African Americans, and Hispanics. While they can develop at any age, it is more common to see them in individuals ages 10 to 20 years. Genetics do play a role in keloids, so if either parent has had a keloid, an individual is more susceptible to them.

Keloid Causes

There are many causes of keloids. These include burns, acne scars, scratches, ear piercings, body piercings, surgical cuts, chickenpox scars, and vaccination sites.

Keloid Symptoms

Symptoms of keloids include a lumpy or ridged area of the skin, an itchy portion of the skin, an area of the skin that is flesh colored, pink or red in color, and an area that grows larger over a course of time with scar tissue. They take time to develop, from weeks or months. They can be very tender, and clothing may irritate them.

Keloids often do not need medical attention. If the growth continues, you will want to contact your dermatologist right away. You may wish to consult your dermatologist if you want them surgically removed or if any other symptoms occur on the body.

Keloid Treatments

There are many types of treatments used for keloids, should you decide the need to treat them.  Treatment includes

• surgery to remove the keloids
• freezing the keloid to kill the skin cells
• radiation that will shrink the keloids
• moisturiaing the skin to keep the tissue soft
• corticosteroid injections used to reduce inflammation and flatten the keloids
• using pressure pads after an injury, or a silicone gel pad
• laser treatment to diminish the scar tissue, make the area less red and flatten the keloids

We have heard about some home remedies that one can use to relieve keloids. We have not tested these remedies and we do not recommend them as a keloid treatment.  These include:

• Using baking soda with hydrogen peroxide. This will help to exfoliate the skin. Mix one part baking soda with three parts hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Apply to the keloids, doing this three to four times a day. This will help speed up the healing process and reduce inflammation.
• Aloe Vera- Aloe Vera can reduce the inflammation on the skin, as well as cleanse the area. Apply Aloe Vera to cleansed skin twice a day to help repair damage.
• Lemon Juice- Extract the juice out of one lemon, then apply to the keloid. Leave on for half an hour, then wash with water. Do this at least once a day to help the scar see an improvement in texture, colour, appearance, and flexibility.
• Aspirin- Crush three aspirin finely. Add water to make a paste, then apply to the scar, and allow to dry. Rinse with water, pat dry and apply tea tree oil to the area. Do this once daily until the keloid is gone. Aspirin will help to reduce the size and appearance of the scar.

Keloid Prevention

Prevention of keloids includes avoiding injury at all costs. Avoid surgery unless absolutely necessary, and do not get body piercings. If you do happen to have the ears pierced, wear pressure earrings to help reduce scarring. Should you need surgery, let the doctor know if you have had keloids before or if they run in your family. This might be cause to start treatment right after surgery to prevent them from forming.

PLEASE NOTE: Advanced Dermatology does not treat keloids at this current time. This article is for education and information purposes only. 

eMatrix – Fractional Laser Rejuvenation. Consumer Guide.

What Syneron eMatrix fractional Can Do for Your Skin

Cosmetic laser and light treatments are consistently on the rise because they do not require surgical penetration of the skin or extensive recovery periods. If you want to revitalize your skin and look more youthful as you age, eMatrix rejuvenation is one procedure that you should learn more about. Instead of utilising harsh lasers, this technology uses the most advanced Fractional technology available to date. This procedure is also known as Sublative rejuvenation treatment.

The fractional energy emitted from eMatrix differs from laser treatments because they reach deep into the skin, leaving the surface (superficial layers) with little direct impact. This means that with eMatrix you can go back to work or otherwise carry on with your day directly after having the procedure. You may not want to book a special occasion within two days of a treatment, but you also do not have to book off work or rearrange your life as you would with a more invasive procedure.

Sublative rejuvenation treatments are used to stimulate the production of collagen in deep skin tissue and rejuvenate surface skin. Many common signs of ageing can be improved with this type of advanced fractional laser treatment, but it is also used to help with scarring and pigmentation issues that can negatively impact self-esteem. The eMatrix is also a procedure that everyone can benefit from, since it works well on all skin types and tones.

Do You Need eMatrix Treatment?

If you want to look younger or have flaws in your skin that you would like to correct, there is a good chance that sublative rejuvenation can help. The treatment is known to tighten skin from the deepest layers to the surface layers while rejuvenating and refreshing surface skin. This means there are many possible applications. Here are some of the most common reasons people are investing in this eMatrix laser rejuvenation treatment today:

• Wrinkles
• Sagging skin
• Scars
• Irregular skin texture
• Superficial lesions
• Uneven skin tone

If you have mild to moderate scars left from acne, are tired of looking at saggy skin, or simply want to eliminate as many wrinkles as possible so that you look younger, you may be a good candidate for eMatrix fractional laser treatment. Experienced professionals can select from multiple frequencies of energy when preparing for a treatment, so they can adjust each session to your individual needs.

When compared to other treatments known for tightening skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and evening out the skin tone and texture, sublative rejuvenation is far superior and in our studies significantly outperforms other skin resurfacing lasers including Fraxel. It reaches deeper into the skin and causes far less damage to surface skin. Less damage on the surface skin means fewer visible signs that you had a procedure on your face and less downtime after the procedure. That is why this is considered a true “lunch hour” cosmetic procedure. Leave the office at lunch hour, and return with a radiating glow to your skin.

What to Expect from Treatment

Any type of cosmetic procedure should always start with a thorough consultation with a professional at a skin rejuvenation clinic trained to perform this specific type of treatment. The provider will go over your medical history and discuss any potential health problems that may exclude you as a good candidate for this procedure. He or she will also examine your skin and discuss the expectations you have for the results of the treatment.

If you are considered a suitable candidate for eMatrix treatment, the provider will describe how the procedure works, how many treatment sessions you will need to reach your specific goals (usually only one or two), and the length of time to wait between treatment sessions. The more damaged your skin is now, the more sessions you will need to get great results. On an ongoing basis, if you would like to maintain the results, you may need touch-up sessions to ensure that your skin keeps that fresh look over time.

All of these specifics vary from one person to another, depending on your skin rejuvenation goals and the condition of your skin. When you go in for your first appointment, you can expect it to take no more than an hour. Most treatments are easily completed in less than 30 minutes. You can expect minor swelling and possibly some small marks on the skin, but you should be able to resume normal activity immediately after the procedure is completed.

If you receive treatment at a high-energy frequency, you can expect more swelling than someone who received treatment at a lower frequency. Your provider will use their training and experience to determine the most appropriate frequency level for your skin and the goals you want to reach. He or she should select the lowest possible frequency in order to deliver the expected results. If your skin is severely damaged, you will likely discuss the frequency that your provider is suggesting. Ask if you may experience more swelling than others if you know your provider mentioned using a higher frequency setting.

What Makes eMatrix Technology Different

There are so many laser and light procedures on the market today that it gets confusing when you try to compare them all. Many of these procedures claim to do the same thing: stimulate the production of collagen to tighten and rejuvenate the skin, resulting in a fresher, more youthful overall appearance. Yet, there are some key differences that make sublative technology superior to the other treatments:

• This is one of the most precise procedures offered today. Doctors can watch what is happening beneath the skin on a screen, adjusting the treatment in real time as necessary. This increases precision, rewarding you with results that are superior to treatments that simply spray the skin with laser or energy streams at random. The treatment is focused on the exact areas of skin that you want to tighten and refresh.
• New collagen production is stimulated from deeper skin tissue, resulting in better and longer lasting results.
• The surface layer of skin is not extensively damaged. You can walk out looking similar to how you did when you arrived rather than having to take a few days off until the visible signs of a procedure disappear. Less damage means less pain and less chance that anyone else will know you just received a cosmetic procedure.

eMatrix or Sublative rejuvenation is a non-invasive laser skin treatment option using advanced radiofrequency technology most ideal for anyone who wants to freshen up their look without having surgery. If you are concerned about taking time off work or away from your family, this procedure does not take long to complete and require little to no downtime afterwards. For

This cost of this procedure in Sydney is in line with many other cosmetic procedures today. Depending on the size of the area targeted, it can run anywhere from $500 to $1500 per treatment. Visit Advanced Dermatology to learn more about sublative rejuvenation and the eMatrix fractional laser technology. If you are interested in treatment please visit our treatment information page URL or call us on 1300 788 800.