Behold....THE POWER!!!

DERMASPACE ADVANCED THERAPY SKIN CARE proudly introduces….

PowerBlending™

PowerBlending™ is a totally customizable system that empowers you to create skin care in the palm of your hand in a matter of seconds and gives you the power to deliver rapidly visible, targeted results for tailor-made homecare.

PowerBlending™ allows you to super-boost the effects of most DERMASPACE ADVANCED THERAPY products and even those from other skin care brands to suit your unique needs.

Fluctuations in climate or hormones, sensitivity or inflammation, a change in lifestyle, health, age or medication, or an increase in stress levels – all are easier to address with PowerBlending™.

The possibilities are endless. That’s the magic of POWERBLENDING™. 

Speak to your DERMASPACE Skin Therapist for more information.

 

GREEN TEA FOR ACNE SCARS

Acne is defined as a skin condition resulting in symptoms such as pimples, plugged pores and nodules or cysts that typically occur on the face, chest, back and shoulders and may result in scarring of the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that nearly 50 million Americans suffer from acne, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed skin disorders in America. Typically beginning in puberty, acne may continue to develop and worsen throughout a person's 20s and even into his 50s. Treating acne scars may be done through prescription ointments or over-the-counter medications. However, natural supplements such as green tea may reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Green Tea Active Constituents

The University of Maryland Medical Center reports the medicinal qualities of green tea can be attributed to chemicals known as polyphenols, which is an umbrella term to describe compounds known as catechins. Green tea contains six active catechins, which include epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin and catechin. All of these chemicals are known for their high antioxidant concentration. Rice University states in the article "Antioxidants and Free Radicals" that antioxidants eliminate harmful free radicals, which are uneven atoms. Free radicals are known to cause cellular damage, which if gone unchecked may cause serious health complications.

Green Tea and Acne Scars

One of the main side effects of acne is skin inflammation, and this inflammation may cause sores that develop into scars. The University of Maryland Medical Center states the ECGC chemical, which is among the most potent catechin compounds found in green tea, is effective at reducing skin inflammation. The internal consumption and topical application of green tea may help reduce acne-induced inflammation, which may help eliminate the development of scars by reducing the severity of acne sores. While the benefits of green tea specifically for the reduction of acne scars is under debate within the scientific community, the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" reports that the active compounds in green tea have medicinal benefits for skin health and skin cell repair.

Application Methods

Green tea may be consumed through beverage form as well as through topical application. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming two to three cups of green tea daily, which provides the body with 240 to 320 mg of polyphenols. However, the consumption process may be streamlined by taking 100 to 750 mg of green tea extract supplements per day. To apply green tea topically to the skin, purchase ointments with green tea extract or bring 8 oz. of water to a rolling boil and add 2 tbsp. of loose green tea leaves. Allow the tea to steep for at least 10 minutes to ensure the polyphenols and other active compounds are extracted from the leaves. Wait until the tea is at a comfortable temperature, and place a washcloth into the tea. Apply the washcloth directly to the skin, and allow the tea to soak into the skin for 10 minutes. Periodically dip the washcloth back into the tea throughout the application process.

Warnings

Before using green tea to help treat acne scars, discuss the use of this herb with your physician. This is especially important if you are taking acne medications or ointments. Some of the more common side effects associated with green tea are derived from the caffeine within the tea and may include dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite and irritability.

GREEN TEA FOR ACNE SCARS By Jonathan McLelland originally published on LIVESTRONG.COM

Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images

Got A Pimple? Get The Red Out!!!

When you have a pimple one of your goals is to reduce the swelling and flatten it. Sometimes you can’t make it to DERMASPACE.

Here’s what to do in case of emergency….

First step is to try using ICE or ibuprofen.

Second step….try Visine.  Visine can offer the same vasoconstriction properties that gets the red out of your eyes so it can work on pimples too.

Soak a cotton swab in Visine and hold it next to your pimple for 5 minutes.

Perfect for when you have an event or a date and that pesky pimple makes an appearance before you can!

Of course this is just a quick fix so make sure to book your appointment at DERMASPACE as soon as you can!

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a very popular, modern, machine assisted gentle skin exfoliating treatment. Other names include microderm, lunchtime peel, Parisian peel, and Diamond peel It is a fairly simple, easy, painless, non-invasive, skin rejuvenation procedure using a combination of a fine abrasive tip or crystals and vacuum suction applied to the skin.

Typically there are no needles or anesthetics required for microdermabrasion. The vacuum pressure and speed are adjusted depending on the sensitivity and tolerance of the skin.

Microdermabrasion is often compared to the feeling of a cat licking your face- a rough but gentle texture. Typical microdermabrasion sessions can last anywhere from 5 minutes to one hour.

Minimal to no recovery time is required after microdermabrasion and most people immediately return to daily activity after a session.

Makeup and non-irritating creams can usually be applied right after microdermabrasion.

Often called “Microderm” for short, it is a procedure to help exfoliate or temporarily remove a few of the top layers of the skin called the stratum corneum. Much like brushing your teeth, microderm helps to gently remove “plaque” and skin debris. Since human skin typically regenerates at approximately 30 day intervals, skin improvement with microdermabrasion is temporary and needs to be repeated at average intervals of 2-4 weeks for continued improvement. Multiple treatments in combination with sunscreen, sun avoidance, and other skin care creams yield best results.

First developed in Italy in the late 20th century, microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure which has advantages of low risk and rapid recovery compared to the other resurfacing methods such as dermabrasion, chemical peeling, and laser resurfacing.

Since microdermabrasion produces only a very superficial depth of removal, it works best on improving superficial skin conditions such as early photoaging (sun damage), fine lines, age spots, enlarged pores, acne, and superficial scarring. Usually multiple treatments (6 – 12 sessions) are recommended to see a significant improvement. Initially, people choose weekly treatments, and then gradually extend to monthly or bimonthly maintenance or touch up treatments.

Who should get microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is very useful for people with dull skin, mild acne, acne discoloration and pick marks, and very superficial acne scars. Individuals with deeper acne scars may expect a much longer series of treatments or likely benefit from physician performed surgical dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive (no needles, no surgery) procedure with essentially no downtime. Treatment risks are very minimal and may include temporary skin discoloration- darker or less commonly lighter skin areas (called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentaion)/ or scarring are very low compared to other more traditional resurfacing approaches. Therefore, microdermabrasion may be a good treatment option for patients with superficial skin problems and busy lifestyles.

Microderm should not be confused with Dermabrasion with is an invasive surgical procedure performed typically by dermatologists or plastic surgeons under local or general anesthesia. This was a very popular procedure for acne scars. Dermabrasion requires anesthesia and would be too painful otherwise. Dermabarasion was performed with sand paper like products and machine rotary devices to sand down the skin. Layers of epidermis are usually removed and the resulting open wounds may take from 5-20 days to fully heal. The risk of infection is much higher with this type of procedure. Dermabrasion is also performed for certain types of deep scars. It should not be performed by non- specialized physicians fully trained in this highly technical procedure.

How does microdermabrasion work?

Traditionally, the crystal microdermabrasion system contains a pump, a connecting tube, a handpiece, and a vacuum. While the pump creates a high-pressure stream of inert crystals, such as aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate, to abrade the skin, the vacuum removes the crystals and exfoliated skin cells. Alternatively, the inert crystals can be replaced by a roughened surface of the tip in the diamond microdermabrasion system.

Unlike the crystal microdermabrasion system, the diamond microdermabrasion machine does not produce particles from crystals that may be inhaled into patients’ nose or blew into eyes. Hence, the diamond microdermabrasion is safer to be used on the area around eyes and lips. Generally, the slower the movement of the handpiece against the skin and the more numbers of passes over the skin, the deeper the treatment is achieved.

Which areas can I have microdermabrasion?

Face is the most common area for microderm. It can also be performed on essentially any skin area including neck, chest, back, and hands.

How often can I have microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion can be done as frequently as weekly or up to every 8 weeks depending on your skin’s tolerance and desired cosmetic effects. Many people choose to start with weekly treatments for 3 sessions, then change to a monthly maintenance regimen.

Typical Microderm Schedule:

Week 1: 1st session

Week 2: 2nd session

Week 3: 3rd session

Monthly: 4th- 12th sessions

Much like brushing your teeth, microderm helps to gently remove “plaque” and skin debris.

Since human skin typically regenerates at approximately 30 day intervals, skin improvement with microdermabrasion is temporary and needs to be repeated at average intervals of 2-4 weeks for continued improvement.

Usually multiple treatments (6 – 12 sessions) are recommended to see a significant improvement.

What are different types of microdermabrasion?

• Crystal Microdermabrasion

• Diamond Microdermabrasion

• Home Microdermabrasion

• Vacuubrasion

• Cream Microdermabrasion

 What are microderm crystals made of?

Microderm crystals are typically made of a very fine, abrasive material like aluminum oxide. Other inert microderm crystals include magnesium oxide, sodium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate.

• Aluminum oxide

• Magnesium oxide

• Sodium chloride (salt)

• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

These ultrafine white crystals are disposable and should be discarded after each use. The microderm vacuum removes the crystals and exfoliated skin cells. Inhalation of crystals should be avoided and masks are often worn by the operator doing the treatment. There are some possible concerns of inhalation exposure and basic safety precautions should be taken.

Alternatively, microderm crystals can be replaced by the roughened surface of a diamond tip microdermabrasion system.

What does the vacuum do in microdermabrasion?

The vacuum part of microderm has four basic roles:

It gently pulls and lifts a small section of skin for microabrasion.

It can spray a stream of crystals across the targeted skin area.

It focally stimulates blood circulation and creates mild swelling in the skin.

It collects the used crystals and dead skin in a receptacle for easy disposal.

 What should people expect before and after microdermabrasion?

Generally, softer and smoother skin that feels fresher and more rejuvenated is the expected outcome after a session of microdermabrasion. Before starting the microdermabrasion treatment, eye protection such as eye pads or goggles may be placed. Often the skin may be prepared and cleaned of makeup and oils. Yet, no topical or local anesthetic is required. The skin will be stretched to provide some tension in order to achieve the most effective abrasion and vacuum. The hand piece is moved over the skin with repeated single, smooth passes. Usually, 2-4 passes per area are sufficient.

The treated area is then cleaned with wet cloth. Mild pinkness of the skin is the desired outcome and usually resolves within hours after microdermabrasion. In addition, exfoliation of skin may occur as well. Continuously apply moisturizer or ointment if exfoliation occurs. Patients may also experience a mild sunburn like sensation for a few days. Moreover, liberal application of sunscreen is recommended as photosensitivity may be increased.

Microdermabrasion, especially with the coarse diamond-studded instrument, may stimulate the production of collage, thereby helping skin rejuvenation. As age spots from early photoaging and fine lines are removed, the skin becomes softer and smoother.

Because microdermabrasion only causes superficial injury on skin, it works the most effectively for fine lines, shallow scars, and dull skin. Lesions like deep wrinkles, scars or ice-pick acne scars, and stretch marks tend to extend into the deeper layers of the dermis and usually require more aggressive skin resurfacing modalities to treat. Similarly, microdermabrasion is not effective for pigmentary problems including melasma or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation that arise from deeper skin.

What are the benefits of microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion can create superficial ablation on skin, primarily in the epidermis, which helps remove the outermost dead skin cells and accelerate the rate of skin rejuvenation. As a result, microdermabrasion can be an effective procedure for fine lines and more superficial scars. For patients who have concerns of photoaging, microdermabrasion can be a preventative measure.

Studies have also shown that microdermabrasion facilitates the absorption of some topical medications through increasing the permeability of hydrophilic active ingredients of the medicine. In the long-round, sun damage and photoaging may be decreased and skin moisture may be improved. Since microdermabrasion only causes superficial injury, scarring and pigmentary changes almost never happen from this procedure.

Moreover, microdermabrasion possesses the advantages of rapid recovery and low risk and has little or no impact on patients’ lifestyle.

Does microdermabrasion help with acne scars?

Microdermabrasion is very useful for people with active acne, mild acne discoloration and pick marks, and very superficial or raised acne scars. Dermatologists use microderm to help unclog pores and clear acne. Often used in combination with gentle glycolic peels and medical acne extractions, microderm can help speed up acne clearing.

Individuals with deeper acne scars may expect a much longer series of treatments or likely benefit from physician performed surgical dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

As a general rule, the greater the potential benefits with a cosmetic treatment, the greater the potential risks and side effects. The possible risks with more aggressive treatments like dermabrasion and laser are much greater than microdermabrasion.

Deeply pitted acne scars would, at best, be expected to respond minimally to microdermabrasion.

Pitted or depressed scars are very difficult to treat and may require combination treatments including subcision, punch excision, punch elevation, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and medium to deep chemical peels including 35% Trichloracetic acid (TCA) or phenol peels.

Does insurance pay for microdermabrasion?

These procedures are almost always considered cosmetic and not be paid by traditional medical insurance companies. Since microderm is often used to treat medical conditions like acne, acne scarring, melasma, and keratosis pilaris, it may be possible to deduct some costs as medical expenses. In appropriate cases, payment options may include using benefits of plans like Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Health Remittance Accounts (HRA) to pay for microderm. You will want to check the specific benefits and provisions of your plan and also review your tax deductions with a tax professional.

Courtesy of http://www.acnefoundation.org