NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy Micro-dermabrasion NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Micro-dermabrasion is a mechanical skin peeling treatment that uses an applicator probe to break down the skin cells of the stratum corneum and any other debris sitting on the skin’s surface. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Types of systems The first type of micro-dermabrasion system use aluminium oxide micro-crystals which are applied to the skin at a controlled pressure through an applicator probe. The micro-crystals along with the dead skin cells are then sucked back up via a vacuum effect. A second machine uses a diamond tipped applicator head. The diamond tip removes the stratum corneum, the dead skin and debris are vacuumed and filtered into the system and discarded. The advantage of this system is that you can get closer to the eyes without risk of crystals getting into the eyes and there is no crystal residue to remove after treatment. Also, you will not have to keep re-filling the container with micro-crystals. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Benefits of a micro-dermabrasion treatment Skin will appear soft and toned. Reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Diminished post-acne marks and scars. Even skin colour and gradual reduction of pigmentation disorders. Gradual recovery of ageing skin and elasticity. Improved appearance of coarse skin with open pores. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris This mechanical treatment uses a compressor device that draws air into the applicator when its not in contact with the skin. When the applicator comes into contact with the skin a vacuum is created resulting in the micro-crystals being sucked through at high speed and propelled out onto the skin. The amount of force that is used when the micro-crystals hit the skin can be altered on the machine by adjusting the compressor suction setting. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Benefits of a micro-dermabrasion treatment Skin with appear soft and toned due to desquamating effect. Reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Less noticeable post-acne marks, stretch marks and scars. Even skin colour and gradual reduction of hyper-pigmentation if it is present in the epidermis (not effective if the pigmentation is any deeper).. Improved appearance of coarse skin with open pores. Improved blood circulation increases oxygen and nutrients to the area helping to nourish the skin cells, increasing cellular renewal. Improvement of lymphatic circulation will help speed up the removal of wastes and toxins helping to reduce any puffiness in the area. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Restrictions to a micro-dermabrasion treatment Highly vascular skin Moles and birthmarks. Keloid scarring. Blood disorders such as HIV and Hepatitis B. Any anti-coagulation medicine. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Treatment application considerations A course of 10-20 treatments is usually recommended, with one treatment every 7-10 days. The slower the probe is moved over the skin the greater the degree of abrasion. When applying a general facial treatment movements should work from the centre outwards. Treat pigmentation marks, scars and wrinkles individually. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

What precautions should you take when applying the treatment? Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Precautions Always check the strength on your wrist and the client’s wrist before applying treatment to the client’s face. If you work too slowly, the strength is too high or you apply pressure – over concentrating on an area – you will remove excessive skin cells resulting in the skin bleeding. When using a micro-crystal machine always apply eye shields to prevent irritation to the eyes and don’t work over the delicate eye tissue. Micro-crystals must be stored in a dry environment to prevent them from becoming damp – as this would affect the flow of the crystals during the treatment and the system may become blocked. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Precautions continued When working with a micro-crystal machine always check that the active container is filled to the correct level with sterile crystals. Remove any crystal residue with a dry brush from the cap of the active container and then insert the suction tube into the crystals, close the cap tightly. Regularly empty the waste crystal container and clean the filter as per manufacturer’s instructions – usually daily. Monitor and assess the skin reaction throughout the treatment, stop if you notice any undesirable effects. Take care when treating a client with fair skin as it is less tolerant and is more likely to suffer from excessive erythema. Don’t use the machine in a moist atmosphere, such as a treatment room that has a steamer in use. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Effects of the micro-dermabrasion treatment on the different systems of the body Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Lymphatic system Lymphatic circulation is increased which assists with the removal of waste products from the area. The appearance of any puffiness will improve as treatment assists with the removal of tissue fluids from the area. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Circulatory system Circulation is increased which brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the area. Improves the efficiency of the removal of waste products from the area. Vasodilation of the blood vessels results in erythema. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Skin structures Removal of the stratum corneum reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, scarring and hyper-pigmentation. Improved appearance of coarse skin with open pores. Stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen and elastin fibres thus improving the strength and elasticity of the skin. Increase in cell renewal results in a rejuvenating effect. Clare Hargreaves-Norris