Chapter 9: Microdermabrasion Flashcards
What is microdermabrasion and how does it work?
- projection of natural mineral crystals onto the skin to remove epidermis cells and flaws that occur on the skin surface
- by removing part of the epidermis, microdermabrasion triggers the natural repair mechanism of the skin, promoting the skin to produce more collagen and elastin proteins
- removal of the stratum corneum reduces the appearance of fine lines, and wrinkles, scarring and hyperpigmentation
- improved appearance of coarse skin and open pores
- stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen and elastin thus improving strength and elasticity of the skin
- increase in cell renewal results in rejuvenating effects
- blood circulation is increased which brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the area
- lymphatic circulation is increased which assists with the removal of waste products from the area.
- vasodialation of the blood vessels results in erythema
List the layers of the skin:
- epidermis (thinner outer layer of skin) (a vascular-no blood vessels)
- Dermis (thicker connective tissue layer/ vascular layer)
- Hypodermis (subcutaneous or sub-Q)
Epidermis gets nourishment from dermal layer. Cells far away from nourishment die.
What does epidermis mean?
- derma=skin
- epi=upon
- epidermis= top layer of the skin
What is the epidermis and its 4 distinct cell types?
Epidermis is keratinized epithelium with 4 distinct cell types and 5 distinct layers:
Epidermis Cells:
- Keratinocytes
- Melanocytes
- Langerhans cells
- Merkel cells
Layers of the epidermis facts diagram:
Describe keratinocytes:
- 90% of the cells in the epidermis are keratinocytes= produces a tough, fibrous protein called keratin. This protein is the main structural protein of the epidermis, and it provides many of the skins protective properties
- the old keratinocytes at the upper surface of the skin constantly slough off. Meanwhile, cells in the lower layers of the epidermis divide continually, producing new keratinocytes to replace those that have sloughed off. By the time the cells reach the uppermost layer of the epidermis, they are dead and completely filled with the tough protein
Describe Melanocytes:
- 8% of epidermal cells. Scattered among the keratinocytes in the epidermis. Produce a dark pigment called melanin.
- this pigment gives colour to the skin and hair. It protects the skin against the suns ultraviolet rays.
Describe Merkel Cells:
-located in stratum basale. They are situated in epidermis of hairless skin and are responsible for sensations such as light tough, discrimination of texture and shapes
Describe langerhans cells:
-star shaped cells arising from bone marrow that migrate to the epidermis. Langerhans cells are actually immune system of the skin and easily damaged by UV light
List the 5 layers of the epidermis from basal layer to free surface:
- Stratum basale (deepest layer with rapid mitosis division)
- Stratum spinosum
- Stratum granulosum
- Stratum lucidum
- Stratum corneum
*during microdermabrasion we remove part of the epidermis
Describe the Stratum Corneum (the horny layer)
- exposed surface of the skin
- 15-30 layers of keratinized cells
- this layer is water resistant
- has many rows of dead cells filled with keratin and shed and replace every 2 weeks. This process is called desquamation
- effective barrier against light, heat and bacteria
*every minute of the day we lose about 30-40K dead skin cells off the surface of our skin, which are called dandruff and flakes (40lbs of dead skin cells in a lifetime)
Describe the dermis:
-dermis contains lots of sensory cells (heat, cold, pain and pressure), and blood vessels regulate body temperature (vasoconstriction, vasodialation)
-it also contains lymphatic vessels
-the most important cells inside the dermis are fibroblasts and mast cells
—> fibroblasts are responsible for creating collagen and elastin. Mast cells are responsible for producing histamine
Describe collagen in the dermis:
- the main structural component of the dermis is a protein called collagen. Bundles of collagen molecules pack together throughout the dermis, accounting for three-fourths (3/4) of the dry weight of skin
- collagen is also responsible for the skins strength
Describe elastin in the dermis:
- another protein in the dermis, elastin is the main component of elastic fibres. These protein bundles give skin elasticity
- collagen and elastin are produced by cells called fibroblasts which are scattered through out the dermis
What is the DEFINITION of microdermabrasion and how does it work?
- the projection of natural mineral crystals onto the skin to remove epidermis cells and flaws that occur on the skin surface
- it works by removing part of the epidermis, microdermabrasion triggers the repair mechanism, promoting the skin to produce more collagen and elastin proteins
What are the 2 types of microdermabrasion system:
- 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 refilling the container with crystals - Crystal type microdermabrasion system
—this system used cardunum crystals (aluminum 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
What is derma-pod technology:
- microdermabrasion with crystals: face treatment
- Advantages: deep exfoliation
- Patented Turbo Flow Projection System: delivers safe and even abrasion and can even be used on sensitive areas such as dark circles under eyes or areas where there is couperose
- computer controlled functions: perfect outcome every time
- 40 pre-programmed settings: treatments adapted to all skin types
3 Phases of treatment diagram:
Suggested treatment chart diagram:
