Microdermabrasion

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Larry Jaeger is an expert at treating all forms of skin disorders and skin disease. He has performed microdermabrasion treatments at Advanced Dermatology Associates for many years and discusses the skin care benefits.

Microdermabrasion, also known as microderm, is one of the easiest, safest and most effective anti-aging treatments you can get. It has many benefits! Microderm softens fine lines and wrinkles, helps to smooth coarsely textured skin, decreases the appearance of shallow scars, decreases pore size, and reduces superficial hyper-pigmentation, also known as age spots. Microdermabrasion also makes it easier for high-tech serums and skin care products to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. That helps build collagen, which gives skin its plump, youthful appearance.

Changing Skin Care Treatments

Professional microdermabrasion is usually done in a day spa, medical spa or specialized skin care studio. Microdermabrasion is essentially mechanical exfoliation that takes place with the help of a machine. The outermost layer of dead skin cells is removed from the face, chest and hands by physical means — not a chemical peel.

There are two types of microdermabrasion:

the original crystal microdermabrasion technology
or the newer diamond-tip microdermabrasion.

The original microdermabrasion technology, which has been around since the ’80s, is called crystal microdermabrasion. It uses a wand to spray and then vacuum up aluminum oxide crystals, also known as corundum, the second hardest mineral after diamonds.

Crystal microdermabrasion might also appear on a spa menu as particle resurfacing, power peel, derma-peel or Parisian peel. It can sting a little bit, and leaves a little residue of crystals on the skin. It’s important to wear eye covers when you get a crystal microderm treatment.

The newer diamond-tip microdermabrasion has been growing in popularity because it achieves the same results with less discomfort and without the crystal residue at the end of the treatment. The esthetician uses a variety of diamond tips, from coarse to fine, depending on how thick or delicate the skin is. The diamonds are the hardest mineral, and exfoliate the skin as the esthetician passes the wand over the face several times. Suction in the middle of the wand pulls the dead skin cells off the face. Because there are no loose crystals, you don’t have to wear plastic eye covers.

Which is better? Crystal microderm or diamond tip microderm? It’s really a matter of personal preference — and which machine your spa has. Most spas are buying diamond tip machines now, but may still have the crystal microderm machines. Some women prefer the more aggressive feel of the crystal microderm machines because they can tell something is “happening.”

The latest technology to hit the market is the HydraFacial, which uses water to deeply exfoliate the skin, perform extractions, then infuse the skin with serums.

The Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion can achieve dramatic results, but it is highly dependent on the skill of the esthetician. In general, it’s best if you get it from an esthetician you already know and trust. For the best results, it is generally recommended get a series of treatments. Your esthetician should be able to recommend the number that is appropriate for your skin type and condition. A typical diagnosis is six treatments about 10 to 14 days apart.

Dr. Larry Jaeger is the medical director of Advanced Dermatology of New York, and specializes in the area of medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology.

20 FACTS ABOUT MICRODERMABRASION TO WOW YOUR FRIENDS WITH…

1. Microdermabrasion was first developed in Italy in 1985 — pasta, pizza and microdermabrasion — thanks guys!

2. There are over 100 microdermabrasion machines on the market but they all have the same basic design — exfoliate and suck up those dead skin cells!

3. Microdermabrasion has been shown to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, shallow acne scars, though results may vary from person to person.

4. Those who suffer from enlarged pores will be pleased to know microdermabrasion can help minimize pores and is great for unclogging them.

5. Microdermabrasion may decrease the appearance of superficial hyper-pigmentation, age spots and other superficial skin damage caused by the sun.

6. Removing dead skin through microdermabrasion can aid in the penetration of skincare products by up to 50% and with a more even surface to work with, it allows makeup to go on more smoothly.

7. In 2009, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported there were 910,168 microdermabrasion procedures done in the US alone (176,541 of those men). It’s obviously big business, and not just in the States either.

8. Many people choose microdermabrasion over chemical peels and laser treatment because it is generally safer and more cost-effective.

9. The procedure may be a little uncomfortable but shouldn’t hurt (though skin can feel a little tender afterwards).

10. Microdermabrasion stimulates blood flow, which increases the nutrition delivered to skin cells. This improves cell production, which improves skin’s elasticity and texture.

Exfoliation For Good Skin Care

Larry Jaeger is a respected dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology Associates in New York City. Dr. Larry Jaeger discusses healthy ways to exfoliate skin for a healthy complexion. Exfoliation For Good Skin Care.

What is Exfoliation – Skin Care

Exfoliation is the cosmetic practice of removing dead skin cells from the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. Your skin can shed 30,000 to 40,000 dead cells per minute naturally; however, many people need exfoliation products to help reduce acne and get smooth skin.

Types of Exfoliation For Good Skin Care

Exfoliation practices differ for the body and the face.

Body Exfoliation Tips:

Buy a natural bristled brush. If you want to exfoliate outside of the shower, you can use circular motions with a long-handled, natural bristled brush.
- This brush is available in the cosmetics section of most box stores, like Target and Walmart, as well as in natural food stores.
- Start with your legs and move slowly up your body. Always brush in a circular motion in a small area before moving onto the next area. Work up toward your chest, then brush your back and arms.
Buy a loofah or exfoliating glove from a drugstore. These products are made with natural sponge and help to exfoliate the skin in the shower.
- These products are not suggested for use on the face.
Buy an exfoliation scrub that contains beads, pits, sugar, salt or another natural exfoliating substance. It should say “body scrub” or “cleansing scrub.”
Allow the shower to run over your skin for a few minutes, if you are using an exfoliating scrub or a loofah. Choose warm, not hot, water. Water that is too hot will dry the skin.
Rub the loofah or the scrub over your moist skin in a circular motion. Rinse well. Perform this exfoliation process every 3 to 7 days, depending upon your skin’s sensitivity.

Larry Jaeger provides tips for facial exfoliation.

Facial Exfoliation for Sensitive Skin:

Find a gentle, every-day cleanser that does not irritate your skin. Sensitive skin does not respond well to scrubs or acidic cleansers.
People with sensitive skin should try the product on 1 small area of the face and use it only if it does not produce irritation.
Wet your skin with warm water.
Place a soft terry cloth washcloth under a warm tap. Squeeze the washcloth and place it on your face for 1 to 2 minutes. Warm water will open the pores, making it easier to exfoliate.
Squeeze a small amount of cleanser on the surface of the washcloth. Rub the soap on the middle portion of the cloth. Depending upon the cleanser, this may or may not produce a lather.
Rub the washcloth on your face in circular motions. Start at the nose, move to the forehead and continue around the rest of your face.
Use a gentle touch. Exfoliation does not require hard scrubbing.

Dr. Larry Jaeger of New York is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions and is board certified in dermatology and dermatological surgery. He helps patients achieve optimum skin all year long – Exfoliation for good skin care.

Skin Care Liquid Cleansers

Skin Care – Liquid Cleansers

Larry Jaeger treats patients with all forms of skin disorders and skin diseases at Advanced Dermatology Associates in New York: Skin Care Liquid Cleansers.

Liquid cleansers in skin care…

Liquid cleansers were first introduced in the 1990’s, revolutionizing the skin-care marketplace by offering a less damaging alternative to bar soaps. The production of liquid soaps is a more straightforward process compared to bar soap production. This makes it possible to use milder surfactants and better moisturizers in liquid cleansers. According to Larry Jaeger, The three types of liquid cleansers have different properties, but overall, the emollient-rich cleansers are the best for normal skin.

Why? Skin Care Liquid Cleansers

Larry Jaeger discusses skin care with liquid cleansers.

Humectant-Rich Body Cleansers

Most body washes fall into this category and contain glycerin as the humectant. Unfortunately, the humectant-rich body cleansers are not as beneficial clinically. Because this type of cleanser contains water-soluble ingredients, most of the moisturizing ingredients get washed away in the rinse. They don’t leave enough moisturizer on the skin to moisturize it. Even though the name of the product contains “moisturizing”, the only way to tell if you have a humectant-rich body cleanser is to look at the ingredients. These cleansers typically contain (in order):

Sodium Lauryl (or Laureth) Sulfate – a harsher surfactant
Glycerin – the main humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine – another humectant

Emollient-Rich Body Cleansers
These body washes often contain the emollients sunflower oil or soybean oil. Emollient-rich body cleansers are better for the skin than humectant-rich cleansers because they are milder and more moisturizing.

These cleansers typically contain (in order):

Water
Glycine Soja (soybean oil) and/or Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) Seed oil – emollients
Petroleum – an occlusive
Ammonium Lauryl (or Laureth) Sulfate – a milder surfactant
- The surfactant used in these washes is milder than the surfactant used in other washes, causing less damage to the skin. Also, because the emollient is not water soluble, it stays on the skin and moisturizes it.
- The two companies that make emollient-rich body cleansers are Dove® and Olay®. You can always tell if you have an emollient-rich body cleanser by looking at the ingredients.

Low-Foaming Body Cleansers
This category of liquid cleansers is often used on the face, but there are low-foaming body washes. Low-foaming cleansers have little to no surfactant to damage the skin, but they don’t contain any ingredients to replace moisture in the skin. The main low-foaming body cleanser is made by Cetaphil®. If you look at the ingredients, there are no humectants or emollients, and the surfactant (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) is farther down the ingredient list meaning it is present in smaller quantities.

Dr. Larry Jaeger is the medical director of Advanced Dermatology of New York, and specializes in the area of Medical, Cosmetic and Surgical Dermatology. Skin Care Liquid Cleansers

Best Soaps – Eczema Relief

Larry Jaeger is an experienced Dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology Associates in New York. He has a successful treated patients suffering from eczema for over twenty-five years: “Best Soaps Eczema Relief”.

Best Soaps Eczema Relief…

Most soaps, especially bar soaps, dry the skin out.

Liquid cleansers are much less damaging to the skin and several types of liquid cleansers are on the market.
Studies have shown that emollient-rich cleansers dry the skin out the least and add moisture to the skin.

Larry Jaeger lists some of the best soaps available for patients suffering from eczema relief or treatment.

The following cleansers are all emollient-rich.

They are not presented in any order of preference. The deciding factor for trying one cleanser over the other might be price, smell, or feel.

Dove Delicate Cream Oil Body Wash:
- Most of the Dove® body wash products contain sunflower oil and soybean oil as the emollient. The Delicate Cream Oil contains the same ingredients as the Ultra Rich Cream Oil.
Dove Pro Age Body Wash
- The ingredients in this cleanser are the same as the other Dove cleansers listed here. The Pro-Age line is marketed towards “mature women” but anyone can use this cleanser.

Olay Age Defying Body Wash
- The Olay® products contain petroleum as the emollient. Petroleum is reported to stay on the skin and moisturize for up to 24 hours.
Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter
- The amount of shea butter is fairly small. It’s probably just enough to make it smell differently than the other emollient-rich cleansers.
Olay Body Wash plus Body Butter Ribbons
- The butter in the butter ribbons is JoJoba Butter and it’s far enough down on the ingredient list that it is mainly contributing to the feel of the cleanser, not to its moisturizing effect. That’s not a problem though because a good feel is important when choosing a cleanser.

Larry Jaeger of New York is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions and is board certified in dermatology and dermatologic surgery: Best Soaps Eczema Relief.

Popping Pimples – Problems

Larry Jaeger is a respected Medical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologist in New York City. As the founder and owner of Advanced Dermatology Associates in New York, Larry Jaeger has provided acne treatments for thousands of patients. Popping Pimples Problems.

Popping Pimples = Problems Skin Scarring

Larry Jaeger suggests that popping pimples “to try” and minimize their appearance may seem like a good idea at the time, but it will likely do the opposite. The pimple contains sebum and bacteria beneath the surface of the skin, so when it’s squeezed, it can irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection. Excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria are inadvertently forced deeper into the follicle, under the surface of the skin, which can cause the wall to rupture and cause infection. While you may get some satisfaction seeing a white head pop out, there is far more that didn’t make it out and gets trapped beneath the surface.

On the other hand, if you can resist the urge to pop a pimple, after about a week, the white contents will settle down into the skin or spontaneously pop when it’s ready. However, larger pimples, such as cysts, may require the help of a dermatologist in order to remove the contents of the pimple safely. This may involve an injection that decreases inflammation within a day or so, and reduces the risk of infection and scarring.

Acne Treatments & Prevention

According to Dr. Larry Jaeger, acne responds to different types of treatments, depending upon the person’s acne type and possible causes. Each person needs a specialized treatment in order to avoid developing hard-to-treat acne scars down the road. Popping Pimples Problems.

Larry Jaeger comments that if irritated and popped, the pimple may leave permanent scars behind on the skin long after they naturally clear away, which could require cosmetic laser surgery to get rid of.

Popping Pimples Alternative Methods

Washing your face more, letting acne run its course, and tanning to mask the appearance of pimples may worsen the condition in the end.
The key to clear complexion may come down to visiting a dermatologist for a tailored solution for your skin type and age.

Dr. Larry Jaeger of New York is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions and is board certified in dermatology and dermatological surgery.