What is Microdermabrasion ?

It is a non-invasive procedure, where a skincare professional uses a machine to exfoliate or resurface the top layer of your skin. There are many kinds of microdermabrasion treatments, the most common ones are Crystal or Diamond wand. Here at Imperial Skin Care we use the Diamond Wand Microdermabrasion System.

Microdermabrasion Treatments can help to treat aging and sun-damaged skin, blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles and some types of acne and acne scarring. Because microdermabrasion removes dead surface skin cells and initiates cellular turnover, results may include improved skin tone, fewer breakouts, diminished appearance of scars, refined skin pores and a healthy glow. The suction stimulation alone boosts blood circulation and revitalizes collagen production, which instigates the regrowth of new younger-looking skin. The oxygen helps to speed up collagen production and sooth the newly exfoliated skin

Microdermabrasion Treatments are suitable for most skin colors and types. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. There is a little or no discomfort in this treatment, there are no side effects and your skin will look glowing and fresh almost immediately after treatment. Some more aggressive treatments may cause the skin to look slightly pink and tender for few hours afterward. You can resume normal acitivities and apply makeup and moisturizer directly after your session.

Sunscreen is extremely important. Remember to use it daily especially if you have had a Microdermabrasion treatment. Taking good care of your skin at home will help you maintain a healthy skin.

For skin conditions requiring less intensive treatments, there are also a number of products in the market for Home Microdermabrasion.

For more information, visit our ImperialSkin Channel for a number of Videos on Microdermabrasion procedures.

Facial Treatments

A professional Facial Treatment is usually performed in a Salon or Spa environment with reliable results achieved by a trained and licensed Aesthetician.

Depending on your Skin Condition and the purpose of the Facial these typically consists of a combination of procedures which can include but not limited to:

• Deep Cleansing
• Extractions
• Steaming
• Massage
• Exfoliation
• Masks
• Creams

These procedures are usually performed on the Face and Neck but can also extend to Shoulders and Back where skin conditions require treatment. The outcome of the treatment is to refresh and rejuvenate the skin and to treat various conditions including acne, blackheads, whiteheads and pigmentation as the typical range of skin conditions.

Most Salons and Spas provide a range of facials to suit both men and women skin conditions based on professional and natural products using a combination of above procedures.

At Imperial Skin Care we provide the following range of Facial Treatments as an example of options you may find or can request at your local Spa.

Rejuvenating Facials

European Facials

A full Moisturizer Facial to maintain soft, unblemished, well-hydrated skin. A light massaging of the face and neck to aid in relaxation and to stimulate blood and oxygen flow to the skin. We use Professional European Swiss Phyto5 products.

Acne Facials

An Acne Facial that includes deep cleansing, enzyme mask, steaming, extractions of blackheads, whiteheads and a hydrating mask.

Custom Holistic Facials

After a full skin analysis we customize each Custom Facial to your skin's specific needs. Hydrating, Anti-aging, Detoxifying and Sensitive skin conditions, e.g. Rosacea, Couperose.

Balancing Facials

A skin Balancing Facial with the 5 clay balancing mask. It works to re-balance all combination skin conditions and will give a visible improvement to the skin.

Teen Skincare

A customized Teen Facial for today's Teenager, we will teach them the importance of proper skincare, acne prevention and sun protection.

Back Facials

A relaxing Back Facial body treatment that includes, exfoliating mask, extraction and massage.

Lunchtime Mini Facials

A Mini Facial to help you relax and rejuvenate yourself during your lunch break. This facial includes a gentle facial and decollete massage with a hydrating mask.

Chocolate Facials

Chocolate Facial is a full facial to help maintain a soft, well-hydrated skin that also helps detoxify the skin and is loaded with antioxidants, this facial includes a light massaging of the face and neck to aid in relaxation and to stimulate blood and oxygen flow to the skin.

Chemical Peels

A Chemical Peel is the process of removing the excess accumulation of dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin. The intercellular glue that holds the dead skin cells together is dissolved by chemical agents such as AHAs that is applied on the skin.

Chemical peel treatments are used for skin fine lines and wrinkles, caused by sun exposure, aging and genetics. They can also treat sun or age spots, blemishes, melasma, acne scars and also aid in the control of acne. They also improve the texture of the skin and increase cell turnover and help in moisture retention. Most skin colors and types can benefit from light chemical peels.

Types of Chemical Peels

There are many different types of peels which fall in the category of Light Peels or Medium to Deep Peels. The Light Peels are designed to penetrate only the epidermis (outer layer), these peels are non-invasive. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHAs) such as glycolic acid, derived from sugar cane or lactic acid from sour milk are normally known as light peels, these are used in a low percentage content. Beta Hydroxyl Acid (BHA) peels penetrate deeper into the pores and may help control oil, acne as well as remove dead skin cells.

Medium to Deep peels can only be administered by a Physician or a Medical practitioner. Medium peels are performed in the doctor’s office or in a Medical facility. TCA (trichloroacetic acid), glycolic acid (50% or more), Jessner’s and Phenol are the chemicals used for medium peels. These peels are not suitable for darker skinned people. Phenol is a highly acidic deep peel that penetrates down to the dermis. Most medium peels if not administrated properly can cause permanent hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone. These peels are used for deeper lines and wrinkles and severe sun damaged skin.

A warming or stinging sensation is felt when a light peel is applied on the face and may last for five to ten minutes, if you feel a burning sensation let the Esthetician know so they can remove the chemical solution from your face quickly. After the peel, your skin starts peeling and may look scaly and this will last from three days to a week. It is very important to keep your skin moisturized and apply sunscreen lotion SPF 30 and above every day after a Chemical Peel Treatment. Maintaining your skin after these treatments is really important otherwise your skin will return back to its original state.

For more information our ImperialSkin Channel has a number of Videos on AHA, BHA and Medical Grade Chemical Peels procedures.

Threading Hair Removal

Threading is another ancient method of hair removal, it is very popular in many Eastern cultures. It works by using a cotton thread that is twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin, entwining the hair in the thread and lifting it out of the follicle. This is the least painful way to remove facial hair, the skin usually reacts with a little redness.

While formal Threading requires an experienced hand, there are Spring based products that leverages the principle in a form potentially usable by novices.

As an example of Threading Hair Removal treatments, we cover the following areas: Chin, Eyebrow, Upper Lip and Full Facial Threading.

For more information, our ImperialSkin Channel has a Video on Threading Hair Removal.

Healthy Skin is a reflection of a Healthy diet

You may have heard the saying “You are what you eat” and to a certain extent that is true for your skin condition. The healthier the foods that you eat, the better your skin will look.

Your diet should include low fat dairy products for vitamin A which is important for healthy skin cells. Low fat yogurt is very high in vitamin A and also has live bacteria cultures that are good for your digestive well being, so it will reflect in your skin.

Berries are full of antioxidants which also help maintain a healthy skin. Fruits and vegetables should also be a large part of your diet.

Healthy oils from foods like walnuts, flaxseed, salmon and also canola oil is very important for your body. The essential fatty acids are needed for healthy cell membranes which act as a barrier to harmful toxins. The stronger the cell membranes the better your cells can hold moisture, and so leads to a healthier younger looking skin.

Consume whole wheat products and cut down your intake of sugar and salt and drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin hydrated.

Cleanse your skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser, apply moisturizer and sunscreen every morning or use a moisturizer that has sunscreen. In the evening cleanse your skin and apply a night cream. Night creams normally have more active ingredients than day creams, as some of the active ingredients make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Once a week exfoliate your skin with a soft facial brush to remove dead skin cells.

Moisturizers and Sunscreens are very important to maintain a healthy skin.

Start taking care of your skin now with a healthy diet and daily care, so that these become a habit for long term benefit.

ImperialSkin Contents

Welcome to our ImperialSkin Blog to help you find answers to your skin care concerns. Click on the Contents links below for related Article Postings on the various skin care topics.

• Acne Pimples
• Back Acne
• Blackheads
• Blemishes
• Cellulite
• Chemical Peels
• Cysts
• Dandruff
• Dark Circles
• Darkness UnderArms
• Depilatory Creams
• Discussions
• Dry Hair
• Dry Skin
• Electrolysis
• Facebook
• Facial Treatments
• Forums
• Glowing Skin
• Hair Loss
• Hair Removal
• Healthy Diet
• Healthy Skin
• Home Remedies
• Hyperpigmentation
• Introduction
• Laser Hair
• Marketplace
• Melasma
• Microdermabrasion
• Milia
• Mobile
• Nodules
• Oily Hair
• Oily Skin
• Papules
• Pigmentation
• Products
• Puffy Eyes
• Pustules
• Search
• Services
• Shaving
• Store
• Stretch Marks
• Sugaring Hair
• Sun Tan
• Threading
• Videos
• Waxing
• Welcome
• Whiteheads

Dry Skin Prevention Tips

Moisturize your skin, use thick moisturizers on your body and use oil free moisturizers on your face if you tend to breakout (acne) inspite of the dry skin. Moisturizers seal your skin to keep water from escaping.

Use natural oils such as olive oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil or any other oils to help moisturize your skin. Apply this right after you shower, while your skin is still moist. Oil has more staying power than cream moisturizers. You can add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, ylang ylang or rose to the natural oil you use before applying on your body.

Avoid hot showers and baths, use warm water instead and limit how long you expose your skin to water. Hot water removes oils from your skin. If you swim a lot, shower as soon as you can after your swim and apply moisturizer all over the body.

Use cleansing creams or shower gels with added moisturizers. If you use soap make sure you choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats, e.g. olive oil soaps. Your skin should feel soft and smooth after cleansing, never tight or dry.

Apply Sunscreen all over your exposed body, every day before you go out in the sun.