Crystal Microdermabrasion The regular crystal microdermabrasion technology involves the use of a special, hand-held device that propels a high-speed flow of aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin. At the same time, the machine's vacuum system sucks away dirt, dead cells and used crystals. Aluminum oxide crystals have been the most commonly used abrasive agent for the last 20 years. Aluminum oxide is the second hardest mineral (diamonds are first). There has been a link between aluminum use on the body (deodorants) and cancer. Sodium bicarbonate crystals are an organic alternative to aluminum oxide crystals but they are a lot softer and less effective in microdermabrasion. Diamond Microdermabrasion The diamond microdermabrasion system, on the other hand, replaces the micro-crystal flow with a laser cut diamond tip wand. Areas closer to the eyes and mouth can be abraded more accurately with diamond abrasion (no risk of stray crystals causing damage, getting into your eyes, nose or being ingested). No risk to the operator for repetitive exposure. Other than that, crystal-free diamond head microdermabration works in the same way traditional microabrasion does. Diamond microderm machines usually come with wands of varied size and coarseness for different skin types and depths of resurfacing. The wand tip is made of natural laser cut diamond chips which polish the skin and remove dead cells, which are then vacuumed back into a waste filter. Many professionals prefer natural diamond tips because they are easier to control don't irritate the skin and give a more precise treatment (natural minerals are less likely to trigger adverse reactions).

Unfortunately not all treatments are for everyone. Please check our contraindications list to make sure you avoid disappointment. https://www.ecoskinclinic.co.uk/post/microdermabrasion-contraindications-aftercare(https://www.ecoskinclinic.co.uk/post/microdermabrasion-contraindications-aftercare)

Two days prior to treatment, discontinue using all alpha hydroxy acid products (those containing glycolic or lactic acid), salicylic acid products, retinoids (Retin A, Renova, Differin and Tazorac) and other topical acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide. If in doubt about using any product, please seek medical advice. The following procedures should not be performed for a minimum of 7 days before microdermabrasion: • Waxing • Tweezing • Electrolysis • Laser treatments (any kind) • Injections (Collagen & BOTOX) • Chemical peels (any kind) • Facials • NOTE: If you have a history of herpes simplex virus (cold sores or fever blisters), in rare instances a reactivation of this condition could occur after treatment. Please use cold sore cream 2 week prior to the treatment and 2 weeks after..

• Experiencing initial dryness, flaking, and a feeling of a mild sunburn is a normal result of the procedure. This is a sign your skin is repairing itself. • Cleanse and moisturise your skin twice daily. Use non-active products that help to nurture the skin (PLEASE ASK your therapist for advice). • Do not use any alpha hydroxy acid products (those containing glycolic or lactic acid), salicylic acid products, retinoids (Retin A, Renova, Differin and Tazorac) and other topical acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide for 72 hours after the treatment. • Do not directly expose the treated area to the sun for at least 48 hours after the treatment. Use a sunscreen every day that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, preferably one containing zinc or titanium dioxide, which should not irritate the skin. • Exercise that causes excessive sweating for 48 hours. The following procedures should not be performed for a minimum of 7 days after microdermabrasion: • Waxing • Scrubs or exfoliants • Electrolysis • Tweezing • Injections (Collagen & BOTOX) • Laser treatments (any kind) • Facials or masks • Chemical peels (any kind)

Your skin works hard to keep you healthy, and you can return the favour by looking after it. Top Tips: • Use an SPF. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are the main cause of skin ageing and can cause skin cancer. • Stop smoking. Smoking is one of the main environmental factors in premature skin ageing by breaking down and preventing the production of new collagen. Smoking also causes the tiny blood vessels in the skin to constrict, reducing the supply of oxygen to the skin. • Cut down your alcohol consumption. When you drink alcohol, your body and skin can become dehydrated, leaving the skin looking older and tired. • Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. • Follow a skin care routine to nourish and treat your skin. Ask your skin care professional what products would be best suited to protect and improve your skin. Cleanse morning and night. Exfoliate. Use a mask, eye cream and skin appropriate moisturiser. • If you experience a reaction to your treatment that continues for more than 24 hours please see your GP.

Our Microdermabrasion machine using a diamond tip does not have the waste the crystal machine create making it more enviromentally friendly. We use as little dispoable consumables as we can and recycle as much as possible. We use dermalogica products with this treatment: dermalogicas commitment to sustainability • Dermalogica are recognized cruelty-free by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and Leaping Bunny • They are certified Vegan on all but 4 of our products. • They have been clean since 1986. Our formulas are free of artificial colors and fragrances, mineral oil, lanolin, S.D. alcohol, parabens and microplastics. • By the end of 2020, 90% of their packaging will be recyclable or bio-degradable. Much of our packaging is already sustainable. • Going forward, all paper and cartons they use are FSC certified to be sustainable for forests. • Their formulas are all manufactured in California, which boasts some of the world’s strongest environmental and consumer protections.