Do you have acne scars, blemishes, brown spots or wrinkles that you are dying to get rid of but are unsure what the correct treatment would be for you? This article will discuss common skin procedures and the pros and cons of each treatment. We will also discuss what benefits you can expect from each of these skin care modalities.

Microdermabrasion (also referred to as micro):
Is one of the most popular skin care procedures in the day spa. Most micro machines use aluminum oxide crystal to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin. The Micro Machine uses a vacuum to push crystals through and onto the skin to help exfoliate the top layer of the skin. Microdermabrasion can help reduce the appearance of brown spots, wrinkles, fines lines, and help achieve a smoother texture. Realistically, it is best to have a series of 4-10 treatments to reach optimum results. After you have had the first series of treatments then having a micro procedure every 4-6 weeks will help to maintain your results. The ideal candidate for this treatment should not have unstable or active Rosasea or Diabetes. If you have psoriasis or eczema this treatment will not be for you either. If you use any prescription Retin-A or Accutane or topical treatments this procedure may not the best procedure for you, unless you have been off this prescriptions for a considerable amount of time. (Accutane usually a year, prescription Retin-A usually 30 days) It is also important to use SPF daily and stay out of direct sunlight and heat especially the first week after the treatment.

Chemical Peels:
There are many types of peels, but in a day spa most often a superficial peel will be performed. A superficial peel only exfoliates the outer layer of the skin. In most states day spas are only allowed to perform a superficial peel unless they are under a physicians care. Some of the key ingredients in superficial peel solutions are enzymes, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. Enzyme peels are gentle peels used for sensitive skin or used in conjunction with microdermabrasion. Lactic acid is used to help diminish hyperpigmentation (brown spots). Glycolic acid is used to help unclog pores and can tighten and firm the skin. Salicylic acid is great for acne skin as it helps to clear blemishes.
Peels can help improve acne, wrinkles, and sun damage done to the skin such as brown spots. The client can expect a tingling feeling or tightening of the skin, but it should not cause extreme discomfort. There is no down time needed for superficial peels and in most cases the client can even wear make up right after their treatment if needed. Peeling usually occurs 24-72 hours after the peel treatment has been performed. Most just experience only a light shedding of the skin. Again having a series of peels is usually the best way to go to achieve maximum results.
Again as with microdermabrasion if you are currently using prescription Accutane, Retin-A or other prescription medication for your skin you should avoid having a chemical peel. If you are prone to cold sores you should not have a chemical peel because the peel may cause flare ups of cold sores. It is best to wait and exfoliate three days before and after the peel. If you are allergic to aspirin you should not have a peel. It is also important to use SPF after this treatment as well and to stay out of direct sunlight or heat.
Facials:
Something as simple as having facials regularly can help reduce the look of wrinkles through massage to the face. It can help tone the skin, reduce blemishes, and make the skin appear radiant and healthier. Facials can help increase circulation and collagen in the skin. Best of all facials are extremely relaxing and can reduce stress as well. Most facials have these steps to them: Steam, Cleansing, Deep Cleansing, Massage to skin, Exfoliation, Extractions which help unclog pores, Masque usually a specific masque to your skin type, and Moisturizer.

It is also important to note that while these treatments are usually very safe you want to go to a day spa that does a thorough health consultation with you. I have explained some of the possible side effects but there can be many more. You want to make sure you are the ideal candidate for any of these procedures. There can be many contraindications depending on what type of procedure you are having done so it is important to have a knowledgeable and experienced therapist working with you.

Kristen Trimmer is a licensed aesthetician and owner of Absolutely Chic Skin Care Inc which is a day spa in Glendale, Arizona. For more information check out our website: www.absolutelychicskincare.com