For the perfect quick, effective and painless way to lightly resurface dull winter skin and clear away congestion, head to the Harley Medical Clinic for a convenient session of their Medical Microdermabrasion.
Medical Microdermabrasion is a virtually painless and far less intrusive alternative to chemical peels and laser resurfacing of the skin. Some of the skin problems it aims to target in one or several sessions include:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage
- Congestion and blemishes
- Blackheads
- Age spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Oiliness, dryness and patchiness.
Microdermabrasion is carried out using a high-pressure handheld device to spray a controlled flow of super fine, medical grade crystals at the skin (a process known as “sandblasting”). This thoroughly removes any dirt on the skin, along with the top layer of damaged or dead surface skin cells, which are then instantly vacuumed away by the device along with the crystals. In other words it is a high-tech and exfoliating process, designed to both improve the texture of the skin and also stimulate new collagen production – so regular treatments improve resistance to aging and plump the skin.
After a separate appointment to assess your skin – Harley Medical Clinic offer a free computerised photo imaging skin analysis – but no prior preparation required, you will arrive for the treatment which will be clearly explained by the esthetician. The treatment rooms are plain and clinical, reminding you this is a medical clinic rather than a spa – this is quite reassuring given the nature of the treatment, which is after all a resurfacing one which you would only want practiced by a qualified esthetician.
Any make-up or residue on your skin will be gently and expertly removed and massaged away using the Harley Medical Clinic’s own range of skincare, in the manner it would be prior to a more luxurious spa facial, which will relax you before the treatment. The crystals are then applied and the suction process begins. This initially feels slightly abrasive, but you become used to it quickly and experience only a very slight level of discomfort – even on the more sensitive contours of the face. The nature of the crystal technique means more or less pressure can be applied as you wish, making it tailor-made and suitable for different levels of skin sensitivity.
During the session the esthetician will concentrate the microdermabrasion on the areas of the face that require deeper resurfacing, as you will previously discuss. For us, this included our forehead, nose and chin, which can all be prone to congestion and oiliness – especially throughout winter. The quick treatment is over after about five-to-ten minutes. It was extremely convenient and we were able to leave straight away, after being instructed to avoid touching the face or applying make-up for at least six hours.
The results were instant, with our skin visibly clearer and pore size reduced. No recovery time is needed, although after a microdermabrasion the skin is in a better condition to absorb serums and night creams. This meant that the following morning the appearance of the skin is even better, with improved tone, free from congestion and incredibly soft and clear. Microdermabrasion is therefore ideal to have prior to an important event, or the Harley Medical Group recommend regular, fortnightly treatments in the run-up to a wedding, for example – as you will see accumulative benefits after consistent treatments. It is also a fantastic regular treatment to include long-term in an anti-aging regime, due to the collagen-boosting properties and the benefits of regularly clearing away dead skin cells.
Medical Microdermabrasion at the Harley Medical Clinic costs £95 for the stand-along treatment, or £150 to have alongside their Agera Skin peel treatment (the duo treatment is recommended for older or problem skin). It is also available in a variety of packages which are detailed here.
http://www.harleymedical.co.uk/