Snapshot Science of Skin

Micro –derm – abrasion = increased cell turnover from a superior exfoliation

This blog is about helping you to understand what depth of your skin microdermabrasion acts upon which in turn confirms the safety aspect of the procedure. The basic diagram below shows the five levels of the epidermis with the last layer (Corneum Germativium) that attaches to the dermis.  Micro – dermabrasion only deals with the first layer, the  Stratum Corneum of the epidermis.

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‘Dermabrasion’ on the other hand is a deeper invasive procedure and only performed medical practitioners’ i.e. plastic surgeon.

Epidermis Explained

Stratum Corneum (as in cornification)
This is the superficial layer you see and touch.  It is a barrier of dead, durable and expendable cells that’s protects the underlying deeper portion of the epithelium.  It contains 15-30 layers of keratinised cells that are tightly connected which is why they shed in flakes rather than individual cells. 

It is the free surface of dead keratin cells that Microderm buffs away.

Stratum Germinativum
This fifth layer is dominated by stem cells whose division replaces the superficial keratinocytes that are shed at the epithelial surface.

It takes 15 to 30 days for the cell to move up from this layer to the stratum corneum and then another 14 days before they shed and wash away.

The Layers that make up your skin

Image Courtesy of biology.stackexchange.com

Rejuvenation Process Explained

The projection of the crystals on the surface of the skin provides micro trauma (represented by the warmth in the skin) which sets up the rejuvenation process at a cellular level.  *Fibroblasts are stimulated to produce collagen and elastin at the papillary dermal level.
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(*Fibroblasts are the most common cells in connective tissue.  Their main function is to maintain structural integrity of the connective tissue by continuously secreting extracellular matirix proteins like collagen.)

Conclusion

The microdermabrasion treatment is a safe, non-evasive procedure because it is the free surface of the Stratum Corneum that is resurfaced through intense exfoliation.  This increases the blood supply that provides nutrients necessary for skin regeneration, repair, and increased cellular turnover.  In return, improving the skins’ elasticity and texture, as well as balancing the pigment. The skins’ permeability for moisturisers is increased.