by Clare Hargreaves-Norris

1. Clare Hargreaves-Norris
Micro-dermabrasion
NVQ Level 3 Beauty
Therapy

2. Micro-dermabrasion is a
mechanical skin peeling
treatment that uses an
applicator probe to break
down the skin cells of the
stratum corneum and any
other debris sitting on the
skin’s surface.
Clare Hargreaves-Norris

3. Types of systems
 The first type of micro-dermabrasion system use aluminium
oxide micro-crystals which are applied to the skin at a
controlled pressure through an applicator probe. The micro-crystals
along with the dead skin cells are then sucked back
up via a vacuum effect.
 A second machine uses a diamond tipped applicator head.
The diamond tip removes the stratum corneum, the dead skin
and debris are vacuumed and filtered into the system and
discarded. The advantage of this system is that you can get
closer to the eyes without risk of crystals getting into the
eyes and there is no crystal residue to remove after
treatment. Also, you will not have to keep re-filling the
container with micro-crystals.
Clare Hargreaves-Norris

4. Benefits of a micro-dermabrasion
treatment
Skin will appear soft and toned.
Reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Diminished post-acne marks and scars.
Even skin colour and gradual reduction of pigmentation disorders.
Gradual recovery of ageing skin and elasticity.
Improved appearance of coarse skin with open pores.
Clare Hargreaves-Norris

5. This mechanical treatment uses a
compressor device that draws air
into the applicator when its not in
contact with the skin. When the
applicator comes into contact
with the skin a vacuum is created
resulting in the micro-crystals
being sucked through at high
speed and propelled out onto the
skin. The amount of force that is
used when the micro-crystals hit
the skin can be altered on the
machine by adjusting the
compressor suction setting.
Clare Hargreaves-Norris

6. Benefits of a micro-dermabrasion
treatment
 Skin with appear soft and toned due to desquamating effect.
 Reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
 Less noticeable post-acne marks, stretch marks and scars.
 Even skin colour and gradual reduction of hyper-pigmentation
if it is present in the epidermis (not effective if the
pigmentation is any deeper)..
 Improved appearance of coarse skin with open pores.
 Improved blood circulation increases oxygen and nutrients to
the area helping to nourish the skin cells, increasing cellular
renewal.
 Improvement of lymphatic circulation will help speed up the
removal of wastes and toxins helping to reduce any puffiness
in the area. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

7. Restrictions to a micro-dermabrasion
treatment
Clare Hargreaves-Norris
Highly vascular skin
Moles and birthmarks.
Keloid scarring.
Blood disorders such as HIV and Hepatitis B.
Any anti-coagulation medicine.

8. Treatment application considerations
A course of 10-20 treatments is usually recommended,
with one treatment every 7-10 days.
The slower the probe is moved over the skin the
greater the degree of abrasion.
When applying a general facial treatment movements
should work from the centre outwards.
Treat pigmentation marks, scars and wrinkles
individually.
Clare Hargreaves-Norris

9. What precautions should you
take when applying the
Clare Hargreaves-Norris
treatment?

10. Clare Hargreaves-Norris
Precautions
 Always check the strength on your wrist and the client’s wrist
before applying treatment to the client’s face.
 If you work too slowly, the strength is too high or you apply
pressure – over concentrating on an area – you will remove
excessive skin cells resulting in the skin bleeding.
 When using a micro-crystal machine always apply eye shields
to prevent irritation to the eyes and don’t work over the
delicate eye tissue.
 Micro-crystals must be stored in a dry environment to
prevent them from becoming damp – as this would affect the
flow of the crystals during the treatment and the system may
become blocked.

11. Precautions continued
 When working with a micro-crystal machine always check that
the active container is filled to the correct level with sterile
crystals. Remove any crystal residue with a dry brush from the
cap of the active container and then insert the suction tube
into the crystals, close the cap tightly.
 Regularly empty the waste crystal container and clean the
filter as per manufacturer’s instructions – usually daily.
 Monitor and assess the skin reaction throughout the
treatment, stop if you notice any undesirable effects.
 Take care when treating a client with fair skin as it is less
tolerant and is more likely to suffer from excessive erythema.
 Don’t use the machine in a moist atmosphere, such as a
treatment room that has a steamer in use. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

12. Effects of the micro-dermabrasion
treatment on the different systems
Clare Hargreaves-Norris
of the body

13. Clare Hargreaves-Norris
Lymphatic system
 Lymphatic circulation is increased
which assists with the removal of
waste products from the area.
 The appearance of any puffiness will
improve as treatment assists with
the removal of tissue fluids from the
area.

14. Clare Hargreaves-Norris
Circulatory system
 Circulation is increased which
brings fresh oxygen and
nutrients to the area.
 Improves the efficiency of the
removal of waste products from
the area.
 Vasodilation of the blood vessels
results in erythema.

15. Clare Hargreaves-Norris
Skin structures
 Removal of the stratum corneum
reduces the appearance of fine lines
and wrinkles, scarring and hyper-pigmentation.
 Improved appearance of coarse skin
with open pores.
 Stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to
produce collagen and elastin fibres
thus improving the strength and
elasticity of the skin.
 Increase in cell renewal results in a
rejuvenating effect.