How Celebs Get Red Carpet Ready Skin

Whether Madonna, Gwyneth or Scarlett are doing it or not, I needed it. A microdermabrasion treatment was a necessary expenditure - for the financial crisis must not appear on my face. So off I went, back to Genny Day at Toronto's Bay Dermatology Centre - for she was the one who suggested a microderm facial is absolutely the thing to do in the spring to slough off winter's dead skin cells. 

How does it work?

Using a diamond tip applicator, Genny passed a jet of fine mineral crystals over the surface of my face to exfoliate and remove the dry skin layers. Adjusting the suction as she went, it kind of gets intense in areas that need more work. (No slight discomfort no gain, right?) Ultimately, the process gets the dead and dull skin cells out of the way to stimulate the rebuilding of collagen and elastin.

The results?

My skin beamed with clarity almost immediately, and things just got better after a few days when the dry skin had completely flaked away, leaving a remarkable brightness. My regular moisturizer was absorbed far more rapidly than pre-treament - further proof that my complexion was breathing again.

Moreover, the line that had developed  on my forehead (quite suddenly to my despair) was reduced in width and depth. Pleased? Most definitely.

Is it for all skin types?

After the age of 30, natural skin regeneration slows down and we need help clearing off the layers of dead cells.  So give microdermabrasion a go if you have:

• Hyperpigmentation
• Sun damaged skin
• Need improvement in the look of scars
• Congested, thick skin that is discoloured 
• Oily skin
• Ingrown hairs
• Age spots
• Large pores
• Acne
• Rosacia

Genny stresses that, while the treatment is not a solution to skin issues like acne and rosacia, it is a useful tool to help many skin conditions in the regeneration and healing process.

And it's not only for face. Oh, no. Genny gets the full range of requests; from feet, to hands, back and yes, buttocks. One of her regulars told her to "just charge for two facials and do both cheeks, please."

Who should not do it?

Genny explains that this sort of treatment is not an option if  you have severe allergy or sensitivity to a product, or vulnerable (ie. raw) skin. 

"For the most part, microdermabrasion is controlled by the technician. The machine has various settings and I can gauge how many layers of exfoliation are required.

The skin does not need aggression to thrive...you can get really beautiful results with a gentle buff."

The price tag?

One half hour session is $150. 

Ideally one would schedule the Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial immediately after a microderm treatment to hydrate, accelerate the regeneration of new cells and elastin, as well as stimulate collagen production.

Alternatively, your esthetician will apply (as Genny did with me) the best moisturizer for your skin type.

How often?

According to Genny, microdermabrasion is great for the skin anytime of year. But if you're like me - with no major skin issues and no major bank account deposits - twice a year (end of winter and end of summer) will do. She recommends a series of treatments for older and/or problem skin. Summer brides take note as well if you need to get your glow on.

So the next time you are at the beauty counter dropping obscene amounts on cleansers and moisturizers, think about what you might first need to do to prep your skin to actually absorb those products. 

www.baydermatologycentre.com

Sara Graham, Fashion Forward
		About the author:
		When Malcolm Gladwell talks about “connectors,” he’s talking about Sara Graham. This gal-about-town made her mark spending five years in (and out) of publishing as Editor-in-Chief of Canada’s top teen magazines Vervegirl and FUEL. During the out part she created, designed and managed all aspects of Sister Underwear – a collection that was not only embraced by the Canadian fashion network of buyers, media and the public, but enjoyed repeat orders from boutiques located in the U.S. Although no longer deep in the publishing or fashion trenches, Sara remains curious and connected via her insatiable appetite for culture and travel. Sara also continues to produce fashion shoots through Project, her brand management company.