My First Time
The Age
Saturday May 10, 2003
Camille Thorse, microdermabrasion
WHAT The Ashley Centre
WHERE 4 Burke Road, Malvern East. Phone 9569 3511.
WEBSITE www.ashleycentre.com.au
I have just turned 35 and am tragically caught up in a mid-life crisis of sorts that has driven me to begin a self-improvement crusade, which my friends believe to be bordering on paranoia. I made a promise to myself (like everybody does) that it is time to stop smoking, start exercising and to take better care of my skin. Enjoying the good things in life is definitely taking its toll and I am far from diligent with my skin-care routine or visits to beauty therapists.
I recently read an article about improved techniques in skin resurfacing that had sparked my curiosity. A friend who was taking a course in microdermabrasion suggested that I should make an appointment at the Ashley Centre and assured me that the treatment is a far cry from the abrasive techniques used in dermabrasion that leave your skin red raw, forcing you into self-imposed exile.
At the initial consultation, nurse Geri Davis performs a skin analysis to determine whether microdermabrasion would be the most suitable treatment for me. Establishing that my skin is dehydrated and has pigmentation from sun damage, the procedure and costs are explained in detail. It is suggested that I have a course of six 30-minute fortnightly treatments that bought individually are $110. As a package, including a peel, it is $550. At the conclusion, I'm told, I can expect to see a definite improvement in the condition and appearance of my skin.
Microdermabrasion involves a large pen-like apparatus being moved over my face in a circular motion, which initially cleans the skin by suctioning and emptying the pores in a gentle vacuum action. In the second phase, a fine jet of aluminium oxide crystals is sprayed on the skin, which exfoliates dead cells from the top layer. This process is then repeated with greater intensity and larger crystals.
The procedure was quite comfortable and did not require a local anaesthetic. I was advised that it was fine to re-apply my make-up but to avoid direct exposure to the sun for 24 hours, and also skin creams that contain glycolic acid.
Glancing in the mirror, I was pleasantly surprised to see that after only one treatment my skin looked smooth and refreshed with only a slight radiant pinkish tinge that is due to increased circulation.
I don't know why I didn't do this sooner. My initial concerns of reptilian skin shedding followed by third-degree burns now seem totally absurd. Several days after microdermabrasion, my skin looks fantastic and I am eagerly awaiting my follow-up treatments.
© 2003 The Age