Chemical Peels as New Technology and Microdermabrasion as Old Technology - Book Report/Review Example

New technology in Beauty Industry- Chemical peels as New Technology and Microdermabrasion as Old Technology Acknowledgments I wish to express my gratitude to my teacher (Name of the teacher) and the head of the school (Name) who gave me this chance to do this wonderful project on the topic New technology in Beauty industry-chemical peels as new technology and microdermabrasion as old technology that assisted me in carrying out a lot of Research and I came to know about numerous things and I am really thankful to them. Secondly, I wish also to thank my family and friends who assisted me a lot in finalizing this project within the limited time frame. Abstract In the beauty industry, it is very crucial that you keep abreast of the latest information and developments in the industry. The skills learnt during training are regarded as just the beginning. This industry is developing and changing constantly, with the development of new technologies bringing in new and exciting products and treatments. The beauty industry has experienced a growing influence of e-based distribution models, mobile devices, social media, phone applications and other technological features to enhance product and service delivery. Initially, the advent of light and laser therapy systems led to the decline in the utilisation of chemical peels. Chemical peels are not only part of the cosmetic scene of the past, but also an explicit foundation stone of the future. The long term experience with chemical peels has indicated that the procedure is safe and effective for different conditions such as dyschromias, acne and photoaging. On the other hand, microdermabrasion is defined by Gold (2010) as a system pushing specially refined crystal at very high velocity unto the skin surface to exfoliate dead skin cells and to enhance the generation of new skin cells, thus creating a skin surface which glowing and youthful. This traditional treatment procedure has more adverse effects than chemical peeling. Table of Contents Acknowledgments 1 Abstract 1 Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Review of the literature 4 Method 9 Measurement criteria 9 Results 9 Discussion of the results 10 Conclusion 14 Recommendations 15 References 16 Introduction Companies embrace technology so as to gain competitive advantage. Tools and technology are being developed at a rapid rate in every corner of the beauty world. The key for any beautician or hairdresser is to search for ways to improve their business is to stay informed and gain competitive advantage. Industry websites, trade shows, and courses are just a few ways in which one can make sure those in the beauty industry remain up to date on the latest industry developments. Most of our beauty routines have become more intertwined with the latest technology. The advent of the computer software and internet has revolutionized the beauty industry. As a result, it has brought significant changes in the manner in which cosmetics and personal care products are being manufactured. There are many types of chemical peels that one can use depending on the type of results you want and what you are willing to go through in terms of downtime and pain. Initially, the formulas used for peeling were regarded as closely guarded secrets and as a result of the remarkable results achieved, these procedures attracted significant interest. Since then scientists have added a variety of agents used for chemical peeling with newer agents being added daily. The beauty industry is moving towards procedures which would provide deeper and longer lasting effects. With regard to microdermabrasion, the process involves pushing specially refined crystal at very high velocity unto the skin surface to exfoliate dead skin cells and to enhance the generation of new skin cells. The procedure is used to treat various skin conditions complaints. Microdermabrasion results can actually be seen following just one treatment, thereby making the procedure to be viewed as old technology. Besides, it can also be utilized as a profitable addition or as a stand alone treatment to almost any other facial treatment provided by a clinic or salon. In the beauty and hairdressing industries it is very crucial to keep abreast with the new technologies that bring new and exciting treatments. The revolution of the beauty industry is attributed to huge leaps in technological advances. The paper will discuss the new technology in beauty industry, with chemical peels as new technology and microdermabrasion as the old technology. Review of the literature With the advent of the internet, numerous online retailers are selling chemical peel solutions, either alone or as a kit, in different strengths and percentages. The customers are now able to able to purchase take-home kits from the dermatologist offices, even though they usually recommend that you get the peel done there instead of doing it yourself. In the beauty and hairdressing industry it is very crucial to keep abreast with the new technologies that bring new and exciting treatments. The revolution of the beauty industry is attributed to huge leaps in technological advances with majority of them being based on new or updated internet and software applications (Pitman, 2011). Most players in the beauty industry have employed the use of latest computer technology so as streamline day-to-day administration. Management software has been developed specifically for salons to assist the beauticians and hairdressers carry out staffing, appointment, financial, and other operational tasks. Manufactures, hairdressers, beauticians, and beauty brands in the beauty industry are taking advantage of the latest mobile phone application technology. Pitman (2011) asserted that the advent of computer software and internet has brought about significant changes in the manner in which personal care products ad cosmetics are manufactured as well as the consumer patterns. However, the majority of the newer technologies are still in the learning phase and long term effects are still not known as compared to chemical peels. Newer, more effective and safer peeling agents like lactic acid, mandelic acid, pyruvic acid, and phytic acid continue to attract the attention of cosmetic dermatologist globally. This has resulted to the resurgence chemical peels utilization. On the other hand, lasers and light therapy systems are expensive to purchase and maintain. However, till this newer nonablative light therapies become more predictable, widely available and affordable, the chemical peels continue to be a helpful armamentarium in the treatment for common conditions, for instance, photoaging, acne, skin rejuvenation, and malasma (Brody, 2007). Beauticians usually perform wide range treatments including waxing and tinting, facials, spray tans, pedicures, and manicures. Together with trained specialists, beauticians usually provide various treatments for those people who are looking for alternatives to cosmetic surgery (Rendon et al., 2010). This is an area that has gained rapid reputation, with latest treatments to be developed promising fast healing times and reduced redness. This is what has made consumers shift their preferences from microdermabrasion to chemical peeling. There have been an explosive interest in the procedural techniques for skin rejuvenation and trend has continued to require procedures that are minimally invasive or non-invasive, thus needing little downtime (Bari, Iqbal, & Rahman, 2005). Numerous chemical peeling procedures actually fit in this category. Since the days of ancient Egypt, people have been using chemical peeling, also known as chemexfoliation methods in order to rejuvenate skin (Khunger, 2010). The original chemical peeling agent was lactic acid, which is an active ingredient of sour milk was utilised topically by the nobles as part of an ancient skin rejuvenation regimen (Khunger, 2008). Proceeding into the middle ages, old wine was used with tartaric acid as its active ingredient for the same purpose. Currently, these historical chemexfoliants are known to contain alpha hydroxy acids; active ingredients responsible for the exfoliation of the skin (Khunger, 2009:13). There are various types of chemical peels including alpha hydroxy acid peels, beta hydroxy acid peels, Jessner’s peel, tricholoroacetic acid peels, and phenol peels (Hills, 2005). Alpha hydroxy acid peels are the mildest of the peel formulas. It produces light peels that are used for the treatment of acne, fine wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and areas of dryness. Additionally, alpha hydroxy acids can actually be mixed with a facial wash in small concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen so as to enhance the texture of the skin. Beta hydroxy acid peels control excretion of sebum, acne and the removal of dead skin cells to a certain extent better than alpha hydroxy acid peels. Jessner’s peel has been reported to break intracellular bridges that are between keratinocytes (Halaas, 2011:297-8). The retinoic acid peel is utilised to eliminate scars, wrinkles and pigmentation problems. It is done together with a Jessner; which is usually performed right before, so as to open up the skin for the retinoic acid to penetrate to a deeper level (Halaas, 2011:299). Trichloroacetic acid peels are preferred for patients who are dark-skinned over phenol. It is used to smoothen out fine surface wrinkles, eradicate superficial blemishes and correct skin pigment problems. The phenol peel is the strongest of the chemical solutions thus producing a deep skin peel. It is used in correcting blotches that are caused by sun exposure or aging, smoothening out coarse deep wrinkles and removing precancerous growth (Halaas, 2011:300) Anitha (2010:186-188) noted that chemical peeling is a safe, simple and cost-effective office procedure. Therefore, the complications can be avoided through good intra-peel and post-peel care, proper patient selection, proper patient counseling, and adequate priming. Microdermabrasions is a process that involves pushing specially refined crystal at very high velocity unto the skin surface to exfoliate dead skin cells and to enhance the generation of new skin cells. This procedure is utilised to treat various skin conditions complaints. According to Kuczynski (2006), the microdermabrasion results can actually be seen following just one treatment, thereby making the procedure to be viewed as old technology. Besides, it can also be utilized as a profitable addition or as a stand alone treatment to almost any other facial treatment provided by a clinic or salon. The social media has really had an impact on the beauty industry too. Tools such as Facebook, Linked-in, Twitter, and My Space have permitted the industry to increase on its networking (Pitman, 2011). There have also been significant advances in ingredient technology covering areas like superoxide, stem cell and fulleries have led to increasingly innovative ways of incorporating these substances into formulations in order to manufacture hair care, skin care and colour cosmetics with enhanced functionality. On the other hand, technology is going a long way in ensuring that the process of manufacturing personal care products and cosmetics are far more efficient and eco-friendly (Briden, 2011:78). However, the recent technological trends are geared towards natural alternatives that provide high performance while keeping the hair healthy. There is also a growing demand for natural alternatives for the chemical-based skin care. In addition, there is a thriving demand for the anti-aging treatments and skin-care (112-115). For instance, green chemistry is employed more cutting edge and energy efficient was of processing formulations and ingredients. As a result, the carbon footprint of the finished are significantly reduced, thus giving the producers the green light to boost of greener credentials. Elemis is an environmental friendly skincare brand since it uses plant-based stem cells, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties and are packed with antioxidants (Metro, 2013). Method The methods of collection include open-ended questions (Shields & Rangarajan, 2013), observation (Singh, 2007), key informant interviews, personal interviews (Trochim, 2010), surveys with close-ended questions, filling of questionnaires, and focus groups, as well as examination of documents (Creswell, 2009). Surveys will be done through telephone and internet. The questionnaires will be self explanatory and respondents will be asked to fill it on their own volition. Measurement criteria The measurement criteria would include: the rate of skin rejuvenation, rate of exfoliation, the number of people using the treatment procedure, and skin texture. Results Chemical peelings represent skin damage that has been induced by caustic agents caused by controlled damage, which is followed by the release of cytokines and inflammatory mediators. Consequently, it results in reorganization of structural elements, epidermis thickening, deposition of collagen, and increases in dermal volume. This process works in manner that it decreases solar elastosis and replaces and reorients the new dermal connective tissue. The process results in improved clinical appearance of the skin having fewer rhytides and reduced pigmentary dyschromia. Chemical peeling is a very versatile tool, which can assist build a good cosmetic practice. As a consequence, chemical peeling is still considered as a simple and effective modality, in any repertoire of a physician. However, the lasers have resulted in a large impact, to some extent by media hype. Microdermabrasions is a process that involves pushing specially refined crystal at very high velocity unto the skin surface to exfoliate dead skin cells and to enhance the generation of new skin cells (Gold, 2010). There has been a growing complexity of the sustainability challenge facing the beauty industry. A view shared by Pitman (2011) pointed out that pressure on the cosmetic companies is mounting as prices for raw materials rise; resources become increasingly scarce, even though consumers and retailers are still demanding more transparency. In an industry, which has historically been the recipient of much negative media attention, the consumers are increasingly questioning the ethical component of most cosmetic products such as agents used in microdermabrasion which have been found to cause skin irritation and abrasion due to the aluminum oxide crystals. Discussion of the results Competition in the beauty industry is stiff and keeping up to date with the latest developments is crucial to ensuring that you stay ahead in the game. The advent of the internet technology has revolutionized the manner in which treatment procedures are being offered. With the recent advancements in technology, beauty industry has developed equipments such as microdermabrasion equipment, lasers, hair removal, and skin rejuvenation machines to open up various exciting new opportunities for beauty clinics and salons to continue expanding their operations and attracting new clients. The concept of skin peeling by chemicals in order to beautify the skin as cited by Khunger (2009:2) has been utilized for a long time. Cleopatra utilized sour milk that contained lactic acid while the French women made use of old wine that comprised of tartaric acid as beauty baths. The modern era of chemical peeling commenced with MacKee, a dermatologist who treated facial scar using phenol. According to Hill (2005), chemical peeling is considered as a helpful procedure for the treatment of common conditions such as acne, skin rejuvenation and dyschromias. According to Khunger (2009:1), chemical peel or chemexfoliation is a procedure that a chemical agent having a defined strength is actually applied to the skin, thus causing a controlled destruction of skin layers, which is followed by regeneration and remodeling improving the surface and texture abnormalities. As a new technology, Sapijaszko (2005:15) noted that the major purpose of chemical peeling is to cause measurable destruction at the required depth, which is followed by remodeling without scarring. One type microdermabrasion treatment procedure is Bliss Triple Microdermabrasion facial. This facial treatment incorporates microdermabrasion a technique that utilises ultra-fine crystals to buff away dead skin cells. Nonetheless, the microdermabrasion in this treatment makes use of a wand-like device having a speed of 20 settings and 60 levels of exfoliation. This makes it appropriate for those people with sensitive skin who might have shied away from similar treatments in the past (Kuczynski, 2006). Microdermabrasion is a treatment process which involves pushing specially refined crystal at very high velocity unto the skin surface to exfoliate dead skin cells and to enhance the generation of new skin cells, thus creating a skin surface which is glowing and youthful. Microdermabrasion treatment procedure usually assists to exfoliate the old epidermal cells of the stratum. As a consequence, the treatment procedure offers visible and immediate results for lines and wrinkles, ageing skin and wrinkles, pigmentation, open pores, acne scars, blackheads, blemish scars, and stretch marks. The treatment procedure is regarded as old technology since the difference is viewed just after one treatment. On the contrary, in the case of a problematic skin, a course of treatments might be needed. During the microdermabrasion technique, with regular treatments, the skin usually improves its formation of elastin and collagen, giving the customer a more natural, firmer and rejuvenated appearance (Kuczynski, 2006). According to Gold (2010), the traditional method is marketed as a non-surgical and safe way of getting the skin to glow. The treatment procedure blasts aluminium oxide crystals to sand with skin. It then suctions up dead cells which have exfoliated and crystals with a vacuum. Chemical peeling has the following benefits (Khunger, 2009:2-3): It is regarded as a simple office procedure; the procedure is very easy to learn and practice since it has a short learning curve; it is safe and effective with very minimal complications; the superficial peels are usually noninvasive and can be utilized as lunchtime procedures; except for deep peels, it requires no post operative procedure; there is no risk of systematic toxicity, except for phenol peels; the chemical agents are stable and easy to procure; treatment can be individualized according to skin type because there is abroad range of chemical agents, which can be used for peeling; chemical peeling procedures require no machines and maintenance, consequently affordable to every physician; the chemicals and the procedure are cheap and easily accessible to a majority of patients; and lastly, it can be used together with other modalities like microdemerbrasion and lasers. On the other hand, the drawbacks of using chemical peels include: occurrence of complications such as scarring and hyper-pigmentation (Fung, Sengelmann, & Kenneally, 2009); it is a slow process, except for deep peels. Numerous sessions are needed with superficial peels, to obtain acceptable cosmetic results (Stegman, 2010); results are usually not permanent and maintenance peels are needed; pigmentary changes are common in experienced hands for post peel, particularly in darker skins; skin requires to be primed with medical therapy before peeling and adjunctive therapy is crucial in maintaining results (Khunger, 2010); and lastly, deep peels with phenol have a higher risk of permanent pigmentary changes for the darker skin (Khunger, 2009:3). With regard to microdermabrasion, the post-treatment reactions are more intense. It also leads to some complications such as intense redness, streaking from pressure on the probe, infections, and post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. Another danger of this traditional method is that the aluminum oxide crystals often scatter haphazardly into the ears, hair and lashes (Gold, 2010). In addition, the crystals can cause irritation to the eye and skin causing corneal scratches and abrasions. Inhalations of the powder from the crystals can actually lead to and asthma exacerbation and lung irritation. No matter what form you use, generally, the microdermabrasion treatments have the adverse effect of skin irritation and abrasions. A chemical peel is regarded as an effective method of removing dead dry skin cells on the skin surface, exfoliating the skin, and leaving a smoother and softer complexion underneath (Hill, 2005). Although the procedure is generally safe, sometimes complications can happen. The different complications that can occur in chemical peeling include: First, immediate which is within minutes to hours after peeling consist of the following: pruritus, burning, irritation; edema; and ocular complications (Resnik & Resnik, 2009). Secondly, delayed which is within a few days to weeks: loss of cutaneous barrier and tissue injury; abnormal wound healing such as scarring, milia and textural changes (Khunger, 2010); pigmentary changes; and adverse reaction to chemical agent like acne form eruptions, toxicity, and allergic reactions (Duffy, 2006). Anitha (2010:188) pointed out these complications are more common in darker skin patients and with medium and deep peels as compared to superficial peels. Conclusion In the beauty and cosmetic industry, it is very vital to keep abreast of the latest information and developments. Skills learnt during training need to complement the existing knowledge on how to improve services and products in the beauty industry. This industry is developing and changing constantly, with new technologies bringing new and exciting treatments and products and chemical peeling is one of them. Summarily, chemical peeling is a safe and simple procedure; although a comprehensive knowledge of the peeling agents as well as their action mechanisms are important for all physicians practicing cosmetic dermatology. The nuances of peeling, especially in darker skins where lasers have a higher risk of complications usually fill a gap in treatment of common conditions like photoaging, skin rejuvenation, facial malanoses, and acne. On the other hand, microdermabrasion is defined by (Kuczynski, 2006) as a system pushing specially refined crystal at very high velocity unto the skin surface to exfoliate dead skin cells and to enhance the generation of new skin cells, thus creating a glowing and youthful skin surface. Therefore, chemical peeling is considered to be safer and more effective as compared to microdermabrasion. Generally, no matter what form you use, the microdermabrasion treatments have the adverse effect of abrasions and skin irritation. Recommendations Chemical peeling can be prevented through patient counseling, proper patient selection, good intra-peel and post-peel care, and adequate priming. It is also recommended that performing peels need to be done taking into consideration all basic precautions so as to minimise the complications of chemical peels (Anitha, 2010). The chemical peel’s practitioners need to develop peeling agents that have varying depths of penetration (Rendon et al., 2010). While performing the chemical peeling process the patient must be educated concerning the chemical peel process and provided with a signed consent is advised when carrying out a medium or deep peel. In the perspective, the patient needs to be questioned regarding their general health status, medications, smoking, keloid formation, previous cosmetic procedures, and recurrent herpetic outbreaks. It is also recommended that during chemical peeling process the skin needs to be defatted properly with acetone. Delicate areas which require protection need to have petroleum jelly applied, including the lips, inside the nose, and optionally in the medial canthus, and lateral canthus (Stegman, 2010:123). After under going microdermabrasion extra sun protection care need to always be taken, since such as deep exfoliation leaves a fresh skin more vulnerable to the damaging sun’s rays. (Words 3,319) References Anitha, B. (2010). Prevention of Complications in Chemical Peeling. Journal of Aesthetic Surgery , 8 (8), 186-188. Bari A., U, Iqbal, Z., & Rahman S. 2005. Tolerance and safety of superficial chemical peeling with salicylic acid in various facial dermatoses. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 71:87–90. Briden, M., E. 2011. Alpha-hydroxyacid chemical peeling agents: Case studies and rationale for safe and effective use. Cutis. 73:18–24. Brody, H. 2007. History of Chemical peels. St. Louis:Mosby Year Book: 1-5. Creswell, J. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approach. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Duffy, D. M. 2006. Avoiding complications with chemical peels. In: Rubin MG, editor. Procedures in cosmetic dermatology series: Chemical peels. Amsterdam: Elsevier Inc. pp. 137–70. Fung, J., F., Sengelmann, R., D., & Kenneally, C., Z. 2009. Chemical injury to the eye from trichloroacetic acid. Dermatol Surg. 28:609–10. Gold, G. (2010, June 18). Retrieved March 4, 2014, from Could microdermabrasion be dangerous/ Next generation treatment alleviate old risks: http://main.stylelist.com/2010/06/18/microdermabrasion-next-generation. Halaas Y, P. 2011: Medium depth peels. Facial Plas Surg Clin North America, 12(3):297-303. Hill, P. (2005). Peels And Peeling Agents. Clifton Park, New York: Thomson Delmar Learning. Khunger. N. (2009). Step by Step Chemical Peels. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers. Khunger, N. 2010. Chemical peels. In: Khunger N, Sachdev M, editors. Practical Manual of Cosmetic Dermatology and Surgery. 1st ed. New Delhi, India: Mehta Publishers. pp. 326–36. Khunger N. 2008. Standard guidelines of care for chemical peels. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 74:S5–12. Kuczynski, A. (2006). Beauty Junkies: Inside Our $15 Billion Obsession With Cosmetic Surgery. New York: Crown Publishing Group. Metro. (2013, September 16). Retrieved March 4, 2014, from From plant stem cell facials to fat-freezing, beauty is now a question of science: http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/16/from-plant-stem-cell-facials-to-fat-freezing-beauty-is-now-a-question-of-science-3987331/ Pitman, S. (2011, April 4). Retrieved April 04, 2014, from Companies must embrace technology to maintain competitive edge: http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/Market-Trends/Companies-must-embrace-technology-to-maintain-competitive-edge Resnik, S., & Resnik, B., I. 2009. Complications of chemical peeling. Dermatol Clin. 13:309–12. Rendon, M., I, Berson, D., S., Cohen, J., Roberts, W., Starker, I., Wang, B. 2010. Evidence and considerations in the application of chemical peels in skin disorders and aesthetic resurfacing. Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology. 3:32–43. Stegman, S. J. 2010. A comparative histologic study of the effects of the three peeling agents and dermabrasion on normal and sun damaged skin. Aesthetic Plasict Surgery 6(1): 123. Sapijaszko, M.J. 2005. Chemical peels-A Re-emerging Art. Skin Care Guide. New York: Sage Publications. Sekaran, U. (2006). Research methods for business: A skill building approach. Mumbai: Wiley-India. Shields, P. M., & Rangarajan, N. (2013). A Playbook for Research Methods: Integrating Conceptual Frameworks and Project Management. Stillwater, OK: New Forums. Singh, K. 2007. Quantitative Social Research Methods. Los Angeles, CA: Sage. Trochim, W. (2010). The Research Methods Knowledge Base,. Maiden Avenue, New York: Oxford University Press. Read More