Skin exfoliation has always been a staple in skin rejuvenation protocols with microdermabrasion being the most popular technology being offered for this purpose among the slew of clinic dermatology services. A relatively new technology however, is now making a big splash in the skin rejuvenation market, and for some users is predicted to soon replace microdermabrasion. Called the Hydrox Jet Peel System, this unique technology utilizes a device that directs a stream of saturated micro-droplets of oxygen and saline solution, against the skin – creating a local high-pressure zone (1-3 atmospheres) that simultaneously oxygenates, hydrates and exfoliates the treatment area.
“The results are just great for acne, skin rejuvenation and skin lightening.” says Patricia Tinio, M.D., a Mount Sinai (New York) trained dermatologist of the Beverly Hills 6750 Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Institute. The 200 meter-per-second supersonic micro-flow of the Hydrox Jet Peel is made possible by a patented nozzle hand-piece that functions as a micro-droplet accelerator with three jet streams of normal saline. Dr. Tinio explains, “It’s like a high pressure washing of your face, with oxygen going through it. It really cleans out the pores. I recommend treatment once every 3 to 4 weeks, the same as for microdermabrasion. Results are similar, and I’ve even had success extracting blackheads. For acne, results can be seen in only one session. However, for fine lines and wrinkles, five or six sessions are normally required.”
The Hydrox Jet Peel provides 4 distinct advantages over microdermabrasion, these being: 1) the elimination of crystals, 2) a more comfortable treatment for the patient, 3) the addition of oxygen delivery, and 4) the ability to incorporate cosmeceuticals into the saline solution (e.g. vitamin C). Since the delivery is at supersonic speeds and at high pressures, the oxygen and saline solution penetrates deeply into the skin. “At BH 6750 Multi-Specialty Aesthetic Institute, we incorporate vitamin C into the saline solution and oftentimes after one session, the skin texture is improved and the skin looks more radiant. The skin also has a more youthful appearance.” says Dr. Tinio. For most purposes, the skin exfoliation is superficial removing only the outer keratinized layer of the skin. There is no associated downtime with a typical session lasting about 30 minutes for a full face. An occasional patient will even request for a whole body treatment!
“It is possible however, to increase the pressure of oxygen-saline delivery for an actual skin peeling effect,” explains Dr. Tinio “but it can be a little painful. That’s why if we are considering to do skin re-surfacing using the Hydrox Jet Peel, we have to sedate the patient. The results are similar to when a CO2 laser is used …and that’s pretty aggressive”, she adds. Dr. Tinio says further, “This is an exciting, significant, non-invasive method to assist the patient with photo-damaged skin and early wrinkles in resurfacing the skin. I foresee that even medications can be added to the Hydrox Jet Peel System for further benefit to the skin and in all likelihood, the system will eventually replace microdermabrasion.”