Mentor spa offers a-peeling skin treatment

Diane Hupp says she has discovered a way to remove years from her skin's appearance - without traveling halfway around the world in search of the Fountain of Youth.  Microdermabrasion, a procedure that uses a controlled spray of fine sand-like aluminum oxide crystals through a pressurized vacuum wand to exfoliate and resurface superficial layers of the skin, is Hupp's answer to the ancient myth.

Hupp, an aesthetician/stylist at Jennifer & Company Salon in Mentor knows the treatment works - she tried it on herself first.

"I wanted to be able to tell my clients what I could and couldn't do," Hupp said.  From years of sunbathing, Hupp had severe sun damage in the form of a semicircle of dark skin along her jaw line.  "I called it my big brown smile," she said with a smile that now shows no trace of brown.  Even now that she has seen the results many times, she still is impressed every time a new client gets out of her chair.

"I've seen it take away smoker's lines around the lips and reduce enlarged pores. It miraculously flattens things out and resurfaces the skin," she said, adding, "I've seen beautiful results on acne."

The treatment, also known as particle resurfacing and by other names, including Power Peels, Derma Peels and Parisian Peels, is a relatively new skin polishing technique. Hupp added microdermabrasion to her list of services offered last December.  She says the treatment works best on reducing the tell-tale signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles and also helps reduce acne scarring, age spots, sun damage or uneven skin tone and hyper pigmentation.  At first, some may feel a mild scratching sensation as the crystals make contact with the skin, much like the feeling of a fine emery board rubbing on the skin's surface. If more aggressive treatment is necessary, vacuum pressure can be increased to penetrate deeper layers of skin.

The procedure itself takes less then 30 minutes, depending on the skin condition, area to be treated and desired outcome, earning its other nickname, the Lunchtime Peel. Hupp said improvements in the texture and appearance of the skin are immediately noticeable.  Since microdermabrasion is noninvasive, unlike a chemical peel, there is no recovery time while nurshing dry flaky skin. Other then some slight redness, customers are ready to reapply their make-up and be on their way.  Hupp's clients receive a skin analysis during the first visit. Hupp and the other technicians do a cleansing and soothing system, which includes the application of hot and cold towels with each treatment.  

Kathy Latino of Mentor said she is happy with the results she has seen so far.

"I had a lot of brown spots on my face from the sun," Latino said. "It's gotten rid of those and the fine lines around my eyes and mouth. It had made my skin much smoother and even-toned."

Hupp also has worked on an area that was scarred when Latino had an old tattoo removed.

"It has flattened that out too, and has taken away other scars I had from acne," Latino said.

Hupp said the procedure addresses every skin care need and can be used on any part of the body in addition to the facial area. It also can diminish stretch marks on thighs, buttocks or breasts, and reduce wrinkling on the neck and in the decollete area.  Microdermabrasion can be used on scarring, fine lines, moderate wrinkles, pigmentation problems and uneven skin tones, as well as on sun-damaged skin. Hupp recommends consecutive treatments for at least four weeks; some skin problems can take more the four treatments.  The treatments don't stop working once the sessions have come to an end; the procedure stimulates the collagen in the skin prompting it to continue healing.

The severity of skin damage determines the number of treatments Hupp recommends. To diminish wrinkles, soften and reduce sun damage or acne scarring can take five or more treatments. She may also suggest maintenance treatments.  Hupp also specializes in cuts and coloring, but says that after being in the hustle and bustle of a busy salon, it is a relief to escape back to the room where she takes care of her microdermabrasion clients.

Soft music, candles and a soft, warm blanket await Hupp's microdermabrasion clients.

"I love having one-on-one time back here with my clients in such a relaxed atmosphere. And the results-that's why I'm so into it because of what I've seen it do," she said. "It is the easiest and most natural way to evenly and safely exfoliate the skin without using harsh chemicals or lasers."

Hupp lives in Concord Township with her three daughters, Janine, Jessica and Erica.

For more information or to make an appointment, call Jenniffer & Co. at (440) 266-4247.

by Laura Freeman
The Lake County Gazette (May 06, 2002)press section