Cross-infection may be defined as the transfer of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. The spread of infection may occur between the patient and practitioner if sterile/aseptic procedures are not followed or if unsanitary equipment is being used. With the spread of VRSAs (Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus), MRSAs (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and other antibiotic resistant bugs becoming an increasing health concern, cross infection can destroy more than our client’s skin — it could destroy your salon’s business. 

Whilst an unhygienic working environment (dirty treatment consumables and area) may appear to be the most obvious cause of cross-infection, the transmission of microorganisms by touching contaminated machinery during a procedure may be creating irreparable damage to patient’s skin, health and well being. 

Common areas that increase the risk of cross-contamination include: 

  • Non-sterile/aseptic treatment consumables 
  • Gloves not being worn by the practitioner 
  • Unsanitary treatment room, bedding and surfaces. 
  • Areas not often considered by practitioners, that increase the risk of cross-contamination include: 
  • Not properly disinfecting the patient’s skin 
  • Touching machine consoles and buttons during a procedure (and then touching the patient’s skin) 
  • Using equipment that does not utilise sterile, single-use and disposable consumables. 
  • Forms of cross infection to be aware of include the transfer of microorganisms such as: 
  • Bacterium (such as Golden Staph/Staphylococcus Aureus and its many forms) 
  • Viruses 
  • Fungi 
  • Parasites. 

Any treatment that draws blood or punctures the skin requires strict infection control to maintain patient and practitioner hygiene and safety. 

DermapenWorld place huge importance on education, protocols and hygiene (sterile procedures) for the safety of both treatment providers and patients so we asked them to share some of their important ACM (Anti-Contamination Management) Initiatives:

CLINIPREP — New Era in Skin Disinfection 

CLINIPREP is based on ground-breaking technology that offers significant benefits over existing medical skin disinfectants and pre-procedure cleansers. Offering higher levels of cleansing, a non-hazardous safety profile and better patient outcomes, CLINIPREP ACM formula is setting a new benchmark in aesthetic skin disinfection practices. 

ACM Sterile Dressing Kit

Creates a convenient reliable STERILE procedural zone for clinical treatments. Save time with this convenient all-in-one, easy-to-use pack. Requires no preparation time. Suitable to dispense Dp Dermaceuticals airless aseptic Meso-Glides into a sterile environment ready for treatments.

Kit contains: 1 standard tray, 5 x non-woven bobs, latex free, 2 x non-woven swabs, 2 green forceps, 1 yellow pair of forceps, 1 paper towel, 1 sterile field white plastic. 

ACM Protection Mask

An ultralight, transparent, protection mask designed for improving a sanitary environment, and to provide valuable protection for both treatment provider and client. This comfortable mask allows the wearer to inhale and exhale and talk easily as it sits away from the face. Provides protection from unpleasant breath, airborne germs, microscopic saliva or residues. 

Dermapen Dp Sleeves 

Custom fitted protective sleeve for use over the Dermapen 4 and Dermapen 3 to protect from and prevent cross contamination. 

Sterile Surgical Gloves

To complete the highest level of ACM Protocol, these premium quality surgical gloves are individually sterile packaged and are suitable for a wide range of surgical procedures. Made from high quality material, the gloves offer sensitivity and comfort, but are also textured for high barrier protection and safe grip during wet or dry conditions.

NEW! ACM Eco-Green Gloves

Dp Dermaceuticals new disposable examination gloves address the necessary but wasteful single-use disposable issue by being biodegradable in a much shorter space of time. Normal latex and nitrile gloves can take up to 100+ years to degrade but our gloves use organic material that attracts microbial activity in landfills. 20% of the biodegradation rate occurs within six months, with FULL biodegradation occurring within five years. This product aligns with company eco-friendly and eco-best purchasing policies.

Six ways to reduce micro-needling and device cross-contamination 

  1. Use sterile treatment consumables 
  2. Use sterile/sseptic products to infuse 
  3. Protect handpieces with single-use, sterile coverings 
  4. Allocate an operational hand 
  5. Limit or remove the need to unnecessarily touch or interact with non-sterile items/surfaces during the procedure 
  6. Ensure hygienic procedural set-up 

DermapenWorld™ provides the most comprehensive education for micro-needling procedures and treatment application. Working only with sterile treatment consumables, patient and practitioner safety are always ensured to protect against cross-contamination.