Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a superficial skin resurfacing treatment that exfoliates the outermost layers of facial skin and helps maintain a healthy complexion with regular treatments. Skin tone, texture and pigmentation are improved with microdermabrasion, and treatments may be performed as frequently as once a week.
Are you a candidate for microdermabrasion treatments?
Virtually any adult or teen, male or female, can safely have microdermabrasion treatments, so the decision regarding whether or how often to pursue microdermabrasion treatments is largely dependent upon what you are trying to accomplish.
Microdermabrasion treatments may be helpful for correcting:
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Fine lines
- Sun damage and superficial age spots
- Oily skin
- Clogged pores or enlarged pores
If you wish to treat skin conditions that affect deeper skin layers, such as wrinkles, scars or more significant sun damage, microdermabrasion treatment would probably be recommended for a secondary skin maintenance protocol rather than a primary skin treatment.
How microdermabrasion works
Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation procedure that uses hand-held microdermabrasion machines to perform the procedure one of two ways:
- Crystal microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals that are blasted at high speed onto the face, then suctioned away to exfoliate and remove superficial skin cells
- Diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate skin instead of blasted particles
No downtime is required with microdermabrasion, however the procedure may leave your skin feeling a bit raw and red, especially if it is more aggressive, so limiting sun exposure directly after treatment is typically recommended to protect your skin.
Microdermabrasion side effects
Microdermabrasion is safe for use on all skin types and skin tones and causes little to no long-term side effects, however mild redness similar to a windburn may be experienced after more aggressive microdermabrasion treatment, and sensitive skin may experience some additional irritation.
Microdermabrasion side effects may be slightly more likely if a more aggressive microdermabrasion treatment is performed, but you should not see any bleeding with microdermabrasion, as compared to dermabrasion, a surgical skin resurfacing procedure that penetrates to much deeper layers of skin.
Microdermabrasion for acne scars
Contrary to popular belief, microdermabrasion is not an effective treatment for acne scars. The level of skin resurfacing and exfoliation provided by microdermabrasion is so superficial that it does very little to remove or reduce acne scars.
A moderate to deep chemical peel or fractional CO2 laser treatment is far more appropriate to treat acne scarring than microdermabrasion.
Home microdermabrasion vs. professional microdermabrasion
Home microdermabrasion kits provide much more mild results than typical professional microdermabrasion treatments and may be performed more frequently because they are easily tolerated by most skin types. Home microdermabrasion skin care products are not really microdermabrasion treatments, but rather physical skin exfoliation treatments that gently remove dead, dull skin.
Home microdermabrasion may help maintain your professional microdermabrasion results and make your skin feel smoother and softer, however these at-home microdermabrasion treatments are not as effective as professional microdermabrasion treatments offered in a doctor’s office.
