Microdermabrasion accelerates the rate at which dead skin is exfoliated.
I am often being asked by men and women what is microdermabrasion. What does it do for my skin and can I do this treatment at home? As a quick response to this question in a microdermabrasion treatment tiny crystals are sprayed onto the skin to gently remove the outer layer of your skin. It has been said that this technique is less aggressive than dermabrasion and can be done at the comfort of your home.
You may think that dead skin is trivial and it will shed off when you take a shower anyway. What you may not understand is the importance of exfoliation of dead cells on your body. Let’s go deeper into the explanation of what is microdermabrasion.
Why do I need to remove dead skin from my face and body?
If you remove dead skin from pores regularly, it encourages the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. Ultimately, this will make your skin look younger and smoother.
Facial scrubs need to be daily treatment. It meant to safely exfoliate your skin but does not cause excessive drying or redness. It removes dead skin cells, dirt and excessive oil by using facial foam or serum. It is done to treat acne, remove blackheads or whiteheads, and minimize enlarged pores.
Sure, you can easily remove all the dead skin on your body with a basic scrub, but you may also want to try more innovative techniques. One of these is microdermabrasion skin care treatment.
What is microdermabrasion compared to a basic scrub?
Microdermabrasion, also known as microderm, is a little more aggressive than a basic scrub. But just as a scrub, microderm is an easy, safe, and most effective anti-aging treatments to rejuvenate a youthful glow to your skin.
This type of skin treatment is born from the dermabrasion technique that most aestheticians use. What is microdermabrasion can be answered as following: Microdermabrasion uses tiny exfoliating crystals that are sprayed on the skin to gently remove the outer layer of your skin. It is basically an exfoliation and skin rejuvenation procedure that leaves skin looking softer and brighter. This is great in skin imperfections such as dull skin, brown spots, and age spots.
Microdermabrasion works will all skin types and colors unlike dermabrasion. This technique makes delicate changes, causing no skin color change or scarring. However, it is not effective for deeper problems such as stretch marks or deep acne scars.
How does Microdermabrasion work?
There are two types of microderm device: the original crystal microdermabrasion technology and the newer diamond-tip microdermabrasion.
Both work by removing the uppermost layer of dead skin cells from the face, chest and hands. These are also non-invasive. The treatment can be done in a day spa, in a specialized skin care clinic or even at the comfort of your own home.
The original microdermabrasion technology, crystal microdermabrasion, has been used since the ’80s. It uses a hand-held device to both spray and vacuum up aluminum oxide crystals. You may see this procedure at spa menu as particle resurfacing, power peel, derma-peel or Parisian peel.
The newer diamond-tip microdermabrasion is gaining popularity today. It achieves the same results but with less side affects and without the crystal residue at the end of the treatment. It is also usually better for sensitive skin. However, some people still prefer the more aggressive feel of the classic crystal microderm machines.
What is a microdermabrasion lunchtime facial?
Unlike dermabrasion, microdermabrasion only takes 30 minutes to complete. That is why it is often called as the “lunchtime facial”. It also takes few hours for the redness on your skin to subside.
For the best results, it is generally recommended to have several microderm treatments. If you are employing the service of an aesthetician, she should be able to recommend the number of sessions that is appropriate for your skin type and condition. Typically, it takes about 6 treatments and about 10 to 14 days apart.
Microdermabrasion is also less expensive than other skin rejuvenation techniques. Dermabrasion usually cost over $2,000. In comparison, the average price of a microderm treatment is $148, according to 2013 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. With a series of six, you sometimes get one free. You also have an option to spend between $199 for a home microdermabrasion system.
Benefits of Microdermabrasion Before After
- Skin care technique that can be performed on all skin types and colors
- Non-surgical
- No downtime for the skin to recover
- Convenient; only takes as little as 30 minutes
- Sucks off dead skin and dull surface layers
- Softens fine lines and wrinkles
- Helps to smooth coarsely textured skin
- Minimizes the appearance of scarring
- Reduces superficial hyper-pigmentation or age spots
- Minimize enlarged and open pore
- Makes it easier for skin care products to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin
- Stimulates collagen production and rejuvenation
- Enhanced circulation and lymph flow; promote the internal health of the skin
- Cheaper than dermabrasion
Risks of Microdermabrasion Treatments
Microdermabrasion is a simple yet powerful technique of exfoliation. It is less aggressive and side effects are minimal to none. Hence, the consultation time with your aesthetician is relatively less than for dermabrasion.
- Most risks are associated with improper application of the treatment. You may contract infections if the device is not properly sanitized.
- Irritation from crystals getting into unprotected areas. (Keep an eye protection handy when using a microdermabrasion device.)
- Bruising which may occur from the suction.
- Do not get microdermabrasion if you have extremely sensitive skin, diabetes, vascular conditions like rosacea, skin inflammation, bacterial infections, lack of tactile sensation, keloid scarring, cuts and abrasions, or have received Botox within 72 hours.
- Other contraindications include sunburn, viral infections like herpes simplex, and acne.
- It is not recommended if you are taking anti-coagulant drugs.
Precaution
- After microdermabrasion treatment, your skin will be pink and feels dry and tight for about 24 hours. It is recommended to use a moisturizer to ease the drying.
- Do not to apply some types of makeup for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
- Use sunscreens. Avoid sun exposure for a few days immediately after the procedure.
What to expect from Microdermabrasion?
- Gives back youthful appearance of your skin
- Minimizes Pores
- Rejuvenates dull and dry skin
- Less down time than any other procedures; an advantage for people who do not have much time for healing
I hope I answered your question what is microdermabrasion to your satisfaction? Finally do you want to check out some great Microdermabrasion at Home devices, read reviews, pros and cons and my recommendations?
Mia Boyd says
Thanks for the information. All of my friends have been talking about how cool microdermabrasion is. I wonder if it would be beneficial for me. It’d probably be nice to get rid of the dead skin on my face and neck. Wouldn’t you agree?
Kate says
Always get rid of dead skin. Apply a cleansing system daily and microdermabrasion a couple times per week for about two weeks. Repeat after 2 months.
Emma says
I’ve got my microdermaabrasion from Toronto’s Beauti-med clinic( http://www.beauti-med.com/ ) and I absolutely love my results. I also make it a point to meet my surgeon Mr. John Curry every two months. Dead skin cells pose a real threat and I would suggest this procedure getting done , which is effective yet less costly.