What is Microdermabrasion
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a technique used to exfoliate the skin. It is very powerful, and is known as one of the most effective ways to help treat ageing. This painless treatment will accelerate the rate at which dead skin cells are exfoliated. This will allow new skin cells to come alive. A series of treatments can be done. Many will start off with two treatments a month to begin with, then reduce to one treatment per month to maintain the skin. It can be done with almost any other skin care treatment, and is recommended to be done every few weeks to one to two months apart. It is an outpatient procedure that takes about 30 minutes to complete. There is no recovery time, and no anaesthetic is needed. Microdermabrasion costs anywhere between $125 to $250, depending on which area of the skin is treated and where the treatment is done. Microdermabrasion is suitable for all types of skin. It is safe for people aged 18 to 65. Sometimes, under certain circumstance, children under the age of 18 are permitted to have microdermabrasion done. Typically, skin that has matured has a higher chance of bruising and skin abrasions, so it is not recommended for those over age 70.
Benefits of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion delivers many benefits. Fine lines and wrinkles can be treated with microdermabrasion, and it is perfect for dry skin. Those with hyper pigmentation can greatly benefit from this procedure, and minor acne scars can be faded. Blemishes and blackheads may be treated, and large pores can be reduced in size. Pores will look cleaner as they will not be plugged. Other great benefits of microdermabrasion are reduction in oily or dull skin. Skin will be much smoother, and new skin cells will be formed, which will make skin look and feel radiant. Rough skin is easily eliminated with microdermabrasion. Age spots and sun damage can be improved with the use of this treatment. Enhanced circulation and lymph flow will occur, which will help to promote internal health of the skin. It has been proven to be effective for treating keratosis pilaris. Microdermabrasion should not be used for people who have very sensitive skin. Though there are some great benefits of microdermabrasion, if any of the following are present in a person, microdermabrasion should not be done: fragile capillaries, rosacea that is active, open sores, skin lesions, lupus, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, warts, widespread acne, vascular lesions, herpes, erythematosus, diabetes mellitus, and anyone that takes an anti-coagulant.
How does microdermabrasion work?
A diamond shaped or bristle tipped head will be used during the microdermabrasion process. This will help to buff the skin so dead skin cells are lifted away to reveal fresh ones. The bristles will shoot a fine sand like material, such as aluminium oxide, sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate onto the face. The tool vacuums the skin by pulling on a small section of skin, and raising it up. Mild swelling will occur, which will bring impurities to the skin’s surface. The sand like material will then be shot onto the skin, and will then be vacuumed up along with the dead skin cells that have been collected. The tool will be moved steadily along the skin, with even pressure being applied. One to three passes over the skin is the normal protocol. A mild scratching sensation will be felt during the procedure. Some could also experience a warming sensation on the skin. Possible side effects of microdermabrasion include skin tightness, redness of the skin, skin sensitivity, cold sore reactivation around the lips if cold sores have been present on the skin before, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation(PIH), small skin abrasions, spots of bleeding and fine broken blood vessels. The blood vessels are particularly seen if you have thin skin, lupus, sun damaged skin, scleroderma, taken Prednisone for extended periods of time, or have abnormally fragile skin. There is a higher chance of bruising if one is taking aspirin or other blood thinners.
Microdermabrasion aftercare
After a microdermabrasion treatment, there will be virtually no downtime. This procedure is often called the lunch hour peel as one can return back to their daily schedule as soon as the treatment is done. Slight redness may be seen after the peel, but will usually reduce within a few hours. Avoiding the sun is highly recommended as the skin could easily become irritated. After the procedure, your skin specialist might recommend using a special cream or moisturiser to further protect the skin and enhance the results of the microdermabrasion. Always wear sunscreen to ensure that the skin is well protected from the sun’s rays.
Risks associated to microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is very safe. It is a non-invasive treatment that has very few risks. However, one should always look for a highly skilled skin specialist to perform the treatment on the skin. A trained skin specialist that has been trained to do microdermabrasion and trained aesthetician can also perform the procedure. If the procedure is not done correctly, the skin can become bruised or discoloured. The eyelids should never be treated with microdermabrasion. Avoid having the treatment go too far into the skin, as this will cause discoloration of the skin that is permanent. Other risks include the microdermabrasion crystals entering the eye, causing irritation. If the instruments used are not properly sanitised, there is risk for infection to the skin. Looking for a highly reputable, trained professional will help to eliminate these unwanted risks that are rarely seen. To reduce these risk, during the consultation, ask questions. Possible questions you may wish to consider asking include:
- Are you certified to do microdermabrasion?
- Were you specifically trained to do microdermabrasion?
- Am I a good candidate for the treatment?
- What results do you expect to see if I have this procedure done? What results are reasonable to be seen on my skin?
- What are the risks and complications associated with this procedure?
- Who will perform the procedure? Will anyone be allowed to help?
- Do you have before and after photos that you show your clients?
Home Microdermabrasion
There are many wonderful at home microdermabrasion treatments. These will usually cost $100+ for a jar of the magic, however there are many on the market today as cheap as $50. Keep in mind that these often do not work as well as a professional treatment, but are a wonderful way to maintain the skin. At home treatments will contain the same type of crystals found in professional microdermabrasion, however, they are applied with the hands, and not a diamond or bristle tipped head. As the scrub is rubbed into the skin with the hands, the crystals will grab the dead skin. Some at home treatments are a two in one, where the skin is hydrated while scrubbing away the dead skin. Follow the instructions on the packaging closely as any over the counter treatment can damage the skin if not performed properly.
Microdermabrasion is a wonderful procedure to have done. It can eliminate oily skin, reduce pore size, give skin radiance that it has never seen before, improve the skin texture, tone and clarity, improve sun damaged skin and much more. The procedure is simple, painless, and requires very little time to have the procedure done. Combining microdermabrasion with other skin treatments is an effective way to have the skin that one has always wanted.
I have been using some at home microdermabrasion for the past year. My skin looks pretty amazing if you will allow me to toot my own horn. My all time favorites is Mary Kay Timeless Microdermabrasion. Two products are included in this kit, the exfoliating cream called Refine, with the crystal oxides in it and a serum called Replenish, that is full of antioxidants, vitamins and anti-irritants. I use it two to three times a week. It exfoliates my skin in a very gentle manner, and made my pores look smaller. The kit is not super expensive, and there are many treatments in the jar. I would recommend using this to maintain your skin, as it feel wonderful and is from a highly reputable company.
Just so everyone knows, there are two types of microdermabrasion that one can pick from. There is the microdermabrasion crystals, which uses either the aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate. The sodium bicarbonate is less effective as they are a lot softer. The second type is crystal free microdermabrasion which uses the diamond head. This type of microdermabrasion is is easier to use under the mouth and nose, and are very unlikely to leave sentiments behind in the eyes. However, bacteria can get on the tip of the tool and then expose other parts of the skin to the bacteria. Irregular skin surfaces are also harder to treat using a diamond tip.
If you have not personally done microdermabrasion, your skin is really missing out. For me, I guess I do not have a personal preference on if it be a professional treatments or a do it yourself home one. I love them both. They both will deliver some good results. Granted, professional treatments are good because they really treat the skin well, but home treatments can be effective as well. I have done both. I have had 3 professional ones done and keep my skin in tip top shape with at home ones just to maintain them.
I have only done home microdermabrasion. While it might not be as good as that from a dermatologist, it works well for me. I do treatments once every 2 weeks. My kit was about $80 or so and it even came with a little wand to use. I feel like I am in a spa. The microdermabrasion is very gentle on my skin. I was worried that it would feel rough but it feels no different than exfoliating my skin I think. I am excited to get more, as I love the way it makes my skin feel. And it is working because my husband, who never notices a thing, stated that I was looking younger the other day. And that made my day because usually after all these years he will not say anything.
I have had microdermabrasion done once and will be returning for more. I think that this is one of the best treatments that I have ever had done. It has helped my skin out tremendously. I am pleased with the results. Me and my sister went together and had it done and her skin looks just as remarkable as mine. My pores used to be so large but now I feel that with just one treatment, they look smaller. And my sister always had an issue with oily skin. She said her skin does not feel like a greasy patch now. Impressive results really that will only keep adding to impressive results. Looking forward to getting more done. In one week we will have our second treatment.
I really do feel like microdermabrasion is for me. I have never had it done nor have I ever done a home treatment for it. But after reading this wonderful article, and seeing the results that my best friend had with it, I am thinking it is time for me to make an appointment with my dermatologist and see what she says about it. I really think that it would give me some of the confidence that I need as my skin is starting to age. I have not had a mid life crisis yet, but do feel I am getting and looking older. This might renew my skin and spirit. Might just be what I need.
Wonderful article on microdermabrasion. I have heard a great deal about it so I decided to try out a home one to see if it was for me. I am in love with this sort of treatment. My pores are smaller, my skin is tighter, clearer, acne has disappeared, and my skin just does not feel as oily as it once was. I have only used one brand, Philosophy Microdelivery. It comes with a micro crystal peptide cream and an activating gel. I washed my face first and then spread a bit of the micro crystal cream onto my face. Rub in gently into the skin for 2 minutes, then apply a small layer of the activator gel, watching it foam up. Massage onto the skin for a minute and then rinse well. Pretty easy and took less than 5 minutes of my time. The packaging says use it two times a week and I fully agree with this. My skin is looking amazing and I love how it feels. I just can not resist the urge to touch it and look at myself constantly in the mirror.