What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive epidermal treatment that
removes the dead and damaged surface layer of skin cells to
reveal healthier new skin cells underneath. This stimulates the
deeper dermal layer of skin to produce more collagen and
elastin, giving the skin a younger, firmer, more supple
appearance. Medical-quality microdermabrasion blasts or
"abrades" skin with aluminum oxide crystals applied by a doctor
or trained aesthetician. Only licensed professionals at a
doctor's office or skin care salon can use these $10,000
FDA-approved devices. Up to 12 treatments are usually required
costing thousands of dollars!
Medical resurfacing treatments like dermabrasion, chemical
peeling and laser resurfacing can be effective, too, but are
expensive and have the potential for serious complications. In
contrast, home microdermabrasion eliminates the need for costly
equipment and high-priced medical professionals. It uses the
same, sterile aluminum oxide crystals found in medical-grade
machines, embedded in applicators you safely use yourself. Home
microdermabrasion actually removes a layer of dead, damaged skin
cells just like a professional treatment, for about 10% of the
cost - and with comparable results.
Some so-called "home microdermabrasion products" use
"exfoliating creams" and "skin polishing machines." Real
microdermabrasion needs friction to "abrade" the skin. Creams
reduce friction, so they need to be applied with a skin
polishing machine, and even then often give disappointing
results. The process may feel nice and give your skin a
superficial "glow," but technically, if it isn't abrading the
skin it isn't microdermabrasion. It can't treat serious skin
conditions, and doesn't provide lasting results. In fact, these
products must be used every day just for a superficial result,
while medical-quality microdermabrasion is so effective that you
only should do it once every two weeks!
Most people will see improvement after the first treatment,
though the best results come after a series of treatments. Acne
scars and large pores will be noticeably reduced. Age spots,
discoloration, and fine lines will be less visible. Deeply
pitted, scarred and dark pigmented areas may require more
treatment. Microdermabrasion is not a "miracle cure" and results
vary, but it has helped some serious skin conditions even more
than expensive procedures like laser or chemical peels.