Microdermabrasion
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a procedure that exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion machines can buff and polish the skin using a stream of fine crystals or a diamond tip. Some systems have suction to vacuum loose skin cells from the face. Patients with fine lines, uneven pigmentation or clogged pores may benefit most from a series of microdermabrasion treatments.
It’s usually done to the face, chest, neck, arms or hands. Before we can understand how microdermabrasion does what it does, it’s important to understand how skin works.
Your skin is made up of two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the layer closest to the outside world. It’s a set of dead skin cells on top of another layer of cells that are in the process of maturing. The topmost layer is called the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum mostly acts as a barrier between the outside world and the lower skin layers. It keeps all but the smallest molecules from getting through.
When you put lotions or creams on your skin, some of the moisture passes through the stratum corneum, but not all of it. This layer is home to many minor skin imperfections like fine wrinkle lines and blemishes.
All of the action in microdermabrasion takes place at the level of the stratum corneum. Since it only really targets the epidermis (and not the dermis), it is more accurate to call it micro-epi-dermabrasion. Affecting deeper layers of skin would be painful and harmful, and it would risk permanently embedding the tiny grains into the skin.
Deciding on Microdermabrasion:
If the goal is to get rid of superficial acne scars, blotchy skin, large pores, age or sun spots, fine wrinkles or uneven skin tone and texture, you are a perfect candidate for micro dermabrasion. All skin types and colors can be treated with microdermabrasion. But before you go ahead, talk to a specialist about your medical history because there are conditions which may make microderm abrasion unsuitable for you.
Microderm abrasion can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, helps fight acne and remove acne scarring, evens skin tone, eliminates white and black heads, minimizes large pores and revitalizes dull skin. Microdermabrasion helps skin regeneration by increasing its elasticity and collagen production. The skin looks fresh and feels smooth as soon as treatment is over. With micro abrasion, there is no recovery time and no discomfort.
What are the benefits of Microdermabrasion?
One of the advantages of microdermabrasion is minimum pre-treatment needments. No pre-medication is needd but your doctor may ask you to stop taking aspirin-based medicines, Retin-A, Renova, Differin or glycolic acid products. Stopping smoking a week before microdermabrasion is also recommended to improve blood flow and so is avoiding sunbathing and waxing.
Microdermabrasion has been shown to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, shallow acne scars, though results may vary from person to person.
Microdermabrasion may decrease the appearance of superficial hyperpigmentation, age spots and other superficial skin damage caused by the sun.
Removing dead skin through microdermabrasion can aid in the penetration of skincare products by up to 50% and with a more even surface to work with, it allows makeup to go on more smoothly.
The procedure may be a little uncomfortable but shouldn’t hurt (though skin can feel a little tender afterwards).
Skin will be more sensitive to sunlight afterwards so stay out of the sun or use a good sunscreen.
Microdermabrasion stimulates blood flow, which increases the nutrition delivered to skin cells. This improves cell production, which improves skin’s elasticity and texture.
The best results are usually seen by people in the early stages of ageing, between 35 and 50.
The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes for the face, longer if you want your neck and other body parts such as hands and feet done.