Have you been contemplating on getting a skin procedure done to help erase a couple of years already etched on your face? You think microdermabrasion could be “the” wonder procedure you’ve been seeking? Find out by educating yourself more about how microdermabrasion can help you vanish those wrinkles.

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive, non-surgical skin care treatment that uses an abrasive instrument, commonly rough, to mildly scrape off the top layer of your skin which is uneven, thick, old, and damaged. By so doing, microdermabrasion simultaneously stimulates the skin to produce collagen, skin fibers found on the dermis, or second layer of the skin, which is responsible for skin cell repair and in keeping skin moist and supple to touch.

Microdermabrasion is often recommended to eliminate or improve the appearance of the following skin problems:

  • Shallow scar marks
  • Stretch marks
  • Wrinkles, fine lines, and Crow’s feet
  • Blackheads and whiteheads
  • Skin discoloration and uneven skin tone
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Acne and acne scars
  • Minimize Pores
  • Age spots and sun damage

Microdermabrasion is also used as a routine procedure for skin exfoliation, lifting away dead skin cells and stimulating the skin to produce and resurface young and radiant skin. The cost of microdermabrasion varies widely. On the average, you will need to prepare approximately $150 for each session.

Other than professional, clinical microdermabrasion treatments, microdermabrasion kits are also available over-the-counter which allows you to perform the procedure in the comfort of your own home. However, for more immediate, visible results, nothing beats a visit to your skin care professional.

What Does Microdermabrasion Involve?

In a nutshell, microdermabrasion involves deliberately scarring the skin followed by a vacuum treatment to suck away dead, old skin.

These days, microdermabrasion is offered one of two ways. Some use a device that sprays microparticles or fine crystals on your skin which scratch the skin’s surface. Others use a diamond-tipped device (thus, microdermabrasion is also sometimes called a diamond peel), to peel off the top layer of the skin. Both are applied with a massaging action that may cause a feeling of light scratching. The procedure lasts for at least half an hour.

Is Microdermabrasion Suitable for all Types of Skin?

Microdermabrasion is generally suitable for all skin types. However, those with a history of hypersensitivity will benefit from consulting with their doctors first as the peeling action of microdermabrasion might worsen their ultrasensitivity to factors most especially to the sun’s UV rays.

What Topical Treatments Should We Use in Conjunction with Microdermabrasion?

While there is no downtime associated with microdermabrasion, the skin may appear dry and rough and may seem irritated after treatment. To bring back lost skin moisture, patients are commonly recommended to apply topical Vitamin C and a heavy moisturizer right after treatment and for at least another two weeks after.

Don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, most especially since microdermabrasion makes skin more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays after treatment.

How Does Microdermabrasion Work on Face Wrinkles?

Microdermabrasion lifts old, dead, and dry skin, and replaces it with new skin that contains more moisture and more supple. By so doing, skin becomes firmer and its elasticity is improved. The result: the appearance of fine lines and light wrinkles are minimized.

Customer reviews highlight that microdermabrasion works best on shallow wrinkles and fine lines only but have little effect on improving deep-seated wrinkles. Dermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing are generally recommended to treat more stubborn wrinkles.

Are There Any Risks Involved?

Microdermabrasion is generally safe for all skin types. Although redness and swelling may be noticeable right after treatment, these last for only a few hours to two days after treatment. Bruising may be evident for those with thin and sensitive skin. Dryness is generally experienced but which can be easily relieved by keeping treated skin moist. Microdermabrasion is also known to increase sensitivity to the sun’s UV rays and, therefore, regularly wearing sunscreen is strictly recommended for patients who have undergone microdermabrasion treatments.

Conclusion

To better assess your skin’s suitability to undertake microdermabrasion, and to know whether or not this procedure is appropriate to address your skin issues, it’s best to see your dermatologist.