During microdermabrasion, tiny crystals are sprayed onto the skin to peel off the outer layers in a process somewhat similar to sandblasting. Microdermabrasion is used to smooth skin and to treat minor problems like brown spots, fine lines, age spots, mild acne scars, and dull skin.
Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical procedure, unlike dermabrasion, in which a dermatologist freezes the outer layers of skin and then sands them off with a specialized instrument. Dermabrasion often causes the skin to bleed, and patients receive anesthetic. Treatments do not require anesthetic, and they carry no surgical risk.
Dermabrasion is considerably more painful and intense, and it carries greater risk, but it also has a greater cosmetic effect. It is intended for those who have more serious skin conditions, which would not be effectively addressed by microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion also has a shorter recovery period than dermabrasion (about 24 hours) after which skin generally looks and feels younger and more healthy. There is usually a visible reduction in skin blemishes, and the skin is softer and more youthful.
In this age of reckless resistance to old age, microdermabrasion has become incredibly popular because of this effect. The improvement is generally temporary, but since it is a nonsurgical, easy procedure – and since the skin constantly regenerates – many patients feel that it can be performed again and again without causing damage.
This popularity has spurred the proliferation of at-home microdermabrasion products. One can find a number of machines that are designed specifically for at-home treatments, starting at about $250. In addition, beauty products companies have begun to co-opt the term for face creams that have a similar effect. Both specialty and mainstream brands currently sell exfoliating creams whose labels carry the term \”microdermabrasion.\”
Microdermabrasion does have side effects, but they are few. Sometimes, the process can upset the skin\’s color balance, meaning that after the procedure a patient might see light or dark patches on their skin. This is especially true of patients with darker skin, since more heavily pigmented skin tends to be more prone to discoloration. Also, some women may experience temporary acne as the result of hormonal changes, such as the acne that appears during adolescence or pregnancy, and use it as a quick way to get rid of it. Doing so rarely causes any damage, but medical professionals tend to feel that it is better to let those hormonal fluctuations pass before resorting to cosmetic fixes.
It is little wonder that microdermabrasion has become so popular, or that products based on the process continue to hit the market. When the side effects are compared to the effects, the real wonder is that more people don\’t have the procedure done.
Kyle is beauty expert who specializes in urinary incontinence.