Microdermabrasion is a gentler treatment version of dermabrasion, which involves using tiny crystals to polish the skin with a vacuum technique to remove the outer layers of dead skin cells and stimulate new skin growth. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), microdermabrasion results are similar to light chemical peels and has largely replaced older dermabrasion techniques.
Function
Microdermabrasion works to first clean the skin surface and slough off dead skin cell layers, clearing out blocked pores that cause acne. According to Microdermabrasion News, an informational website, the microdermabrasion device works on the same principle as a vacuum cleaner by gently vacuuming your skin. After the microdermabrasion procedure, the skin is sprayed with aluminum oxide to eliminate the remainder of the dead skin cell layers.
Benefits
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that causes little discomfort, does not require anesthetic and involves virtually no recovery time, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Results are seen after just one treatment, increasing with each successive treatment. Treatments are only 35 to 45 minutes long and results are long lasting, but depend upon how many treatments are needed and the severity of your acne. Microdermabrasion does not carry the risk of skin pigment changes or scarring, which chemical peels and dermabrasion procedures may cause, according to A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, an online resource on cosmetic surgery.
Results
According to the UMM, patient satisfaction with microdermabrasion is high. For best results, UMM notes that you'll need five or six treatments, every one to two weeks. Microdermabrasion machines come with different sized tips for different types of skin and the more aggressive the treatment, the greater the results, according to The Patients' Guide to Wrinkles website. Microdermabrasion News states that microdermabrasion is less invasive than traditional acne treatments, but offers the same results, such as smoothing the skin surface and unclogging pores. It helps prevent pimples from forming by removing the dead skin cell layers, dirt and oil that clog pores, and repeat treatments increase smoothness of skin.
Side Effects
Microdermabrasion may cause redness and swelling that lasts a few hours after the treatment and, in rare instances, may cause minor bruising or temporary suction marks, according to The Patients' Guide to Wrinkles.
Warning
Home microdermabrasion products can result in spotty skin and the damaged caused can be permanent, according to A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. The site recommends only using a qualified provider.
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