How It Works

• Basically, microdermabrasion is an intense skin exfoliation process most commonly performed on the face. It is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure (requiring no surgical incision or entrance into the body). The treatment uses a fine-toothed "sanding" device to sweep exfoliating crystals over the outer layer of the epidermis, ultimately aiming to "unveil" a new layer of skin. The process, while simultaneously suctioning the cells of the skin's outer layer, sloughs off old skin cells to reveal the fresh skin layer. Microdermabrasion treatment promotes the rapid regeneration of new skin cells.
  
  

Users

• Many women have incorporated microdermabrasion systems into their regular beauty regimen.
  
  Microdermabrasion users seek to correct and prevent the signs of aging visible in the skin. The first undesirable effects of aging include unevenness in skin tone and texture; the more dramatic effects of aging include areas of skin discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, and dryness. The development and magnitude of these effects differ in individuals, and are based on a combination of factors the include, but aren't limited to, genetics, historic exposure to the sun, ethnicity and natural skin pigmentation. Thus, users range widely in age and skin condition. Preventative use is to even the skin tone and improve the complexion with radiance and shrunken pores. Corrective use is to resolve and combat irregularities in skin color and texture. The typical concerns of microdermabrasion users are crow's feet, age and liver spots, acne scars and fine lines.
  
  

Effects

• Microdermabrasion evens the skin tone, improves the complexion, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and diminishes acne scars and hyperpigmentation, such as age and liver spots. The individual skin condition determines the effectiveness of the treatment and the rapidity at which the desired results are achieved. So, too, does the quality of the microdermabrasion system used, and frequency of treatment. The ASAPS suggests receiving treatment every two to three weeks to experience microdermabrasion benefits at full potential.
  
  

Benefits

• While chemical peels and laser resurfacing offer faster and more dramatic results on correcting and combating the signs of aging, microdermabrasion offers plenty of benefits to the more patient users seeking anti-aging effects. Because it is the least invasive cosmetic procedure and uses the least harsh products, the benefits of microdermabrasion are achieved with the least risk of skin reactions and unattractive temporary after-effects (highly possible with chemical peels and laser treatment). It's also less expensive than these alternatives. All skin types, of any age and color, benefit from the treatment. It's painless, improvements are visible right after treatment, and there are rarely any side effects.
  
  

Sources of Treatment

• Dermatologists and plastic surgeons used to be the only sources of microdermabrasion treatment, but its availability and accessibility are far more widespread today. Since treatment is non-invasive and doesn't involve the harsh chemicals used in chemical peels, you can safely book appointments for microdermabrasion treatment in spas and beauty salons. The cosmetics market has experienced a rapidly growing branch of products over the last few years in at-home microdermabrasion kits. Most top-selling cosmetic brands have manufactured microdermabrasion systems for home use. Neutrogena, L'Oreal, Kiehls and Olay are but a few companies that offer this product.