Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a scrub for the skin to penetrate the deep pores using finely ground mineral crystals. It is usually done at a salon although an intensive treatment should be done in the doctor's office. A microdermabrasion machine is also available for use at home to allow you to do the treatment for yourself. There are fewer risks involved since the machine is gentler than those used by professionals. Some skin care treatments offer exfoliating scrubs that also contain mineral crystals. They are called microdermabrasion scrubs, but in reality are still scrubs for exfoliation since they cannot produce the same results.

Your skin will improve temporarily with this treatment since it does not act on removing deeply colored pigmentation. On the other hand, this procedure can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and bring up the turnover rate of skin cells. This procedure is not that labor extensive, needing only 20 to 30 minutes of your time to make you skin healthy and glowing. The recommended number of treatments is five to ten times at two to three week intervals. Results are noticeable usually after the fifth session.

A light glycolic peel can also be done by your aesthetician without having the redness or inflammation. It is frequently done during the lunch hour thus coining the term "lunchtime peel".

Microdermabrasion, if prolonged, may lead to redness and irritation, especially when done with a light glycolic peel. Mistakes can also occur when the skin care technician gets too aggressive with the procedure. Open lesions and scarring may occur. Microdermabrasion should not be used if you are prone to cold sores. Herpes simplex complications can also be triggered by microdermabrasion so it is contraindicated. It should also never be used on open sores or blemishes. If you plan to do the procedure at home using your own device, make sure that you are gentle with your skin and go slowly to get the feel of the instrument as well as your skin. Knowing your skin type will aid you in how you use the microdermabrasion device.

Its advantages include having a fresher and more radiant skin after several sessions, being able to avail of the procedure either at the salon or at the comfort of your home, and when it is done properly and with a gentle touch, it is quite safe. On the other hand, when it is used by someone with a heavy hand, scarring and lesions may occur. It may also trigger a herpes simplex outbreak when the instruments get in contact with a patient's lesions. It is also temporary and requires much maintenance to get results.

Microdermabrasion has a lot of benefits especially when used properly. It should be avoided when the skin becomes red, flaky or dry after use. Following the correct directions will help avoid any complication when doing the procedure at home.

According to product claims, microdermabrasion:
Reduces sun damage.
Brightens complexions.
Is safe.
Eliminates early signs of aging.
Improves dull, oily, or leathery skin textures.
Contracts large pores.
Reduces fine lines.
Smoothes mild pigmentation irregularities.
Requires no downtime.

The Pros:
After four to five sessions, the skin will appear fresher and more radiant.
The procedure can be done at home or at the salon.
It's safe when used properly and gently.

The Cons:
Aggressive use can lead to scarring and open lesions.
The procedure can trigger a herpes simplex outbreak.
It's temporary and requires maintenance to sustain results.
Microdermabrasion can be beneficial when used correctly. Stop using it if you skin gets red, flaky, or dry. For home use, follow the directions carefully and keep in mind that with this type of procedure, less if often more.