Microdermabrasion devices to remove the dead skin layers and obsolete skin cells to stimulate new growth.
Microdermabrasion is markedly suited to treating acne scars, age spots, uneven pigmentation, texture and improving overall skin complexion. It's ideal for virtually all skin types. The process of microdermabrasion takes about an hour during which time a professional will apply a vacuum-like wand to your face that delivers crystal particles (or in some cases diamond tips) at precise pressure points on the face. The goal is to slough off the top layer of skin while minimising any damage to living tissue below the surface (for now).
Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical, chemical-free and drug-free treatment to improve your skin. It is exceptional for treating texture issues such as acne scars, sun damage, age spots, stretch marks or removing a burned skin layer.
Microdermabrasion stimulates collagen production and improves blood flow to the skin cells. The stimulation helps achieve a smoother texture and tone (which can help with breakouts). This process also improves elasticity which may, in turn, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
The drawbacks are that there can be mild redness and swelling after treatment. Besides, if you don't use sunscreen after this procedure, it might make breakouts worse. Topical numbing creams can help ease the discomfort but need to be used precisely as directed or they might cause more skin problems.
The type of microdermabrasion used depends on the characteristics of your skin, including your desired results, such as lighter or darker skin tone, smoother texture or deeper exfoliation.
Ideally, you would receive treatments twice a month over an extended time. Don't expect to see immediate results. It takes a few weeks for new collagen to grow after each treatment.Microdermabrasion is not good for those with very sensitive skin, rosacea or melasma. Also, if you have any problems with keloids or acne scars needing deep exfoliation, you should get a dermatologist's input on whether this could worsen your skin problem. Your microdermabrasion procedure will depend on the individual characteristics of your skin. Before having a microdermabrasion treatment done it is important to discuss the type of results you would like to achieve from one session/series of sessions. The first session can be a little painful. You will have to wear sunscreen after the procedure because it will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Your skin may temporarily look worse before looking better although this is rare. Do not worry as this does not mean anything is going wrong with the procedure.
In addition to helping improve the texture and tone, microdermabrasion also makes pores smaller and less noticeable which helps in reducing acne breakouts and blackheads. It also helps reduce certain types of scars such as acne scars and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Microdermabrasion can be a good alternative to laser resurfacing. It has been shown to be less abrasive on your skin but still gives comparable results. It is also much more affordable than laser treatments or similar procedures which cost thousands of dollars, although microdermabrasion may not have as dramatic an effect on certain skin conditions. Microdermabrasion can remove layers of dead cells from the upper layer of your skin without damaging the lower layers, thereby improving the surface texture without affecting underlying collagen production. This allows for improvement in tone, body, and texture, to name a few of the benefits while minimising any adverse effects on healthy tissue. Microdermabrasion itself does not hurt. Most people feel a slight stinging sensation during the procedure. Before treatment, your skin is numbed with anaesthetic cream to minimise discomfort. The most uncomfortable part of microdermabrasion is usually having each area on your face vigorously scrubbed in turn for two to three minute. The actual procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes and you can resume normal activities soon after. There are some mild side effects. Some people experience mild redness and swelling due to their skin type. You may experience sensitivity to sunlight for several days after this process. It is therefore important to use sunscreen SPF 30 or greater every day when outdoors.
Since skin naturally renews itself every 28 days, most of the positive effects of microdermabrasion will wear off within a few months if you don't continue to get treatments. Some people see longer-lasting results with regular maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 weeks. The key is to avoid sun exposure which degrades collagen production and keep up your skin care regimen at all times. Also try to eat right by eating foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, fruits and vegetables and other healthy nutrients such as vitamins A and C, calcium, zinc etc.
It is recommended to get microdermabrasion treatments every 4 to 6 weeks. You can also do the microdermabrasion sessions at monthly intervals if you wish but this may be overdoing it unless you have skin problems that need more frequent treatment. It all depends on your goals in getting the treatment done and your budget as well, of course.
If you are looking for more dramatic skin results, then having multiple maintenance treatments is recommended. The cumulative effect will give better long term benefits than a one time or even several treatments which will only deliver great results for a short period of time. With proper maintenance sessions coupled with an effective skincare routine and following recommended skin health tips, the positive effects should last longer and potentially improve your skin tone, texture and overall health in general.Additionally, if your dermatologist raises skin concerns they may recommend this procedure to improve skin lesions or other skin conditions caused by genetics, accidents, infections and diseases which are not considered cosmetic in nature.