Microdermabrasion offers a fresh, noninvasive treatment

Over the years, a skin-care technique named microdermabrasion has grown in popularity. For many, it has turned back the clock with successful results.

This noninvasive treatment is painless, and most of all, affordable. It has also been an attractive alternative for those not quite ready for facial injections, laser procedures or cosmetic surgeries.

Typically, a microdermabrasion session lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

The procedure helps with different skin issues, such as:
• Acne
• Age spots
• Fine lines
• Sun-damaged skin

For those addressing the above skin issues, it’s recommended to have six to eight sessions. For great results, each microdermabrasion should be scheduled a couple weeks apart. After completing a full treatment regimen, regular maintenance is usually a monthly microdermabrasion.

How Microdermabrasion Works:

Attached to a microdermabrasion machine is a wand. It’s guided by a technician who proceeds in a gentle, distinct pattern across the face in order to keep track of the number of "passes" they make. The more passes give a deeper exfoliation. Older microdermabrasion machines exfoliate the top layer of dead skin with sterile crystals. As these fine crystals spray onto the surface, they are instantly vacuumed into a separate chamber.

Newer, crystal free microdermabrasion machines, utilize a diamond head and several (i.e., Dermasweep, Silk Peel) offer the benefit of infusing a variety of products into the skin during the microdermabrasion procedure. This is ideal since the active products are readily delivered to the freshly exfoliated skin. This type of microdermabrasion treatment yields the most dramatic, visual improvement.

On a whole, the microdermabrasion procedure exfoliates, stimulates circulation, encourages blood flow to the skin, and promotes collagen production.

Naturally, skin ages through a loss of collagen and elastin fibers – sun exposure can speed up this process. Regular microdermabrasion treatments, however, can help fight this progression.

Having a microdermabrasion before starting a new skin care regimen can boost its overall effectiveness. Removing dead skin offers better product penetration.

Those who tend to easily get broken capillaries in the face should avoid microdermabrasion treatments. It is important to have a microdermabrasion treatment performed by a skin care professional, who can decide if it is the right treatment for a particular skin type.