Microdermabrasion is one of the most common treatment types performed at dermatologist offices around the United States today. The treatment is often recommended to patients seeking healthier, smoother, and more youthful skin, but does it offer the benefits that so many promise?
Find out exactly how microdermabrasion procedures work and what benefits you’ll enjoy after sitting through a microdermabrasion session at a local dermatologist’s office.
What is Microdermabrasion?
If you decide you want to undergo a microdermabrasion treatment, you’ll sit through a session where your skin is exfoliated with microcrystals. The dermatologist applies a tool that heavily vibrates a surface coated in tiny crystals. Those mini crystals grind away the outer layer of dead skin cells efficiently. Once all the dead skin is exfoliated off the device sucks it up and away from your live skin, leaving it looking fresh and clean.
The crystals used for microdermabrasion can be made from several different materials, but the most common is aluminum oxide. Some professional tools use magnesium oxide, sodium chloride, or diamond instead.
The Benefits of Microdermabrasion Procedures
There are several benefits to getting microdermabrasion treatments, such as more vibrant and youthful skin, smaller pores, and less trouble with acne. It’s these benefits that make many people consider working with a dermatologist.
Make Skin Products Work Better
Skincare products work best when they’re absorbed into the deeper layers of your skin. Unfortunately, dead skin cells, oil, and other contaminants on the exterior of your skin stop skincare products from making full contact with the underlying layers of skin. Having a professional microdermabrasion session from a skilled dermatologist clears away all those obstacles, leaving fresh skin behind that more readily absorbs your skincare products. That means you’ll get more value from any skincare products you use after getting a microdermabrasion treatment.
Unclog and Shrink Pores
Most people have at least a few enlarged pores that are holding oil, bacteria, and other contaminants. Microdermabrasion can help shrink the appearance of your pores while helping to clean them out at the same time. By exfoliating the dead skin away from those pores you encourage the release of contaminants and everything is sucked up by the vacuum suction on the tool leaving your pores looking smaller and cleaner.
A More Even Skin Tone
If you have spotty or blotchy skin, having a few microdermabrasion sessions may help even things out. Many patients enjoy more even skin coloration with dark or light spots becoming less noticeable over time.
Fewer Fine Wrinkles
Another major benefit of regular microdermabrasion treatments is fewer fine wrinkles. If you want to smooth out those wrinkles and look 10 years younger having your skin exfoliated thoroughly on a monthly basis is one of the best things you can do for it. Frequent exfoliation through a procedure such as microdermabrasion helps enhance collagen production which tightens skin and lessens light wrinkles.
Tight and Glowing Skin
Having regular microdermabrasion sessions performed by a skilled dermatologist boosts collagen levels over time while increasing circulation to your skin. Together these two benefits give your skin a glow and tighten it up at the same time.
Fewer Acne Outbreaks
Getting microdermabrasion treatments regularly can help reduce the occurrence of acne in teens and adults by keeping pores cleaner and preventing the buildup of oils and bacteria over time. This treatment won’t resolve acne issues for everyone, but some individuals enjoy an effective reduction in acne with help from regular microdermabrasion sessions performed by a skilled dermatologist.
Enjoy Short-Term Results
A microdermabrasion session will make your skin look healthier and more youthful for about 30-45 days after you have the work done. That’s good news for anyone that wants to freshen up before a wedding, a reunion, or some other special event. Since the procedure doesn’t offer permanent results many patients schedule follow-ups every four to six weeks.
Several Initial Sessions May Be Required
When first having microdermabrasion performed many people require several sessions before they get the significant results they’re seeking. Don’t be surprised if you have to visit the office four times or more before you notice a serious youthful change in your appearance.
Do at-Home Microdermabrasion Tools Work?
If you don’t want to pay for regular microdermabrasion treatments at a dermatologist’s office, you can get similar results using a handheld tool at home.
The trick to getting good results with a tool when applying it yourself is to use even pressure and to only treat your skin once every 2-4 weeks.
It’s important to realize that an at-home treatment isn’t going to offer the same dramatic benefits as a professional treatment will. Home equipment isn’t as powerful and won’t remove as much dead skin overall. This makes at-home treatments good for people with more sensitive skin, but it means that you won’t enjoy the same dramatic results that you would by visiting a licensed dermatologist that uses the latest technology.
An Excellent Investment for Cleaner, More Attractive Skin
If you want cleaner skin, finer wrinkles, and smaller pores, microdermabrasion could be a good option for you. Visit your local dermatologist to ask about treatment options and how they can improve your skin, or consider a home dermabrasion tool for more subtle improvements.