Does Microdermabrasion Treatment Really Work and What Should You Expect

Posted by: me on December 13, 2011 Under: What is Microdermabrasion

Thanks to advances in science, women, and men, can now banish sun damage, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, scars, and fine lines to reveal radiant, youthful skin with microdermabrasion at home. The treatment has gone from Hollywood’s best kept secret to a mainstream alternative to invasive procedures, such as a face lift, Botox injections, or a harsh chemical peel. In the past it was best to visit a dermatologist, spa, or other skin care professional who could use a mechanical medium for buffing away the outer-layer of dead skin on the face, neck, chest, and even hands. However, a slew of FDA approved products make at-home facial rejuvenation a possibility.

Microdermabrasion: An Overview

Microdermabrasion typically relies on a tool that delivers microcrystals to the skin, removing the outer-layer of dead skin cells from the epidermis. The dead skin and used crystals are sucked up by a vacuum. The latest tools feature a diamond-tip wand that slowly resurfaces the skin. By the outer-layer of skin, through professional microdermabrasion or microdermabrasion at home, the body interprets the exfoliation as an injury and quickly patches up the areas with new, healthy skin cells. The new skin cells have a younger, smoother appearance and surface imperfections, such as acne scars and fine lines, are buffed away. In addition, creams and lotions are able to deposit their active ingredients more effectively in deeper layers of skin. Microderm abrasion at home relies on similar ingredients and techniques as those used by professionals.

Results and Side Effects of Microdermabrasion

Following a microdermabrasion treatment, the skin usually has a slightly pink or yellow hue which disappears in about one day. Redness can last slightly longer depending on how aggressive the treatment was. It may feel like skin has been sunburned or windburned, but the discomfort subsides quickly. Swelling can also occur. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to two days. However, there is no down time and individuals can return to work that day.

Most people immediately see visible improvement to the skin. Treatments are usually done in five to 12 sessions over a period of time for optimal results. Those who undergo a microdermabrasion treatment or who purchase a microdermabrasion kit will notice a substantial decrease in fine lines, enlarged or clogged pores, mild acne, blackheads and whiteheads, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, acne scars, other types of scars, and a host of complexion issues. The color, tone, and texture of the skin dramatically improves. After several treatments, a new layer of skin, containing increased levels of collagen and elastin, forms to create a vibrant glow. The duration of the results depends on proper skin care. Improvement to scars, from acne or other circumstances, and stretch marks can last permanently and the effects of photoaging can be diminished for years with sunscreen use. Occasional touch-ups can keep the skin looking healthy and young for an extended period of time.

Pros of Professional Treatment

• Professionals are trained and can provide more dramatic results.
• Professionals use high-tech equipment.
• Results are visible faster.
• Patients can sit back and relax during the treatment.

Cons of Professional Treatment

• The staff at spas or salons may be under-trained which can result in injury.
• The process can be time consuming.
• Treatments are expensive. For example, one session in San Diego ranges from $125 to $300 and one session in Chicago ranges from $90 to $250. It typically takes five to 12 sessions for optimal results, which adds up quickly.

Pros of Microderm Abrasion at Home

• Results can be comparable to those achieved with a professional when the same materials are used.
• Home microdermabrasion saves time and is convenient.
• At home microdermabrasion kits are substantially cheaper, typically ranging in price from $20 to $100 and containing several sessions in one kit. Some new professional-grade microdermabrasion tools are available on the market and range from $50 to $300, but last forever. The Nu Brilliance Microdermabrasion Kit, priced at $250, and the DDF Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System, priced at $98, have machines that deliver substantial results.
• There’s no need to worry about under-trained providers, because these kits are safe and easy to use.

Cons of At Home Microderm Abrasion

• The outcome might not be as dramatic initially and will require continued use to achieve professional results.
• Individual may not be aware of certain risk factors that could cause skin damage.

NuBrilliance Microdermabrasion Skin Care System

The NuBrilliance Microdermabrasion system is professional-quality and truly provides a smooth, youthful appearance. NuBrilliance relies on a dual system of real diamond peel exfoliation and vacuum stimulation, just like one would receive at a spa. It improves wrinkles, skin tone, and elasticity while also helping to fade acne scars and age spots. Find out more about Nu Brilliance Microdermabrasion System.

Crystalift Personal Microdermabrasion Machine

Crystallift offers the high-tech professional-quality Crystalift Personal Microdermabrasion Machine. The machine uses real crystals and vacuum lift technology to improve the appearance of fine lines, acne, blemishes, photo-damage, hyperpigmentation, and other imperfections. There is no need for messy creams as the machine does all of the work.

Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System Kit

The Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System provides instantly softer skin and with continued use, results in a younger, firmer complexion. The system boasts single-use puffs that are dosed with microcrystal and mild-purifiers for gentle, yet effective exfoliation. The machine massages the skin with micro-vibrations to increase cell turnover. Studies have shown that the system is effective in removing fine lines, reducing wrinkles and age spots, and creating firmer, more luminous skin. Read full review on Neutrogena Microdermabrasion Kit

Time Peel Natural Diamond Home Microdermabrasion Machine

Time Peel is a natural diamond home microdermabrasion machine. The diamond tip allows for control and is extremely precise in removing dead skin cells. The professional-grade machine provides skin resurfacing to diminish the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, age spots, sun damage, scarring, large pores, blackheads, whiteheads, stretch marks, and blemishes. Microderm abrasion at home is simple, safe, and effective even after only one treatment.

DermaNew Microdermabrasion Facial Rejuvenation

The DermaNew microdermabrasion system uses a dual speed firming and resurfacing tool. The Dermanew Original Crystal Formula Microdermabrasion Crème, used in conjunction with the machine, contains polished corundum crystals that are all of the same size and weight. This allows for safe and effective exfoliating and polishing on all skin types. The system diminishes fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, sun damage, scars, and mild hyperpigmentation to reveal healthier, younger looking skin.

Summary

Microdermabrasion has been touted as a “lunch break service” and requires no downtime or recovery. The fairly painless and safe procedure is the FDA approved, non-invasive solution for reducing the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, age spots, scars, enlarged pores, blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads, and other imperfections. One treatment provides firmer, even-toned, glowing, youthful skin. Continued treatment leads to long-lasting dramatic results. With a variety of personal microdermabrasion kits available, performing microdermabrasion treatment at home has never been easier or more effective.