| Ripping off old damaged layers, to reveal the | | | | to the skin; many clients describe the sensation as |
| youthful beauty underneath. It's an enticing idea, isn't | | | | enjoyable. |
| it? It's also the premise behind Microdermabrasion, a | | | | Who needs Microdermabrasion? |
| sophisticated skin treatment that's become popular | | | | Any individual who is unhappy with the appearance of |
| with women (and men) of all ages. | | | | their skin due to discoloration, fine lines, scars, or mild |
| Today, more and more people are looking to put | | | | acne might consider Microdermabrasion. People who |
| their best face forward with specialized skin | | | | suffer from sun damage may also benefit from the |
| treatments- everything from fantastic wraps to | | | | treatment. Because the procedure is so mild, some |
| colorful masks. Microdermabrasion is known for being | | | | without any skin imperfections seek |
| quick and relatively painless, a reputation that has | | | | Microdermabrasion treatment just for a youthful |
| made it a household name at spas and dermatologist | | | | glow, or to reduce the appearance of larger pores. |
| offices across the country. | | | | Who should avoid Microdermabrasion? |
| After all, nothing says "natural beauty" like clear, | | | | Individuals who are prone to skin redness, or those |
| glowing skin. | | | | with problematic skin conditions such as rosacea, |
| After all, nothing says "natural beauty" like clear, | | | | severe or active acne, eczema, or dermatitis, are |
| glowing skin. And if this glow can be achieved in as | | | | probably not good candidates for Microdermabrasion. |
| little as a half-hour, over your lunch break? All the | | | | Microdermabrasion should also not be used on |
| better. | | | | individuals who have taken the medication Accutane |
| What is Microdermabrasion? | | | | in the past year. |
| Microdermabrasion (also called Microderm, particle | | | | Benefits of Microdermabrasion |
| resurfacing, power peel, derma-peel, or the Parisian | | | | Microdermabrasion immediately gives the skin a fresh, |
| peel) is a term that applies to a group of non-surgical | | | | younger look without surgery or invasive shots. Many |
| cosmetic procedures in which the dead outer surface | | | | people are drawn to this skin treatment because it is |
| layer of the skin (technically called stratum corneum) | | | | gentle and relatively quick. The procedure is usually |
| is partially or completely removed by light abrasion in | | | | complete within 30-60 minutes, making it an appealing |
| order to remove sun damage, lighten scars and | | | | option for clients with a busy lifestyle. |
| discolorations, or treat acne. There is some evidence | | | | Microdermabrasion is also less costly than many other |
| that Microdermabrasion encourages the production of | | | | specialty skin procedures, and is a good choice for |
| collagen and elastin in the newly-revealed layer of | | | | chemical-sensitive skin because the micro-crystals |
| skin. | | | | used in the procedure are hypoallergenic. |
| Diamond Microdermabrasion is a Microdermabrasion | | | | Risks and Possible Disadvantages |
| procedure that utilizes a diamond-tipped wand to | | | | A common complaint about Microdermabrasion is that |
| provide the exfoliation. | | | | the results aren't immediately satisfactory. The |
| The Microdermabrasion procedure will vary depending | | | | procedure is mild and to get the results you are |
| upon your choice of practitioner, but usually takes | | | | looking for, you may have to receive multiple |
| less than 60 minutes, which is why it's also | | | | treatments. Those who are seeking drastic results |
| sometimes called a "Lunchtime Peel". | | | | may be dissatisfied even after several sessions. |
| Microdermabrasion uses a device (usually a wand-like | | | | Although the procedure is gentle, certain skin types |
| device that is handheld by the Microdermabrasion | | | | may not take well to Microdermabrasion, and may |
| practitioner) to spray fine sand-like micro-crystals of | | | | become irritated. In rare cases, Microdermabrasion |
| aluminum dioxide (corundum powder), Zinc oxide, or | | | | has caused permanent scarring. |
| fine organic particles across the skin's surface, | | | | After the treatment, your skin may become more |
| blasting away the uppermost layer of dead skin cells | | | | sensitive and there is an increased risk of sunburn or |
| to reveal new skin cells underneath. After the | | | | sun irritation. Sunscreen (fragrance-free and |
| procedure, the dermatologist will vacuum or remove | | | | formulated for sensitive skin) is recommended. |
| any remaining micro-crystals from your skin. | | | | The Bottom Line |
| Microdermabrasion will usually leave the skin pink | | | | Microdermabrasion is a gentle and non-invasive |
| immediately following treatment, but the redness is | | | | procedure that's ideal for correcting mild |
| usually so mild it can be covered with makeup. | | | | imperfections in a timely fashion; those seeking |
| Is Microdermabrasion painful? | | | | treatment for major skin problems should probably |
| The procedure should not be very painful, but can be | | | | look elsewhere. |
| uncomfortable on sensitive parts of the face or | | | | The information in the article is not intended to |
| body- for example, the mouth or nose. In general, a | | | | substitute for the medical expertise and advice of |
| Microdermabrasion treatment should be gentle and | | | | your health care provider. We encourage you to |
| non-invasive. The client may feel a tingling or warm | | | | discuss any decisions about treatment or care with |
| sensation as the Microdermabrasion device is applied | | | | an appropriate health care provider. |