By Joshua Berkowitz
Special to NurseZone
Microdermabrasion is the correct name for what is essentially a very deep clean and exfoliation of the superficial layers of the skin. The procedure uses a continuous blast of very fine chemical crystals to remove the uppermost skin layers. Simultaneously the crystals are suction and vacuumed off the treated area. The exfoliation process stimulates the skin to produce additional collagen and elastin and this results in a healthy skin.
Microdermabrasion skin treatment can be used to refresh dull and lifeless skin and to increase skin cellular turnover. The microdermabrasion procedure can be used as an anti-wrinkle treatment to reduce fine lines and achieve wrinkle reduction.
Microdermabrasion skin treatment is useful to help correct the early damage caused by excessive sun exposure. The microdermabrasion facial will help solve the problems of uneven tones and texture, mild pigmentation problems, will reduce large pores and will reduce the appearance of small scars. Microdermabrasion is also a very useful treatment for old acne scars. It can be used in combination with other treatments for active acne also.
Best of all microdermabrasion is able to achieve all this without using any harsh chemicals, which is very interesting. Microdermabrasion can be used in conjunction with and to enhance other therapeutic treatments such as chemical peels and photofacial skin rejuvenation procedures.
Microdermabrasion skin treatment can be used on all skin types and all skin colors. The procedure is completely painless and takes only about 30 minutes to complete. There are no side effects and no recovery time though some sensitive skins may be slightly pink for an hour afterwards.
Optimum results are obtained through a series of between six to ten treatments depending upon the starting skin condition and may be spread between one or two weeks apart. The result is a glowing, smooth, radiant and healthy complexion.
Microdermabrasion (often referred to as microderm) is a cosmetic procedure popular in day spas, doctors' practices and medical spas in which the stratum corneum (dead outermost surface of the skin) is partially or completely removed by light abrasion. Different methods include mechanical abrasion from jets of zinc oxide or aluminum oxide crystals, fine organic particles or a roughened surface. Particles are removed off through the wand/handpiece through which the abrasive particles come. The term dermabrasion itself refers to the more severe medical procedure carried out under general or light anesthesia.
Microdermabrasion is used to remove sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin. The procedure is not very painful and requires no anesthetic. Microdermabrasion can be used medically for scar removal when the scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective with sunken scars. There is very little, if any, evidence that microdermabrasion stimulates collagen formation. Microdermabrasion can also be used for treatment of acne, but must be repeated periodically to be effective. Microdermabrasion should not be used on patients who have taken the medication Accutane (Isotretinion) in the previous 12 months.
In the past, microdermabrasion was carried out using abrasive crystals. However, in the last decade, it has become more common to use a wand with a roughened surface. This procedure requires no medical oversight and is commonly used in conjunction with facial spa treatments. These days there is a multiplicity of machines available for microdermabrasion.
The growth of the microdermabrasion treatment industry has led to innovations and there are currently a few different microdermabrasion systems available. In terms of professional microdermabrasion systems there are two choices:
- Crystal microdermabrasion.
- Diamond microdermabrasion.
Crystal microdermabrasion systems are the traditional treatment of choice and rely on tiny crystals that are blasted onto the skin to perform the exfoliating process. Although the crystal microdermabrasion system is still widely used, the introduction of alternatives has led to a trend away from this treatment system.
Diamond microdermabrasion systems operate without the need for crystals. The exfoliation process occurs when a diamond-tipped head makes contact with the skin and abrades against it. In both crystals and diamond microdermabrasion systems the dead skin cells are sucked away from the face.
Home microdermabrasion systems are an increasingly popular alternative to professional treatments. These are cheap and very easy to perform, and although not as powerful as professional systems, can produce good results over time. There is a great deal of competition in the home microdermabrasion systems market with most of the big cosmetics and skin care brands launching their own home systems.
Dr Joshua Berkowitz is the director of the Wimpole Asthetics Center--experts in aesthetic and anti-aging medicine, including microdermabrasion skin treatments and smart lipo.