What is microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a face resurfacing non-surgical procedure that is done in a series of between 5 and 10 treatments. It is used to renew overall skin texture and tone. It involves mechanical exfoliation of the outermost layer of the skin that is mainly composed of dead cells, referred to as stratum corneum. The dead cells are then vacuumed away leaving the skin smoother and softer.
Microdermabrasion works by stimulating the body to react to the mechanical exfoliation. When you remove the outer layer of dead cells on the skin, the body interprets this physiologically as an injury. It replaces the cells with a new, healthy layer of stratum corneum. The face is left looking more vibrant and much younger.
It can be used to treat skin conditions such as wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, acne scarring, melasma, among other conditions.
How microdermabrasion is done
Microdermabrasion applies the use of tiny crystals to mechanically exfoliate the skin. It is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve the use of chemicals. Microdermabrasion machine uses tiny crystals to gently remove the dead layer of cells and then a vacuum removes the cells and debris by sucking them away. Microdermabrasion can be used on all skin types. It does not cause a change in color or scarring.
Different kinds of microdermabrasion
Based on the device being used, the procedure can be done in a number of ways. There are 2 different kinds of microdermabrasion:
This is the oldest type of microdermabrasion. It removes dry/dead cells using friction and heat. The handpiece emits crystals that rub away dead cells from the skin which are then suctioned. The device shoots crystals in a high-speed stream on the skin which blasts away the dead cells. Crystals such as sodium chloride and aluminum oxide are used. The process can well be described as sandblasting.
It is a modification of the crystal microdermabrasion. Instead of applying friction, this technique uses abrasion to scratch away dead/dry cells. The tip of the handpiece is made of laser-cut diamond. Diamond microdermabrasion also exfoliates dead cells and then suctions them away. It is best used in sensitive areas such as around the eyes. Diamond was preferred because it is strong, durable, and does not leave dust on the surface.
Hydradermabrasion is closely similar to microdermabrasion only that it is a relatively new technique that is gentler and more effective. There is a simultaneous combination of dermal infusion and crystal-free exfoliation. Hydradermabrasion improves blood flow in the skin and stimulates the production of collagen.
Microdermabrasion and dermabrasion
Compared to dermabrasion, microdermabrasion can be said to be less aggressive, has faster recovery time, does not require numbing of skin using medications, and the end result is more appealing. Dermabrasion is only suitable for those with fair skin. It can lead to discoloration and scarring for people with darker skin. With microdermabrasion, the skin recovers fully within 24 hours.
Benefits of microdermabrasion
Improved blood circulation
Microdermabrasion improves both blood flow and lymphatic circulation in the skin. Circulation is stimulated by the vacuum effect of the machine during the procedure. Improved circulation results in more supply of nutrients and oxygen to skin cells as well as detoxification. It enhances cell processes and skin health including improving skin elasticity.
Removing the dead skin cells coupled with enhanced circulation in the skin results in improved absorption of other skin care products. It has been shown that microdermabrasion improves absorption by up to 50%. For instance, when treating a condition such as an acne, skin treated using microdermabrasion responds better than normal skin. Most skin care products work by delivering ingredients to the dermis part of the skin. The products will, therefore, work better when the skin is free of dead cells, oil, and dirt. Microdermabrasion greatly improves the results of these products.
Skin pores enlarge due to clogging as a result of high oil flow, inflammation, and poor hygiene. Pores size can be reduced by keeping pores clean through exfoliation and controlling oil flow. Microdermabrasion helps to unclog pores and reduce pores size. Improved circulation reduces inflammation thereby enhancing skin hygiene and health.
Compared to other treatment options such as chemical peels and laser procedures, microdermabrasion is safer and the results are great. It does not require medication or recovery time. You can carry it out at home with minimal support. Because it is performed in the epidermis layer of the skin, there is reduced downtime and aftercare protocol.
Microdermabrasion has a wide range of applications for many skin conditions including age spots, scarring, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkles. In the treatment of scarring, it re-texturizes the skin through stimulating collagen to produce new skin cells which enhance healing of the tissue of the scar. Microdermabrasion helps to brighten products to penetrate to the dermis to remove or reverse pigmentation.
Skincare application of microdermabrasion
Although microdermabrasion is mostly used on the face, it can be applied in the treatment of skin conditions in other areas on the body.
Microdermabrasion treats acne by removing dead skin cells and dirt that block pores and cause inflammation and spotting. Increased collagen production improves skin appearance by making it look supple and softer. This also helps in treating acne scars. Improved circulation ensures there is an adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen. Exfoliation removes the top of blackheads while suctioning remove any remaining hardened oil.
Microdermabrasion naturally promotes collagen production which helps in wrinkles and fine lines. Collagen helps in skin renewal process which reduces the formation of wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion can reduce the appearance of scars such as those occurring after surgery or accidents. Although it is not easy to achieve the ultimate result when it comes to the treatment of scarring with microdermabrasion, the process can achieve significant improvement with short recovery time and without pain. Scars form an irregular shape with increased pigmentation which makes them obvious on the skin. Microdermabrasion reduces hyper-pigmentation and stimulates collagen production that is beneficial for the treatment of scarring. Improved circulation promotes healing.
Microdermabrasion reduces the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating the production of elastin and collagen that keeps the skin supple. Improved circulation promotes healing. Stretch marks are scars that start in the dermis. Microdermabrasion, therefore, helps in preventing stretch marks from worsening and also enhancing the effectiveness of other skincare products.
Uneven pigmentation
Microdermabrasion lightens areas that have hyperpigmentation. It also promotes cell turnover that replaces damaged cells and stimulates collagen production which makes skin tone even.
Side effects of microdermabrasion
The skin may remain dry, tight and pink within 24 hours of doing microdermabrasion. Treat this the way you would treat sunburn. It is important to avoid makeup for 24 hours after the procedure. Moisturize your skin and protect it from the sun as much as you can.
Crystals may get into the eyes if you use crystal microdermabrasion technique. Prevent this by wearing eye protection during the procedure.
FAQ about Microdermabrasion
The procedure starts by cleansing the skin using a gel. A hand-held device is then used to perform micro-abrasion. Aluminum oxide/sodium chloride crystals are sandblasted on the skin through a tube which is pressed on the skin. The tube vacuums away dead cells and debris from the skin.
Once the tube is placed on the skin, the doctor moves it slowly all over the face and not on the area that requires treatment only. This prevents having an inconsistency on the skin in terms of texture and color. After the procedure is finished, a special nourishing cream for sun protection is applied to the skin. You are free to go back to your normal daily routine immediately after the procedure has ended.
Dermabrasion is a procedure that uses a hand-held device that removes the top skin layer comprised of dead cells and debris. Depending on the area of focus, this procedure may require either local or general anesthesia. The procedure can take between a few minutes and 2 hours. The skin can remain swollen, red and very sensitive for up to 10 days. It can be used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and scars.
On the other hand, microdermabrasion is a far less invasive procedure. To start with, it can be performed at any place so long as you have the microdermabrasion kit including your home, doctor’s room or even a beauty center. The procedure is done by simply spraying high-pressure aluminum oxide crystals on the surface of the skin using a sandblaster-like device. Dead cells and used crystals are then vacuumed away into the machine, leaving a smooth and clean surface.
Aluminum oxide crystals are non-toxic and safe if ingested. They are non-carcinogenic and do not cause adverse reactions on the skin. Protect the eyes using special glasses during the procedure to keep the crystal from the eyes. The wands in microdermabrasion machine vacuum all crystals released during the procedure hence reducing the chances of inhaling them.
Microdermabrasion is a gentler, non-abrasive option for skin rejuvenation. So far it has been proven to be effective in the treatment of wide variety of skin conditions including, but not limited to, fine lines, enlarged pores, acne, age spots, hyper-pigmentation, scarring, uneven pigmentation, blackheads, stretch marks among others.
After microdermabrasion, your skin will be thicker, healthier and looking younger. Over the course of treatments, your skin will produce more collagen and elastin which improves its complexion making it more radiant and glowing.
Acne and oily skin have an overproduction of dead skin and oil that accumulate on the skin surface. They trap oil thereby causing the formation of blackheads and whiteheads and ultimately breakout of acne. Exfoliation that is done during microdermabrasion procedure unclogs pores and follicles allowing better penetration of treatment products. This helps in controlling acne and oily prone skin. It is important to understand that the procedure should not be done on active acne. It can spread bacteria hence worsening the condition. Treat acne first then microdermabrasion will give you healthy skin and will reduce pores size and scars.
You can go back to work immediately after microdermabrasion is done. A few people say that the skin feels tight just after the treatment. The feeling is the same as that when the skin is exposed to wind or sun. Depending on your type of skin, you may also experience slight dryness. To prevent this dryness, skin moisturizer is applied after the procedure. For the next 24 hours after treatment, the skin may appear pink but this disappears with time. Avoid using make up for the next 24 hours after treatment to allow the skin to regenerate and breathe.
Microdermabrasion is not suitable for people with deep scars, skin cancer, herpes breakout, warts on the face, active acne, active keloids, undiagnosed lesions on the skin, eczema, sunburns or active rosacea, auto-immune system disorder, and unstable diabetes. Microdermabrasion is strictly prohibited in pregnant women.
People who have facial creases, moderate-to-severe skin defects and deep scars should try stronger treatment procedures like laser skin structuring or chemical peel. Microdermabrasion is mainly designed for general skin improvement and minor conditions. Seek alternative if you have very big spots.
Our Esthetician
If you are looking for an experienced esthetician for professional microdermabrasion please contact Angie. You are assured of getting skin care treatment from a properly trained professional. Do not hesitate to ask for her training, background, and experience relating to the procedure of microdermabrasion. Angie meets the state’s licensing credentials and all core training requirements. Code of ethics at work is strictly adhered to hence ensuring you will be treated respectfully and you will receive high-quality professional services. Angie is well equipped with comprehensive resources that allow her to offer up-to-date treatment procedures and to keep up with the changing trends. Angie also offers microdermabrasion services to the residents of Porter Ranch.
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