What is Microdermabrasion? | Benefits, Pros and Cons, and Side Effects

What is MicrodermabrasionHaving smoother and glowing skin is something that is wanted by many people. However, this is something that cannot be achieved quickly, especially if you do not have the discipline and the commitment to maintain proper skin care. More often than not, this will also require investing in treatments and equipment that can be used even in the comfort of one’s home. Currently, one that is popular for skin care is known as microdermabrasion.

What is Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is considered to be one of the most popular treatments for skin exfoliation. It is completed through the use of a revolutionary and expensive piece of equipment. The latter is perhaps one of the reasons on why not too many people are entertaining the idea of this anti-aging treatment, in spite of the benefits that have been identified by those who have tried such in the past.

Also, this treatment is painless and non-invasive. It does not make use of anesthetics and needles. You can compare microdermabrasion treatment with brushing your teeth. The difference is that it is the plaque or the dirt of the skin that is removed. The duration of the treatment usually lasts from 5 to 60 minutes. Once it is over, the patient can go back to doing normal activities, even application of cosmetics, as long as they are non-irritating.

How to Know if you Need Microdermabrasion

Generally speaking, you will need this treatment if you would like to maintain healthy, glowing, and young-looking skin. It is especially true if you are already aging and if you are worried that your skin is beginning to make it evident that you are growing older.MicrodermabrasionYou might need to undergo microdermabrasion if you notice that your acne problems are starting to show. Also, this will also be good if superficial skin problems and pick marks are beginning to show up. You also need it if the apparent signs of aging are starting to be evident, such as fine lines, skin pigmentation or darkening, and wrinkles. Cosmetologists also recommend the procedure if you have just undergone a facelift.

Different Methods of Microdermabrasion

The most popular method for this kind of treatment is crystal microdermabrasion and is commonly offered in skin treatment centers and spas, among others. It has been introduced in the 1980s and makes use of natural crystals that are used only once. The latter makes sure that they are clean and free from any bacteria that can be damaging to the skin. Some of the crystals that are most popularly used for this treatment are aluminum oxide and sodium bicarbonate.

Recently, a more innovative method has been introduced and known as diamond microdermabrasion. As the name implies, it uses an applicator with a diamond tip that can help in the effective removal of dead skin cells. For many people, this is beneficial because there is less discomfort associated with the treatment, unlike in the use of crystals. It is also a good thing since it can treat more areas of the face, even those that are near the eyes and mouth.

Pros and Cons of Microdermabrasion

One of the good things about this procedure is that it is painless and non-invasive, which means that it is as gentle as the licking of the tongue of a cat on your skin. No anesthesia is required. This treatment is perfect for people who do not want to suffer from painful therapies. Also, many people liked the fact that there is minimal or no recovery period at all.What is Microdermabrasion

However, in spite of the pros, there are also drawbacks. For instance, it only works on the top layer of the skin and cannot penetrate on deep acne scars. There were also reports in the past that it leads to flaking and pimples, which is the case if you have sensitive skin. The most significant drawback is that it is an expensive treatment, which makes it not ideal if you do not have the luxury of financial resources.

Risks of Microdermabrasion

Some of the dangers of this treatment, which will be apparent when it is overaggressive as compared to what can be handled by the sensitivity of the skin, include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and bruising. Other side effects include redness, skin sensitivity, bleeding spots, tightness, and broken fine blood vessels. Keep in mind, however, that these side effects will only be most apparent if the treatment is done wrong if it does not match the sensitivity of your skin.microdermabrasion treatment

Microdermabrasion at Home

The good news is that microdermabrasion can be completed even in the comfort of your own home. Using a machine like the Philips VisaCare SC6240 is a more cost-effective alternative than visiting spas and skin care treatment centers. It also means that you can already do it on your own. It offers promising benefits, although it is not as intensive as the treatments from professionals.

Home microdermabrasion treatments are accomplished with the use of creams and best microdermabrasion machine that are commercially available. Creams are cheaper than therapy, but they do not last that long. Devices may be more expensive, but they are more effective in exfoliation and can last longer.