Is Microdermabrasion For You?
by Marjorie Dorfman
What is microdermabrasion and what does it want from naturally aging skin? Dare to plunge into its rejuvenating waters without so much as a ripple of disruption in your daily routine. Read on and learn more!
Microdermabrasion is a simple, non-invasive procedure that can revitalize your face by reducing age spots and stretch marks and erasing fines lines, wrinkles and acne scars. There are two layers of skin; the epidermis and the dermis. (It is not known if songwriter, Cole Porter, realized this when he wrote, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, nor can we ever know which layer he was referring to.) In any case, the epidermis is closest to the outside world, the topmost layer of which is called the stratum corneum. In reality, this is a set of dead skin cells on top of another layer of cells that are in the process of maturing. This topmost section acts as a barrier between the world outside and the lower skin layers.
One of the most attractive features of microdermabrasion therapy is its convenience. With its tools and products, the process can be done effectively in your own home and on your own terms. Similar to a facial massage, it is sometimes referred to as a "lunchtime procedure" or an "instant face-lift". This is a far cry from the days when plastic surgeons used hand-held sprayers (similar to sandblasters) to circulate high-pressure crystal flow onto the skin. Microdermabrasion is one of the more recent skin-care techniques to have crossed over from Hollywood to the mainstream.
Why is microdermabrasion so popular?
There are several reasons why this skin care procedure is sweeping the nation, so to speak. Some include:
• It is the least invasive of all dermatological procedures.
• It costs a lot less than plastic surgery, chemical peels and Botox injections.
• It is painless.
• There are no side effects.
• It is effective on all skin types and colors (including sensitive and black skin).
• It is available as a home system and kit.
• No anesthesia of any kind is required when performed at a beauty salon or physician’s office.
How does it work?
Composed of a compressor and pump that combine gentle abrasion with suction, the machines peel the outer layer of the skin (so thin that it is not visible). The entire procedure takes from 30 to 60 minutes and it does its magic on your face, neck, hands, chest, feet and back. There is no pain involved although most people speak of a tingling during treatment and a windburn-like sensation afterwards. The skin is often slightly red for the first 24 hours after which there is no discomfort of any kind.
Sometimes called Microderm, microdermabrasion should not be confused with dermabrasion, which refers to a harsher medical procedure, which is carried out under general or light anesthesia. Mechanical abrasion from jets of zinc oxide crystals, fine organic particles or a roughened surface is one effective method. A wand/ hand piece is employed to remove particles. This procedure can and is often done in conjunction with facial spa treatments.
There are two available choices: crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion. Relying on tiny crystals that are blasted into the skin to perform the exfoliation, the former represents the more traditional system. Diamond microdermabrasion systems have no need for crystals, and exfoliation occurs when a diamond-tipped head makes contact with and abrades the skin. In the case of both techniques, dead skin cells are sucked away from the face.
How do you know which products to use?
This is the trickiest element because one size does not fit all and some products are better for some skin types than others. The market is flooded with home microdermabrasion kits, and while many are decent and will do the job effectively, many others are a waste of time and money. There is a lot of competition within the market and most of larger cosmetic and skin care brands have launched their own systems. Home systems are cheap and easy to use although they are not as powerful as professional systems. More and more, men are getting on the microdermabrasion bandwagon instead of choosing plastic surgery. One session is not enough and between 5-12 sessions may be needed scheduled 1-2 weeks apart.
Do your homework. Only then will you know if microdermabrasion is for you!
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