IPL Laser treatment works by sending strong pulses of light into the skin. The laser does not do damage to the outer part of the skin. In fact, most patients do not have any side effects other than a little discomfort.

The laser is made to make an impact in the deep tissue area of the skin, where damage originates. There are different types of the IPL treatment to target and repair different types of damage. The specific laser for your needs will be used when you meet with a professional.

With many different facial resurfacing treatments, like microdermabrasion, patients will have damage done to the outer surface of the skin. This is not true with IPL, so many patients are able to resume normal life right after the treatment.

Usually, patients will need to undergo a series of treatments, ranging from four to six, depending on the extent of the damage that needs to be repaired. A patient may not see perfect results until the latter treatments.

IPL works well as a treatment for skin problems such as rosacea, freckles, broken blood vessels and deposits of dark pigmentation. IPL will not work on superficial scarring or wrinkles.

The actual procedure lasts less than half an hour. A patient may feel some pain, but it is relatively minor. The light is applied with a special hand piece, and the patient must wear protective eyewear. The patient will be able to go back to normal activity right after the procedure.

Many people have an IPL treatment while they are on their lunch break since it is such a simple and noninvasive procedure.

Although the IPL treatments are not permanent, the results can last a year or more. In truth, how long the results last is largely up to the patient. If a person stays out of the sun as much as possible and applies sunscreen when they must be exposed, then they can enjoy the results of the IPL for a longer time.

The treatment may not be right for you. You will need to speak with your dermatologist to determine if IPL can help you with your skin problems.

While it does provide a more youthful appearance and help to even skin tone, there are a number of applications for microdermabrasion that are not solely about looking younger.  For one, the procedure is quite effective in treating acne.  It must be used periodically to remain effective, but can help clear pores and remove blockages like blackheads in ways that no over the counter cleansers can.  The abrasion and suction combine to help clear away problem areas and keep skin healthy.

Microdermabrasion is also helpful for removing or lessening the appearance of raised scars.  The gentle removal of the top layers of scars encourages the skin to slowly rebuild the area without the collagen lumps that form raised or keloid scars.  Microdermabrasion is also frequently used for acne scarring and sun damaged spots.

In short, there are many uses for microdermabrasion, many of which move beyond the simple desire to look younger.  Be alleviating acne, the process helps people look and feel healthier and less self conscious.  The same is true of scar tissue removal, which can not only alter your appearance but can also be downright uncomfortable.  Scar tissue lacks many things, such as proper sweat glands, which can be highly bothersome for people with large or excessive scars.  With microdermabrasion, the scars are slowly removed and the skin is allowed to properly rebuild.

With all applications of microdermabrasion, there is a highly beneficial goal in mind.  Whatever yours may be, microdermabrasion is a safe and painless way to achieve clearer and healthier skin.  If you are considering this procedure, talk to a health care professional in microdermabrasions to learn what benefits may await you.

How The Skin Works

Human skin is composed of two basic layers, the dermis and the epidermis. The dermis is composed of the inside layers of skin while the epidermis consists of the outer layers. The epidermis protects the dermis. The outer layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum. This stratum corneum layer of skin is the layer that is home to skin imperfections such as blemishes and, later in life, wrinkles.

How Microdermabrasion Works

The principle behind microdermabrasion is simple. The stratum corneum is worked on, using the rough grains, breaking up that layer of skin and taking it away. The body reacts to this, like it would react to a skin injury and works to make new skin cells to replace the ones taken away using the microdermabrasion procedure. This may cause redness or swelling that will go away.

With the stratum corneum gone, the skin has lost its outer barrier. Wrinkles and skin blemishes are taken away with the stratum corneum and the skin looks and feels healthier and smoother. Without the outer protective layer of the stratum corneum, the skin is able to take in more moisture. Creams and lotions are more effective because of the better absorption rate.

Repeated microdermabrasion treatments are thought to alter the way the underlying levels of skin grow. This makes it possible to remove sun damage and deeper lying blemishes.

Home Microdermabrasion

In home microdermabrasion, scrubs, creams or lotions would be applied to the skin. These creams and lotions contain small crystal particles designed to loosen the stratum corneum cells. These creams are usually applied using a gentle, circular motion using a small bit of pressure to help loosen the cells. Washing the skin afterwards removes the cream and also the dead cells loosened by the microdermabrasion. The benefits of this type of microdermabrasion are that it is less costly than professional treatment, and there is a smaller risk of making a mistake and going into the skin too deeply.

Professional Microdermabrasion

In a professional setting, a special machine is used to apply the microdermabrasion process. A solution of small crystals is directed at the skin, loosening the skin cells in the stratum corneum. These cells are then vacuumed up. This process of loosening and vacuuming is used all over the targeted skin area, working on small sections at a time. This treatment is usually repeated several times before maximum results can be achieved. Some cosmetic surgery clinics such as Transform offer free mini microdermabrasion during the year.

Who Should Use Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion should be used on healthy individuals who are free from skin conditions that would prevent microdermabrasion from being safely executed. Anyone with dermatitis, psoriasis or acute acne would not be a good candidate for microdermabrasion. Other health conditions may prohibit an individual from being able to use this technique. Consult your doctor to find out if microdermabrasion would be possible for you.