What Is A Microdermabrasion?
Posted on 12. Mar, 2009 by Melissa in Surgical Procedures
Microdermabrasion is a skin-care technique that has been gaining popularity in recent years. In this process, small, rough grains are used to buff away the outer layer of skin. Microdermabrasion can also effectively clear out clogged pores. This process can be done at home using creams and lotions containing the particles, in a spa, or in a doctor’s office.
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.
