Understanding Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical, non-invasive procedure that uses a spray of microcrystals to remove the outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells and reveal younger, healthier-looking skin. Microdermabrasion also encourages the production of a new underlying layer of skin cells with higher levels of collagen and elastin, which further improves your skin’s appearance. Microdermabrasion is much gentler than dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a more intensive procedure used to treat deeper facial lines, extreme sun damage, and scars.

In a microdermabrasion process, an abrasive compound is placed on your skin and then, with the aid of some sort of mechanical device (in the case of professional treatments), used to grind off the cells of the stratum corneum. This grinding may be done for practical reasons, such as removing built-up skin cells in a callous that are not sloughing off naturally. It may also be done for cosmetic reasons, in an effort to rejuvenate skin and make it appear younger.

Microdermabrasion is ideal for:
* acne and acne-scarring, fine lines and uneven pigmentation
* deep exfoliation in conjunction with a facial or a peel
* deep exfoliation between IPL Skin rejuvenation treatments
* removing stretch marks
* lesion and scar formation
* body treatment

Benefits of Microdermabrasion
* it leaves skin with a fresher, more glowing look.
* diminishes sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and coarse textured skin
* it makes it easy for high-tech skin care products to actually penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and help build collagen, which gives skin its youthful appearance

Microdermabrasion gives skin of all colors and types a fresh, healthy-looking glow. It does all this with virtually no side effects. And because microdermabrasion uses non-allergenic crystals to treat the skin, it is an excellent treatment for skin that is sensitive to chemicals. Microdermabrasion does not present any serious risks when it is performed by a qualified provider. Some people may experience slight skin irritation after microdermabrasion. Since everyone's skin and health history differ to some degree, the risks and benefits of microdermabrasion must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The cost of microdermabrasion depends on factors such as the amount of microdermabrasion a patient needs, the number of treatments, the fees of the treating physician, and the geographic region where the treatment is administered. The cost of microdermabrasion is less expensive than that of some other cosmetic options for facial rejuvenation, particularly surgical procedures such as a face lift.

In general, good microdermabrasion candidates are adults who are in good physical health, with realistic expectations for the outcome of their treatment. People who do not have enough available time to undergo more invasive skin resurfacing treatments such as dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, or chemical peels may also be good candidates for microdermabrasion.

Pre Treatment Instructions
* Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for 1 week prior to your appointment.
* Avoid using Retin-A or retinol products for at least 72 hours prior to your appointment.

Post Treatment Instructions
* A rehydrating toner, moisturizer and sunscreen is applied to your skin prior to leaving the surgeon or dermatologist's office.
* Some redness is expected after a treatment, however this is not likely to persist more than a few hours. The sensation of having a mild windburn or sunburn will also pass after a few hours. Applying a high quality moisturizer to re-hydrate the skin at this point will help.
* Avoid direct sun exposure for 7 days after a treatment. We do stress the importance of using a high quality sun protectant product as well as minimizing sun exposure. Exposure to UV radiation is one of the key factors in speeding the skin aging process.
* Avoid Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid products and skin exfoliation scrubs for 72 hours both before and after a treatment.
* Avoid full face make-up, i.e. liquid foundations or pressed powder foundations for 24 hours after a treatment. Eye make-up, lipstick etc. may be applied immediately after a treatment.

Microdermabrasion treatments are painless and are the best way to improve the appearance of your facial skin and neck. As long as you continue to perform them. If performed daily, the appearance of your face should improve fairly dramatically and further aging will be slowed. Facial treatments usually take about 1-2 minutes. Face, neck, and upper chest about 3 minutes. If you wash your face completely pre treatment and use a premium cell regenerative product post treatment, plan to add about 5 or 8 minutes to your routine. You should always plan on cleansing your face thoroughly before doing your daily microdermabrasion treatment.

This relatively simple and uninvasive treatment may begin immediately following a consultation. Microdermabrasion leaves the individual feeling vibrant and healthy, and results in skin that not only feels softer and smoother, but also has a healthy-looking glow.

You can find more informations about microdermabrasion here.