Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that day spas, doctor’s offices, dermatologists, and medical spas are offering these days – especially as an alternative to plastic surgery and Botox.
Here’s the gist of it, starting with a little refresher from biology class: Our skin can be divided into two layers, the dermis, and the epidermis. Microdermabrasion has to do with the epidermis.
The top layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum, which is where most wrinkle lines and blemishes are on the skin. The stratum corneum is a bunch of dead cells on the outermost surface of our skin, serving as a sort of buffer for our skin against the world.
Microdermabrasion targets the stratum corneum and removes it. Along with it go blemishes, wrinkles, raised scars, and acne scars.
So once the stratum corneum is gone, the body rushes to replace it with a new outermost layer of skin. The point is to give the skin’s surface a fresh start, with no sign of the blemished history that was erased.
Here’s how it works: jets of zinc oxide, aluminum oxide crystals, or fine organic particles are aimed directly at the affected skin. These particles basically sandblast away the dead layer of stratum corneum.
It’s most often used on the neck, face, arms, and hands. Each treatment takes about 30 minutes to one hour. Five to 12 treatments are recommended, once every two to three weeks. After the cycle of treatments, the next step is scheduling a cycle of follow-up maintenance visits to ensure the continuation of microdermabrasion results.
Who is it for?
Here’s a list of the conditions that you could treat with microdermabrasion: sun-damaged skin, raised scars, acne, dark spots, clogged pores, fragile capillaries, vascular lesions, warts, open sores, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Microdermabrasion is also especially suited to those who are sensitive to chemical procedures.
The pros and cons:
Microdermabrasion is not generally painful in the slightest, and it requires no anesthetic. It’s trumpeted as the main alternative to plastic surgery and Botox. Side effects include swelling and redness that can last from one hour to two days. But, in the end, you not only eliminate the blemishes that had bothered you, but you get a healthy, fresh look and feel to your skin. And it’s suited to skin of all colors and types. You can resume normal activity right away. That’s why microdermabrasion is sometimes called a “lunch hour” procedure.
Additionally, there aren’t any manufacturing standards for the microdermabrasion machines. And the FDA warns that these machines can be sold without having demonstrated that they work properly, and that they can be operated in the absence of medical supervision.
The bottom line
Microdermabrasion is an alternative to Botox and plastic surgery. It targets the dead upper layer of skin where most imperfections are. The price can be pretty high. So you may want to consult with friends and multiple doctors before starting treatment.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
