Microdermabrasion treatment is taking the cosmetic industry by storm. Everywhere you look another company is releasing their version of this super-exfoliating product. News media outlets, both traditional and online, have been extolling the beauty benefits of
spa microdermabrasion.
And yet there are still many, many people who do not know what it is, why they should use this excellent facial exfoliating product and, more importantly, how to use a
microdermabrasion cream or system.
What is Microdermabrasion Treatment?
Microdermabrasion is a procedure in which the skin is "blasted" with micro-fine particles of
white aluminum oxide or corundum particles. As the area of the face, neck or chest is being pelted with
corundum particles, it is also being
"vacuumed" to remove the dead skin cells and the just-used
white aluminum oxide.
The typical microdermabrasion procedure lasts about 25 minutes but may take up to an hour if you include the neck and upper chest area in treatment. Both dermatologists and spas offer traditional
microdermabrasion procedures.
An alternative to the traditional blast procedure is a cream or two-step home system. Most cosmetic companies use the white aluminum oxide particles for the abrasive component in their products. The results can be very similar to the spa or medical procedure; it just takes more treatments.
It is critical that the abrasion media be a material which contaminate free, thus the reason why
white aluminum oxide is the preferred choice of most manufacturers.
White aluminum oxide is an ultra-pure grade
- 99.5% contaminate free and contains less that 0.2% silica making it safer to use than even sand.
Why try Microdermabrasion?
As we get older, our body no longer has the ability to effectively slough off the dead top layer of skin (stratum corneum) as it did when we were young. Because of this our skin starts looking dull, lifeless and rough while the pores can become clogged causing breakouts.
If you have mild or light scarring from acne or fine lines and wrinkles, you may be a candidate for
microdermabrasion. By having a series of treatments, many fine lines, wrinkles, skin discolorations and light scars will be lessened if not removed.
Most people see results after their first microdermabrasion treatment; their skin looks fresher, revived, and more alive. With each treatment, your skin will become clearer, softer and regain the youthful appearance it once had.
Although the at-home creams and the office or spa microdermabrasion procedures have some basic similarities, there are very specific and important differences.
Similarities include:
- Exfoliating dead skin cells
- Improving skins appearance
- Use of white aluminum oxide media as the abrasive
Differences are:
- Office or spa procedures are performed with equipment by a technician
- The corundum is a much finer (smaller) grade than in creams
- The traditional procedure is more effective
- Only one procedure every two months traditionally vs. every two days with cream
- The degree of abrasion can be regulated with office and spa procedures
Tips and Hints on Microdermabrasion
Be sure to apply toner, moisturizer and sun screen immediately after a microdermabrasion treatment - whether it was a procedure or at home products.
Avoid exposing the treated skin to direct sunlight (7 days if procedure, 1 day if at home).
Expect some redness after microdermabrasion; it should go away within a few hours.
Do not use a complete face of make-up for 24 hours after having the procedure.
Do not use alpha-hydroxy acid or glycolic acid products or skin exfoliation scrubs for at least 72 hours after a microdermabrasion procedure.
The one thing to remember is take care of your skin - always. Microdermabrasion gives you the chance to help erase the mistakes of poor skin care. Use a good skin care regimen and protect your skin from the sun and weather. This coupled with regular microdermabrasion treatments using high quality products and procedures will restore the youthful appearance and glow your skin once had.
