Vanessa Micoff MDWhy microdermabrasion is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this method? What are the risks of microdermabrasion? Learn everything you need to know about microdermabrasion.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular non-invasive skin treatments. This is a procedure that removes the top, fourth, layer of skin, called epidermis. To be more precise, microdermabrasion targets the stratum corneum, the superficial skin layer.
There are five layers of the epidermis, each with different properties (from superficial to deep):
- Stratum corneum
- Stratum lucidum
- Stratum granulosum
- Stratum spinosum
- Stratum basale
Stratum corneum is made up of flat cells where the cytoplasm is replaced by a horny substance, keratin. This is the most superficial layer of the epidermis, whose cells have become overlapping flakes, spaced in many layers (in the soles, the number of those layers can exceed 100).
Microdermabrasion therapy promotes the production of a new layer of skin cells with higher levels of collagen and elastin, which enhances the appearance of your skin.
The procedure is used to deeply cleanse, refresh and deal with the first signs of aging on the face, neck, and shoulders. A noticeable improvement in facial complexion can be observed even after the first session.
In addition, this procedure is preferred by women who have very oily skin and problems with clogged or enlarged pores – exfoliating the skin with microdermabrasion eliminates the excessive sebum accumulated in the pores, while the suction function unclogs the pores, boost blood circulation and makes the enlarged pores less visible.
The procedure is available at different prices, starting from $80 to $300, it takes about 30 minutes and then you can safely return to your normal lifestyle. It can be performed at a dermatologist’s office, a professional beauty salon or at your home. The third option is possible if you have your own at-home microdermabrasion machine, which costs the same as a single session at a professional salon.
Types of microdermabrasion
There are two types of microdermabrasion – crystal and diamond, which have some slight differences between them
Crystal microdermabrasion is used to reduce scars on the skin and to exfoliate the skin. It launches small crystal particles that cleanse the skin in depth. With the help of a gentle vacuum, the dead cells are pulled out and placed into a receptacle. This method is still an option, although is rarely preferred because diamond microdermabrasion is thought to be more effective and it leaves no residue (crystal particles) on the skin surface.
Diamond microdermabrasion – this method uses a diamond-tipped tool to remove dead cells, freshen skin, or erase/reduce acne scars on the face. This method may seem painful, but the intensity is increasing so slowly that most people are more likely to experience only mild discomfort. As with crystal microdermabrasion, there is a vacuum suction system for dead skin cells.
Advantages of microdermabrasion
• An affordable and widespread method of refreshing and rejuvenating the skin
• Usually, there are no side effects of microdermabrasion
• There is no recovery period after the procedure and you can get back to your routine
• Microdermabrasion is a successful method of dealing with, or at least reducing, stretch marks, although not specifically designed for this purpose
Disadvantages of microdermabrasion
• To have visible results of microdermabrasion for serious skin problems, several treatments are required
• Microdermabrasion is effective only for small scars and wrinkled surfaces. Not as effective in dealing with deep wrinkles or scarring
• If your skin is very sensitive, give it some time to recover after the procedure – apply a lot of moisturizing creams and avoid sun exposure
Microdermabrasion – Possible risks
Like any other procedure, microdermabrasion carries some risks, especially if you fall into the hands of an unspecialized aesthetician.
Microdermabrasion can pose health risks if the procedure is performed in an unclean environment. This can lead to infections. There are also significant risks if the instrument used for the procedure is not cleaned after the previous procedure.
It is also important that the microdermabrasion specialist is aware of the procedure, because if the device is set on higher settings, rather than exfoliating the skin, it may result in perforation and subsequent complications.
However, all these risks are minimal if you visit a professional skin care practitioner who has an opt-in procedure.
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