If you are looking for an effective way to improve your skin tone and overcome blemishes and wrinkles, then home microdermabrasion should be an essential part of your skincare routine. There are many marketing campaigns for night creams, anti-aging serums, and moisturizers which claim to rejuvenate your skin. But, the truth is that many of these products don’t work very well, and the best way to improve your skin is by tapping into the natural repairing functions within your cells.
What is Microdermabrasion?
A microdermabrasion treatment works to remove the dead cells on the surface of your skin by exfoliating the cells that are ready to be shed. The light friction on the skin stimulates the natural healing powers within your skin, and it also helps you to avoid clogged pores and dull skin tones. At times, this treatment is called “microderm” or “dermabrasion” by some health care professionals.
It has been found that consistent use of a microdermabrasion machine can help you to achieve smoother, brighter skin. You can go to a spa to receive this skin care treatment, or you might consider buying a home microdermabrasion machine so that you can improve the appearance of your skin without leaving home.
Microdermabrasion or Dermabrasion?
It is important not to confuse microdermabrasion with dermabrasion. The dermabrasion is much more intense. It consists of abrading the skin to reshape its surface. It is a treatment often used in people with severe scars. Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, acts on a smaller scale, hence its prefix “micro”.
What Does Microdermabrasion Do?
By applying tiny grains to the surface of your skin, the cells on the top layer of your skin can be buffed away. The epidermis is the outside layer of your skin, and the outermost portion of the epidermis is layered with dead skin cells. Just below those dead skin cells are newer cells that are in the maturation process.
When the dead skin cells are removed, the body responds by replacing those cells with healthier cells. It promotes the natural repairing functions in your skin, helping you to achieve fresh, youthful skin.
Microdermabrasion Benefits
One of the most significant benefits to using a home machine for microdermabrasion is the fact that the session only takes 15 to 30 minutes. It is fast and easy to use and can be a simple method that can be integrated into your busy schedule.
Instead of spending the time to drive back-and-forth to a spa, you can improve the appearance of your skin in the comforts of your own home. Additionally, a microdermabrasion machine can help you to save money. Even though the initial costs are more expensive, the machine is quite a bit cheaper than paying the expensive spa costs on an ongoing basis.
When you look at microdermabrasion before and after pictures, you will see that multiple skin conditions can be improved with this treatment. For example, you can reduce the appearance of skin blemishes, discoloration, age spots, acne scarring, blackheads, enlarged pores, and fine lines.
Another benefit to using a microdermabrasion treatment is the fact that it helps topical skin care products to penetrate the lower layers of skin. The active ingredients in your skin care products can more effectively reach those lower layers and repair your skin from the inside out.
Who Can Use Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is recommended for anyone who wants to regain soft skin and a healthy glow. It helps to address problems such as:
- Dilated pores
- Oily skin
- Dull complexion
- Pimples and blackheads
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Pigment spots
- Scars
Microdermabrasion Side Effects
If you want to enjoy the benefits of this skin treatment, then you will need to be aware of the potential side effects that could occur.
Initially, you might experience redness or swelling in the area that was treated, but these mild side effects typically go away within a few hours.
People who have sensitive skin might experience the side effects for as long as 48 hours after the microdermabrasion treatment.
It is also strongly advised not to expose yourself to the sun in the days following therapy.
In any case, you should apply a moisturizer and sunscreen to protect and hydrate your skin.
Dangers and risks of Microdermabrasion: Contraindications
It is important to know that this treatment is suitable for all skin types. However, you will have to be more careful with dark skins.
Microdermabrasion is not used on pregnant women, moles or irritated, burned or damaged skin. Skins with severe acne, eczema or a cold sore are also not treated.
When microdermabrasion is performed by a qualified specialist, the risks are very rare.
One of the dangers, if the equipment used is not sterilized, is an infection.
Besides, with crystal microdermabrasion machines, if the device is incorrectly adjusted and used at too high a power, there is a risk that the skin will be perforated by the crystals that are used to exfoliate the skin.
What Type of Home Microdermabrasion Machine Should You Use?
There are over 100 microdermabrasion machines available for purchase, and it can be overwhelming to choose the best product for your skincare needs. Most of them have the same basic design, but there are a few specific features that you should consider:
- Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion: Tiny diamonds located on the ends of the microdermabrasion machine can be used to exfoliate your skin. One advantage of this type of device is that many of them have a small cotton filter, allowing you to see the dead skin cells that were pulled from your face. Additionally, many people experience fewer side effects when they use a diamond-tipped microdermabrasion machine instead of crystals.
- Corundum Crystals Microdermabrasion: These crystals are very hard, second only to diamonds. The benefit to these crystals lies in the fact that you don’t have to worry about chemical reactions with the skin, and there are natural antibacterial properties in the crystals.
How Often Do I Need a Home Microdermabrasion Treatment?
The most effective method is to use a microderm machine consistently because you will experience the most benefits from regular intervals.
It is important to give your skin time to heal between treatments, so you shouldn’t have a microdermabrasion treatment more than once a week.
One recommended schedule is to begin with weekly treatments for 3 – 4 weeks and then change to monthly treatments to maintain healthier skin for a more extended period. Monthly is the perfect maintenance schedule because your skin regenerates in 30-day intervals.
