Microdermabrasion

You might have heard some of the buzz about microdermabrasion. It is very likely that you know someone personally who has had it performed or maybe even know someone who uses it as a regular part of their beauty regime as some people do. But what is microdermabrasion? What conditions does it treat? Can you tell me more about it? Sure, I can!

Microdermabrasion is a procedure used to resurface your skin. You may ask resurface my skin, what does that mean? It means it reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves your skin tone and helps to clear up some bothersome skin conditions. How does it resurface your skin, how is the procedure done? During a microdermabrasion treatment, a dermatologist uses a hand held device to send a spray of very tiny crystals to exfoliate gently only the outer layers of your skin so that newer, fresher skin is revealed. Newer, fresher skin equals younger looking skin! And don't worry; goggles are placed over your eyes to protect them from the spray. It also stimulates the growth of new skin cells as an added bonus. Microdermabrasion is like sandblasting for your skin in a much milder form of course!

Why would you want to have microdermabrasion? The reasons for using this procedure are as different as the people who love the results they achieve with it. Did you spend too much time in the sun when you were younger? Maybe you work outdoors or just live in a very sunny location and can't seem to remember to apply that sunscreen daily. Microdermabrasion helps to diminish the appearance of sun spots; it helps your skin not to appear so leathery if you really have some sun damage and helps with those wrinkles you see sneaking up on you. It not only helps sunspots to disappear or become less noticeable but also age spots, freckles and scars too. If you or your teen is dealing with acne, it can be a godsend treatment for that. The procedure also helps topical solutions such as medicated acne creams you may be prescribed to soak into the skin making them more beneficial. If acne is only a distant memory for you now but you have been left with acne scars that you are self-conscious about, it can help to diminish those too.

Maybe you've never had a pimple in your life so acne is of no concern to you, but when you look into the mirror now, your skin just doesn't seem as "fresh" as it used to. Does your skin seem to be dull & lifeless? Is it dry and scaly or has it gotten oily and you can easily see large visible pores? Maybe it's gotten really dry in some areas yet oily in others? These skin concerns can be improved by microdermabrasion too. It leaves your skin looking and feeling smoother, clearer, firmer and younger with a much more even texture all over! It is most commonly used on the face, but it can also be used on the neck, hands or arms.

Microdermabrasion is usually performed right in a dermatologist's office. Ok it sounds great you say, but I bet it hurts so why have microdermabrasion, is it really worth it? You bet it is! It is a mild procedure with most people feeling very little or no discomfort at all. Generally, you will have some redness for about an hour after it is performed. Depending on the skin imperfection or condition, you want to treat and the results you would like to achieve, it may require a series of treatments. Four to eight treatments spaced with about one to three weeks in between them is typical for a patient new to microdermabrasion. The results you achieve are well worth it.

How do you find out how many treatments you would need? Call up your dermatologist. He or She will have you come in for a consultation prior to scheduling an appointment for your first microdermabrasion treatment. They'll want to check the condition of your skin for anything that should be cleared up prior to a microdermabrasion treatment like a fever blister. They'll also want to find out from you what you wish to treat with the procedure and what results you want to achieve. They'll then be able to tell you what you can realistically expect, how many treatments will be needed to reach those results and answers any questions you may have. Once you're ready, the entire procedure takes only 15-30 minutes and is so mild and quick you can have it performed as often as once a week.

Hopefully any mystery that may have surrounded microdermabrasion for you is now lifted. If you've been thinking it's time to do something more for yourself, your skin and your appearance, give your dermatologist a ring. If you think it may be for you, schedule an appointment for a consultation with your dermatologist today to find out even more.


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