Should You Try Microdermabrasion At Home?

While microdermabrasion used to only be an indulgence for celebrities done at a dermatologists office, you can now get this skin-smoothing treatment at most spas and even at home! Microdermabrasion can be a great skin rejuvenator so lets take a closer look at how this treatment works and the difference between professional and at-home options.

What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion uses exfoliation to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells (known as the epidermis). When done professionally, this process often involves a device (like a fine sandblaster) spraying tiny crystals (usually aluminum oxide) across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead outer layer of skin. There are newer tools that use a diamond-tipped wand instead of tiny crystals to remove the dead skin cells. At-home versions are usually an exfoliating scrub that contain small crystals.

What are the benefits?
Microdermabrasion has been shown to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of acne scars, reduce skin pigmentation and provide overall skin rejuvenation. In fact, according to the Archives of Dermatology, researchers have discovered that microdermabrasion (when done with a diamond-tipped wand) can trigger the same kind of skin-restructuring process that occurs during wound healing. The study involved a biochemical analysis of skin specimens from 40 different adults aged 50 to 83. Each person had sundamaged areas of their arms treated with microdermabrasion. Results showed increased production of many of the markers that are linked to wound healing, such as cytokeratin 16 (antimicrobial peptides that fight infection), matrix metalloproteinases (help control skin’s structural proteins) and collagen precursors (the foundation of healthy skin). It’s amazing how the complex biological structures of the skin react to such a relatively simple surface treatment! As with many skin rejuvenating procedures, multiple treatments are usually needed to get optimal results.

Do at-home versions as well as professional treatments?
At-home microdermbrasion kits are essentially just facial scrubs that use aluminum oxide crystals to scrub away dead skin. These scrubs work well for mild exfoliation but are not really any different from facial scrubs that use beads or grains to rub away dead skin. The amount of active ingredients in at-home products are much lower than those used by professionals. Therefore, most at-home treatments do not produce results as dramatic or long-lasting as when done professionally. Also, the tools used when done professionally require training and need to be used properly in order to avoid damaging the skin.

Bottom Line
Microdermabrasion has been shown to be an effective, non-invasive way to improve the appearance of your skin. However, you should talk to your dermatologist before doing microdermabrasion, as there are some medicines and skin conditions that can increase skin sensitivity. At-home versions won’t provide the same level of skin smoothing as a professional treatment but they certainly can offer mild exfoliation benefits safely.

More from the Archives of Dermatology

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