You've probably heard about microdermabrasion (or microderm). You may also know that it's commonly used in relation to cosmetic skin treatments. However, maybe you're not totally sure what treatment entails, or what results can be achieved.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a type of cosmetic procedure used in surgeries and medical spas. It's designed to remove dead and sun-damaged skin cells from the surface of the skin around the face and neck (and in some cases, other parts of the body). Think of it as a kind of deep-exfoliation.
The dead layer of skin is known as the stratum corneum. It often creates a dull, lifeless sheen on the skin surface, and can enhance the appearance of scars or dark areas.
Microdermabrasion gently removes this layer, revealing more glowing, healthy looking skin underneath and helping to reduce any dark patches.
How does microdermabrasion work?
Microdermabrasion is a relatively straightforward, non-invasive procedure. You won't need to go under any anaesthetic and it can often be completed in around 45 minutes. The procedure is extremely low-risk and offers very fast recovery (often with an hour or two of treatment).
Microdermabrasion involved thousands of tiny particles cleaning dead cells from your face. A jet of microscopic crystals sprays across the surface of the skin, taking with them any dead cells and dirt as they pass. A small vacuum is then used to remove any remaining impurities.
A skilled, registered practitioner will alter the treatment according to your skin tone and type, as well as provide full cleansing and preparation before the procedure. Some spas will simply use a specially roughened wand for the treatment, though this is generally less effective and offers shorter-term results.
What can microdermabrasion be used to treat?
Microderm is very effective at treating a number of complaints, including:
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Sun damage (photoaging) and lifeless complexion. Photoaging is the damage inflicted on the skin by exposure to ultraviolet radiation naturally occurring in the sun's rays. If your skin is dulled or weathered from too much sun or wind, then microdermabrasion can often help it revitalise.
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Fine lines and wrinkles. One of the most popular uses of microdermabrasion is as a form of anti-ageing treatment. While it doesn't provide a cure to these features, the treatment does lessen their visibility and rejuvenates the skin.
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Scars. Microderm is particularly effective at helping to reduce the appearance of scars that appear raised about the skin. For scars that lie deeper in the facial tissue, the effect is less noticeable, as microdermabrasion is not thought to trigger the generation of collagen for tissue repair.
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Enlarged pores. Microdermabrasion is a very effective way to clean pores of the dirt and dead cells that help to create blackheads and pits.
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Acne. Though there are other forms of acne treatment, some people have very good results with periodic microdermabrasion. It's not recommended for patients who have recently had a course of the acne medication Accutane.
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Pigmentation and staining. Some skin areas develop slightly different pigmentation from the surrounding area, resulting in darker patches. Microderm can help to alleviate these variations.
