Microdermabrasion: Fast & Easy Skin Fix

Microdermabrasion:

FAST & EASY SKIN FIX

Microdermabrasion is the kinder, gentler approach to fixing facial skin concerns.

Where dermabrasion uses a rotating device to literally sand layers of skin to improve acne scars pox marks and scars from accidents or disease, microdermabrasion is about freshening your look. While dermabrasion offers help to fair-skinned people, microdermabrasion works on all types of skin and skin colors as a fine tuner of exfoliation and rejuvenation leading to softer, brighter, younger looking skin. No numbing or anesthetic medication is required for this nonsurgical treatment, and skin may only be temporarily pink for less than 24 hours. At most, avoid sun exposure for a few days. Warning though, skin older than 70 may have a slightly higher risk of bruising ad skin abrasion.

Microdermabrasion is a painless, noninvasive, skinrejuvenation procedure using a combination of a fine abrasive tip or crystals and vacuum suction. There are no needles involved.

While dermabrasion creates a feeling of a brush-burn for a few days, microdermabrasion is more like the licks of your cat’s slightly rough tongue.

The crystal microdermabrasion system uses a pump, a connecting tube, a handpiece and a vacuum to scrap the skin and suck up the crystals to exfoliate skin cells. A diamond microdermabrasion machine is considered safer around the eyes and lips, experts say, because it does not produce particles from crystals that could be inhaled or blown into the eyes.

To break it down a bit, the crystals are applied to the skin and the vacuum part of microdermabrasion gently pulls and lifts a small section of skin stimulating blood circulation and creating a mild swelling to collect the crystals and dead skin. The handpiece is moved over the skin in smooth passes — usually two to four per area work.

With one treatment, your skin may look smoother and be better able to absorb moisturizers. Costs usually run from $100 to $250. Treatments may be repeated every three to four weeks for best results.

Sessions can last five minutes to an hour. Home-kits are available ranging in price from $40 to $195.