Microdermabrasion is a common procedure used for reducing acne and acne scarring, and is used in lieu of many other types of treatments because of its effectiveness.
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a machine-assisted treatment for skin exfoliation. The procedure’s advantages include the low risk of complications along with faster recovery compared to other invasive procedures such as dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and chemical peeling.
The fact that microdermabrasion only removes a superficial layer of skin makes it ideal for acne and acne scar removal, along with the reduction of fine lines, superficial scarring, and age spots.
How Microdermabrasion Works
The microdermabrasion process is noninvasive and painless, using a combination of vacuum suction and crystals or an abrasive tip on the skin. The procedure doesn’t use needles or anesthesia at any point, and vacuum pressure and speed are modified based on the skin’s sensitivity.
Typically, the procedure uses a crystal diamond microdermabrasion system consisting of a pump, hand piece, vacuum, and connecting tube. The pump generates a high-pressure stream made of inert crystals made of magnesium oxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, or aluminum oxide to rub the skin. After this, the vacuum removes the exfoliated skin cells and crystals.
In some cases microdermabrasion may use a diamond microdermabrasion machine, which doesn’t produce particles, and is somewhat safer because of the lack of any risk of inhaling crystals or getting them in the eyes.
Microdermabrasion sessions normally last anywhere between five to 60 minutes, with minimal recovery time required immediately following the procedure. While some redness may be present following the procedure, makeup and face creams can normally be applied to conceal it.
The procedure essentially purifies the skin by removing debris and dead skin from the skin’s surface. After approximately 30 days, the skin will begin to regenerate, and another treatment may be required. People who undergo microdermabrasion will normally continue treatment once every two to four weeks. You’ll be able to get particularly good results if you avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen or other skin care creams following each treatment.
The Difference Between Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion
You should understand the difference between these two procedures to determine which is ideal. Dermabrasion is an invasive surgical procedure normally performed by plastic surgeons or dermatologists after administering anesthetics to prevent pain. People with deeper acne scars and other more severe skin problems will be the ones who benefit most from dermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion in a medspa is a suitable treatment for individuals with sallow or dull skin, acne scars, pick marks, and mild acne. However, it’s not the most effective treatment for people with deeper skin issues, which are better treated using dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels.
If you believe that microdermabrasion might be right for treating your mild acne or other superficial skin issues, you can consult with the skin care experts at Althea MedSpa who will help determine which treatment is ideal for you.