As we age, our skin starts to lose its luster and elasticity. The presence of age spots and wrinkles can aggravate the situation, causing you to look for ways to make your skin appear more youthful. Microdermabrasion can reduce the appearance of many skin imperfections, including scars, stretch marks, and dark spots. So, what is microdermabrasion, and what does it do?
Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment that removes the outermost skin layers. By removing these skin layers, microdermabrasion also minimizes the appearance of scars and spots, helping the skin appear younger. However, should you opt to seek the services of a skin care specialist to rejuvenate your skin, you should be aware that the full effects of microdermabrasion treatments will only be evident after several treatments.
The Procedure
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure and does not require anesthesia. The procedure takes an hour or less, and in most cases, there are little to no side effects.
To treat a particular skin area, the skin care specialist uses a hand-held instrument to gently remove the top layer of skin. During crystal microdermabrasion, your skin care specialist will use a tool to spray fine particles of abrasive material over the skin. Various crystals are used in microdermabrasion treatments, including sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. As the dead skin cells are loosened by the crystals, they are simultaneously vacuumed away, leaving the skin spot-free.
You may also opt for diamond microdermabrasion, which does not use crystals. Instead, this method of treatment involves exfoliating the skin with a diamond-tipped hand-held tool.
Apart from some minor discomfort, microdermabrasion is usually pain-free and, as noted above, has minimal risks. Since the procedure only removes the outer skin, its effects are not permanent, and to keep the skin looking youthful, you might have to repeat the treatment from time to time.
What to Expect During and After Microdermabrasion
Even though the procedure is minimally invasive, you might get some minor bruises or skin redness after undergoing microdermabrasion. It also will not interrupt your normal schedule. However, you should look out for:
- Stinging sensations
- Slight swelling
- Reddened skin
- Sunlight sensitivity
After the procedure, you are advised to avoid sunlight exposure. To mitigate against the discomfort from the sun’s rays, it’d be prudent to use sunscreen.
Who Can Benefit from Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a quick and safe procedure that could benefit people of all skin types. And if you’re pregnant and wondering whether this procedure is safe for you and your unborn baby, the good news is that it is. The only precaution expectant mothers need to take is ensuring that their skincare specialists use non-chemical cleansers.
An Excellent Way to Renew Your Skin
If you’re looking for a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that can rejuvenate the appearance of your skin, microdermabrasion may be a good choice. While you may need repeat sessions to maintain the results of your treatment, microdermabrasion requires less preparation and downtime than many more complex cosmetic procedures. If you’re interested in achieving a more youthful appearance, consider talking to a plastic surgeon about microdermabrasion.