Acne Care – Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion, is classed as a cosmetic procedure, rather than a therapy. It is a procedure, where the Stratum Corneum, which is the outer surface of the skin, is partially or completely removed. This is done by a variety of methods, which aim to scrape away dead skin and impurities on the skin, by gentle abrasion. It is an effective treatment for acne, and raised scars, but will have little effect if any, on sunken scar tissue. It is also helpful in the treatment of dark spots on the skin, and wrinkles. Because the whole process is geared to removing the surface skin, the lower layers of skin cells, are stimulated to regenerate new cells. The abraded skin will feel rough, due to the Keratinocyte cells, which are better equipped to add water to the skin, than the more impermeable, coenocytes, found in the outer layer. This helps to minimise scar tissue, blotches and stretch marks on the skin.

Microdermabrasion, is sometimes called facial skin resurfacing, and was known to the ancient Egyptians, who used a mask made of alabaster. The mask had abrasive properties, which exfoliated and rejuvenated the skin. More recently, the procedure was developed in Italy, where it became a popular facial treatment. The benefits of this treatment, soon spread throughout Europe and America, where it is carried out in Spas, Beauty Salons and GP Surgeries, by professional practitioners. Home treatment kits are also available, which are effective, but the machines are not as powerful as the ones used by the professionals.

Basically, there are three types of abrasive materials which the professionals use. Diamond, which is the hardest material. This is applied with a wand covered in diamond dust,using a tipped head, which comes into contact with the skin and gently rubs the affected areas. The dead abraded skin, is then sucked away. Zinc or Aluminium Oxide, are the next hardest materials, and the softest is Sodium Bicarbonate micro-crystals. The crystals are applied in a jet stream, blasting tiny particles onto the skin, which gently abrades the surface, and the debris is then sucked away.

Before a procedure is carried out, an evaluation of the patient is considered. For acne sufferers, it is more effective when topical creams and antibiotics are also being used, as part of the treatment regime. The topical creams are more readily absorbed on an abraded skin. However, patients who are using Accutane, or have been using Accutane within the past 12 months, are advised not to have the treatment, as it may exacerbate further scarring. The treatment is inadvisable to patients who are taking certain medicines and herbs, which produce an anti-coagulant effect. Also, consideration, as to a familial tendency or history of keloids and hyper granulation, which is an overgrowth of skin tissue, makes the treatment inadvisable. The quality of the persons skin, texture, acne and type of scarring are all evaluated, as is the persons lifestyle, where recovery may not be as speedy as expected. The procedure usually has to be carried out on a regular basis on acne prone skin.

The whole procedure can last from 15 minutes to one hour, and can be carried out during a lunch break. A stabilising lotion is usually applied to the skin first, then the procedure applied. It is normal to feel slight discomfort, and perhaps a scratching sensation, during the treatment. Afterwards, any surplus debris and or crystals are brushed from the face with a brush and a moisturising lotion is applied. Sometimes, the Practitioner may apply a facial peel to complete the treatment.

The main points to consider, when investigating this type of treatment, is that it is not an invasive procedure, is not painful and does not require an anaesthetic. Sometimes there may be mild side effects, such as minor swelling and redness, as it can be rough on more sensitive skin. Healing usually takes place within a few days. But the benefits can be seen almost immediately.

After care is important, there are many post microdermabrasion products, creams and lotions available. To get the best product for your skin, look for reviews from users, be safe and natural to use on a daily basis.

There are many home treatment kits available, if you don't want to splash out on Professional treatments. These come with full instructions for use, and some come complete with foams which are applied to the skin, when using the machine. The foam is usually dotted onto the skin, then the machine head applied onto the skin, in an upward circular motion, messaging the cream into the skin for a couple of minutes. The crystal residue is then rinsed off with warm water.

There are all sorts of formulations available to gently abrade the skin, in the form of acids, poultices, minerals, plants and sand like materials. These have been patented into products such as glycolic peels, Acid Sal. peels, copper peptide kits, pumpkin enzyme kits, and myriads of others. There is even an abrasive face cloth on the market. The active ingredients, focus on skin renewal to accelerate healthy collagen skin cells.

Microdermabrasion, is often used after other treatments have been carried out, such as laser therapy, or subcision therapy, to help speed up the formation of healthy new skin.

Information written by Christine Burden TalkAcne Web Page Manager