by Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive exfoliation treatment that helps remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the epidermis. During a microdermabrasion treatment, an aesthetician or dermatologist uses an exfoliating handpiece to spray microcrystals or an abrasive tip onto the skin. As the handpiece glides over the skin in a circular motion, it gently sloughs off dead skin cells. The microcrystals or tips do not penetrate deeply into the skin, just the outermost layer. By removing dull, dry patches of dead skin, microdermabrasion reveals brighter, fresher skin underneath. This exfoliation stimulates cell turnover in the epidermis, resulting in softer, smoother, and brighter skin.
Types of Microdermabrasion Devices
There are two main types of microdermabrasion devices – diamond tip and crystal microdermabrasion.
Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion
Diamond tip Microdermabrasion Devices utilizes a wand with a series of ultra-fine diamond crystals or aluminum oxide crystals attached to an exfoliating tip. As the tip glides over the skin, the crystals gently abrade and suction away dead skin cells. Diamond tip devices offer a more aggressive exfoliation compared to crystal devices. Some pros of diamond tip microdermabrasion include deeper exfoliation, treating stubborn hyperpigmentation, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, diamond tip devices can potentially cause more irritation for sensitive skin types.
Crystal Microdermabrasion
Crystal microdermabrasion devices work by propelling natural minerals, such as aluminum oxide, jojoba beads, or sodium bicarbonate, onto the skin via an handpiece. As the crystals hit and roll over the skin, they slough off dead surface skin cells. Crystal microdermabrasion offers a gentler exfoliation that is better tolerated by most skin types. Some pros are its minimal irritation, ability to treat acne-prone skin, and suitability for all skin types after sun exposure or procedures. However, crystal devices may not be as effective on severe sun damage, scarring, or deep wrinkles like diamond tip.
At-Home Microdermabrasion Devices
An increasing number of at-home Microdermabrasion Devices have become available for purchase over-the-counter. At-home models tend to be smaller, more affordable versions of what professionals use in offices. However, they are generally not as effective and require more treatments over time to achieve results. Some popular at-home microdermabrasion devices include:
– NuDerma – A diamond tip microdermabrasion device that suctions and buffs away dead skin using a spinning roller head. It offers three adjustable exfoliation levels.
– Replenix Microderm Device – A crystal-based system that uses aluminum oxide crystals to gently resurface skin. Its rollerball head makes it easy to use all over the face.
– PMD Personal Microderm PRO – A popular crystal microdermabrasion device that uses a vacuum to softly brush away dead skin cells via jojoba beads. It has multiple attachment heads.
While at-home microdermabrasion can save money in the long run, professional treatments administered by an aesthetician typically yield better results due to higher-powered devices and a provider’s skilled technique.
Benefits of Microdermabrasion
Regular microdermabrasion offers several anti-aging and skin-smoothing benefits:
– Exfoliation – By sloughing off dead skin, it reveals smoother, fresher, and brighter skin. This prepares the skin for optimal absorption of topical products.
– Improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – By stimulating collagen production, microdermabrasion noticeably reduces the look of fine lines over multiple treatments.
– Reduction in hyperpigmentation – By speeding cell turnover, it helps fade dark spots from acne, melasma, or sun damage more quickly.
– Softer skin texture – Shedding rough, dry patches leaves skin soft, supple, and looking plump and youthful.
– Larger pore minimization – It cleans pores of debris and sebum buildup for a pore-tightening effect.
– Acne treatment – Gentle exfoliation lifts buildup in clogged pores to clear breakouts and prevent future pimples.
– Combats premature skin aging – Regular resurfacing stimulates new collagen to maintain a firm, toned appearance.
– Evens out skin tone and texture – Fading discoloration and roughness results in an airbrushed appearance.
Safety and Risks of Microdermabrasion
When performed properly by a licensed aesthetician, microdermabrasion is generally quite safe for most healthy skin types. However, there are still some potential risks to be aware of:
– Irritation or redness – Gentle stinging, redness, or flaking in the days following a treatment is normal but severe irritation is rare.
– Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – Darker-skinned patients are at risk of dark spots forming if skin is aggravated.
– Infection – Bacteria under nails or on poorly sanitized devices pose an infection threat, especially for acne-prone skin.
– Scarring – Risk is extremely low when done properly by experts, but past procedure scars could theoretically worsen.
– Swelling – Puffy or boiled skin appearances are temporary but some swelling day of treatment is typical.
– Herpes simplex activation – Sun exposure or stress after a session could trigger breakouts in carriers of the virus.
– Allergic reaction – Rarely, patients develop rashes or hives from mineral crystals or abrasives.
Those with active inflammatory skin conditions, open sores, or recent cosmetic procedures should avoid microdermabrasion until fully healed. Overall risk is minimal with office-based treatments on healthy skin when pre and post care instructions are followed.
Microdermabrasion is a popular nonsurgical skin resurfacing treatment that provides many anti-aging benefits when done regularly. Both in-office professional treatments and at-home devices gently remove dull skin to reveal brighter, fresher complexions. With minimal risks when performed properly, microdermabrasion safely improves multiple aesthetic skin concerns over multiple sessions for ongoing rejuvenating results.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
