If you have skin problems, you’re going to want to learn more about the benefits of Microdermabrasion as an effective skin-treatment option.

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment used to exfoliate skin cells. It is done using a special device by a skin care professional, or it is performed by a plastic surgeon at a medi-spa.

There are two types of microdermabrasion based on the type of device being used. The first is called crystal microdermabrasion. It involves using a wand that pumps tiny particles directed at your skin, particularly on the face.

There is also diamond tip microdermabrasion, in which the applicator makes direct contact with the skin to exfoliate it. Each of these methods work because they loosen and remove dead skin cells which reveal the newer skin cells beneath the surface.

If you do your research, you’ll be able to read a lot of the benefits of microdermabrasion and see if it’s a good option for your skin.

Microdermabrasion is a lifesaver for those with minor facial and other skin flaws, but its benefits can be somewhat limited. Plus, it may not work in the same capacity for everybody that uses it.

Below is a list of all the practical uses and benefits of microdermabrasion:

1. Brightening Dull-looking Skin

Removing the dead skin cells from the face and neck, including the jawline, and especially the cheek bones and the forehead, can reveal a brighter and smoother complexion. This gives you an overall youthful and fresh glow.

As a matter of fact, a 2006 study has shown that those that have had the treatment each week over a period of a month and a half had decreased the yellowness from their complexion and increased brightness at the site of the microdermabrasion procedure.

Results: There were no significant changes in safety and tolerance variables throughout the study. Clinical efficacy variables (fine wrinkles, dullness, pigmentation, and large pores) significantly improved by the third treatment, with further improvement by the end of the study (six treatments). Subjects perceived improvement in facial photoaging variables. Colorimetry showed increased brightness and decreased yellowness of target skin sites on the face throughout the study.

Similarly, a study in 2012 stated that women who underwent microdermabrasion, along with laser therapy, had experienced a major improvement in the texture and tone of their skin.

2. Removing Scars

Because microdermabrasion does not require anesthesia and only requires a minimal amount of downtime, it is an ideal – probably the best – treatment for scars, whether they are from accidents, dog bites, or just acne.

It certainly is far from invasive, which gives it an advantage over much more in-depth treatments.

3. Treating Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Most people use microdermabrasion to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. These lines can happen as a natural part of aging, from stress, or even from sun damage. Many times they cannot be prevented or eliminated through the use of creams or serums.

However, microdermabrasion works by removing your outermost layer of skin, which promotes the regeneration of skin cells, helping them to grow much faster than they would naturally. This means the underlying skin will appear to be much more plump, as well as firm and toned.

It should be said that while microdermabrasion works well for most people experiencing fine lines and wrinkles, results can vary, and the effectiveness of your results all depends on the location of your wrinkles and the amount of treatments that you intend to receive.

Remember, following an intense skin care regimen, which includes toner and moisturizer, really improves your chances of eliminating wrinkles with microdermabrasion.

4. Evens Out Skin Tone

Microdermabrasion is a great treatment to alleviate hyperpigmentation and to aid in the lightening of dark spots, age spots, and freckles.

The procedure is so effective at evening out the skin tone that it is even used for cases of melasma which is a skin condition in which brown patches show up on the face as a result of hormonal imbalances due to pregnancy or overexposure to the sun.

This is a semi-chronic condition that women are more likely to develop then their male counterparts.

Unfortunately, you may need more than microdermabrasion procedures to correct some of these hyperpigmentation issues. But, if you pair the treatments with topical Vitamin C, as well as laser therapy, microdermabrasion can be effective. You may not even need as many treatments to get the same results.

5. Erasing Stretch Marks

Facial skin is not the only skin that could benefit from microdermabrasion treatments. Stretch marks, a consequence of gaining and losing weight quickly, such as with pregnancy or after intense dieting, are unsightly and unattractive.

They tend to appear on the buttocks, abdomen, hips, waistline, and upper thighs, all of which are areas that can be treated with microdermabrasion. As a matter of fact, your whole body can undergo microdermabrasion at the same time, with the skin care professional taking care to avoid your hands, feet, and ears, as well as any other parts of the body that have thin or irregular skin.

Microdermabrasion is definitely at least as effective as similar topical treatments, such as tretinoin cream, when it comes to the elimination of stretch marks. This is because the procedure encourages cell turnover, and this means that your skin will have the ability to heal much faster. As such, the treatment is even more effective if it is applied at the first appearance of stretch marks.

6. Reducing Acne

According to a 2001 study, microdermabrasion can help to neutralize the factors that trigger your acne, and it has been known to clean out pores, including blackheads and whiteheads. As a matter of fact, the procedure shrinks your pores so you should no longer have to worry about getting blackheads or pimples as often.

Results: Twenty-four patients completed the study with 38% (9/24) having excellent results, 34% (8/24) with good results, 17% (4/24) with fair results, and 12% (3/24) with poor results. Ninety-six percent (23/24) of patients were pleased with their peel results and would recommend this procedure to others.

Dermatologists say that microdermabrasion can improve your skin’s conditioning by shrinking pores. Not only is this making them less visible, it also makes them less likely to be filled with dirt and contaminants that can lead to acne breakouts.

Just remember that microdermabrasion cannot work while you are in the midst of a breakout. As a matter of fact, it can irritate the skin and make an active breakout last longer than it normally would.

7. A Safe Alternative to Plastic Surgery

While microdermabrasion may not be safe and ideal for everybody, it is for almost all people. It is also nearly painless, except for a little bit of minor discomfort. At the most, you may feel teeny electrical pulses against the skin.

The treatment also does not require anesthesia and has little-to-no down-time. Clinical studies also show extremely promising results in a short amount of time.

All in all, microdermabrasion is a great procedure with lots of benefits for those who take part in it. To learn more about this amazing treatment, call or come in to your local medi-spa today. A skin clinic technician will answer your questions and help alleviate your fears if you have any.