There are many types of skin treatments offered in the market for various conditions and skin types. For cosmetic enhancements or treatments, most procedures can be qualified as either invasive or non-invasive, the latter becoming more and more in demand in recent years due to its many advantages. For instance, non-invasive treatments don’t require a lengthy recovery period and usually have less serious side effects.
One of the most popular non-invasive skin treatments is microdermabrasion, a type of skin rejuvenating procedure that uses specialized exfoliating devices to physically remove dead skin cells on the uppermost layers of the epidermis. This procedure can improve the appearance of the skin afflicted with acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and common signs of aging.
If you’re thinking about getting a non-invasive treatment to improve your skin, microdermabrasion may be the solution you’re looking for. To learn more about how microdermabrasion can enhance your skin’s appearance, you can take a look at the following points:
- Minimizes The Appearance Of Fine Lines And Wrinkles
Due to natural aging, unmanaged stress levels, or sun damage, many people develop fine lines and wrinkles on different parts of their faces and neck. To counter these symptoms, microdermabrasion is one of the most popular treatments chosen by patients. It can help decrease the visibility of lines and wrinkles by brightening up problem areas and stimulating collagen production which is key to bringing back the youthful glow of the skin.
While many find this procedure to be effective in improving the appearance of aging skin, the results may still vary depending on where the wrinkles are located, how deep the lines are, and how much treatment will each area receive.
Apart from these, you’ll also need to follow a skincare routine where you’ll use products like sunscreen, toner, and moisturizer to maximize the effects of the treatment. Also, it may be important to note that using microdermabrasion as an anti-aging treatment doesn’t guarantee that lines and wrinkles will be completely eliminated or that the skin will regain its firmness and elasticity.
While there are similar tools that can be used to treat wrinkles at home, the effects are not as extensive as when the treatment is done by a professional. As such, you can consider receiving treatments at certified aesthetic clinics in your area. If you’re from Melbourne, as an example, a quick search online can help you find services for Microdermabrasion Melbourne CBD and see which options would work best for you.
- Treats Discolored Skin
Through mechanical exfoliation, the microdermabrasion treatment can also effectively treat skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation. This skin condition causes an increase in melanin production which darkens some parts of the skin, particularly in the face, making it a cosmetic concern for many. Hyperpigmentation is commonly caused by acne, sun damage, hormonal changes, skin damage, or inflammation. To minimize discoloration, it’s essential to even out the skin tone and slow down melanin production. As microdermabrasion can remove the darkened, outermost layers of the skin, many doctors recommend this procedure to their patients.
Melasma is also one of the skin issues characterized by heightened, noticeable discoloration. This condition forms blotchy, darkened patches of skin commonly found in the face, neck, and forearms. More women suffer from melasma than men as it’s believed to be aggravated by hormonal changes due to pregnancy. Microdermabrasion can exfoliate the skin and allow a brighter layer to resurface with each session to brighten the brown spots.
- Diminishes The Darkness Of Acne Scars
Acne scars are caused by inflamed acne, which leaves shallow blemishes on the skin as they dry. During a pimple breakout, the afflicted pore swells, creating damage to the skin’s surface. For smaller blemishes, the damage is shallow and can heal easily. However, some of the bacteria from erupted acne scatter to other parts of the skin tissue, which can cause bigger or deeper scars. Also, scratching inflamed acne causes further irritation that might leave darker scarring.
Microdermabrasion is used to treat acne scars by increasing the skin’s collagen production. If the skin has enough collagen, it will be easier for it to fill in the damaged parts caused by the scars, which will result in a smoother and clearer surface. Also, the exfoliation will remove the darkened layers of the skin caused by scarring, which will brighten the skin.
This non-invasive treatment is great for those who have depressed acne scars which aren’t too deep into the skin. However, those with scars that penetrated below the epidermis may not be able to achieve the desired effect using microdermabrasion. Also, it may be best to skip this treatment if you have inflamed breakouts or cystic acne, as the process of exfoliation may further aggravate your skin’s condition.
- Unclogs And Minimizes Pores
A person’s pore size can be influenced by genetics, which means having small or large pores is a trait passed on from parent to child through genes. However, other external factors can determine pore sizes, such as sun exposure, skin aging, and habits.
Here are some unhealthy habits which can increase the skin’s pore size:
- Poor hygiene
- Cigarette Smoking
- Poor diet and hydration
- Frequent use of tanning beds
People with inherent oily skin commonly have large pores because the wider openings release more oil. While some people desire to have smaller pores because of the smoothening effect on the skin, larger pores also have their benefits in that the skin’s ability to produce more oil can counter the early signs of aging.
However, as each pore contains a sebaceous gland that produces oil, it can get clogged with sebum. It can mix with dirt and other particles that can accumulate in the skin. And it may expand and enlarge the pores. In effect, the skin is left with large pores, in extreme cases, having acne breakouts.
Having smaller pores can help minimize clogging from the skin’s constant exposure to the elements. It is where microdermabrasion comes in. As the skin exfoliates, the abrasive end of the wand will also remove dirt, sebum, and oil from the pores. In effect, the pores will be minimized, and it will lessen their ability to absorb impurities which will help prevent acne.
- Lightens Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are colored lines that appear on the skin, which can either be colored red, purple, or white; it depends on how old the marks are. These marks appear on the skin commonly due to pregnancy or sudden and drastic weight gain. While the marks may negatively affect the skin’s appearance, they aren’t a cause of health concern.
Though stretch marks can disappear on their own, many opt to seek treatment especially, if they cover a large part of the skin or are too deep. The most common type of treatment to lighten the color of stretch marks is the topical tretinoin cream, known for its skin brightening properties.
However, some experts also suggest microdermabrasion to be an effective alternative. It’s because apart from its ability to remove dark skin, it also encourages cell turnover, which can speed up the skin’s healing ability. As such, many found it helpful to undergo microdermabrasion procedures when the stretch marks first appear for better results. Additionally, the treatment can trigger heightened collagen production, which is ideal for healing scars as well.
- Enhances The Skin’s Nutrient Absorption
If you want to improve your skin’s ability to absorb skincare products, microdermabrasion may be the right treatment for you. It is because the exfoliation can temporarily weaken the skin’s protective barrier function, which could boost your skin’s permeability. In effect, your skin’s ability to absorb the vitamins and essential nutrients from products like serums and creams is magnified.
Since the skin is essentially prepared to absorb products that can boost its appearance and health, aestheticians usually follow the microdermabrasion procedure with skin product application. In most cases, you’ll be asked to select the kind of mask, serum, or oil you want to use after the treatment depending on your preference. However, if you have specific skin conditions that would require special skin products or medications to treat, the doctor would select the right post-treatment product for you.
Conclusion
Many patients find microdermabrasion a gentle, non-invasive, yet highly effective method to rejuvenate the skin and treat specific conditions. Also, patients are attracted to this procedure as it’s generally painless, quick, and only has limited and manageable side effects. However, it may take several trips to the dermatologist or aesthetic clinic before you can achieve visible results. Also, microdermabrasion is mostly recommended for mild cases of skin conditions and isn’t considered to be as effective for moderate to severe cases.
With these in mind, it’s always advisable to consult with your dermatologist first before receiving any skin treatment, invasive or otherwise. Though microdermabrasion commonly treats cosmetic concerns, the skin condition may become further aggravated if it’s not done correctly or if it’s not advised by a health professional. It’s best to receive treatments only on certified health or cosmetic clinics and from qualified aestheticians. It is to ensure that the facility follows health regulations and the treatment that you’ll receive is safe and up to standard.