What Is Microdermabrasion?

If you’re someone who loves to stay informed about the latest skincare trends, then you might have heard of the term “microdermabrasion”. With people nowadays becoming more mindful about the well-being of their skin, men and women alike are seeking different treatments and procedures that can provide them the best results. 

While taking care of your skin is necessary, it’s also equally important to understand the technology behind each procedure that is available in the market. This helps to ensure that you are getting the most suitable treatment for your skin type. Microdermabrasion addresses many kinds of skin conditions but before you undergo any kind of skin treatment, it’s always important to ask yourself what you wish to achieve and set a realistic bar of expectations. 
 

The History Behind the Innovation

Learrning about the history behind each technology helps us to better understand how it developed into the reliable innovation that it is today. Technological advancements are like aged wine, the older they are, the more reliable and effective they have proven to be in society. 

Unbeknownst to many, the technological foundations of many skin treatments and procedures are from innovations that have withstood the test of time. The fact that some technologies have been around for so long means that they have been improved and developed throughout the years by experts in the field of science. 

Although the first microdermabrasion machine was invented by Drs. Mattioli and Brutto in 1985, the concept of skin resurfacing can be traced back to as early as 1500 BC. This was performed by physicians from Egypt using a certain type of abrasive to smoothen out skin imperfections like scars. In 1905, the father of dermabrasion Ernst Kromayer published a report that details the use of tools driven by a motor that can cautiously remove layers of the skin. 

While these events may have taken place a while back, it only goes to show that microdermabrasion technology has come a long way from its predecessors. Today, microdermabrasion is considered one of the safest and most reliable procedures for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. 
 

Microdermabrasion Technology Today  

Now that we know about the genesis of microdermabrasion technology, it’s now time to understand the innovation that is now available in today’s modern society. Currently, there are numerous different kinds of dermabrasion machines in the market. Since it was introduced into the American market in the mid-1990s, microdermabrasion has continuously gained popularity among both men and women alike. 

The technology has even adapted to consumers that are more inclined to do skin rejuvenation at home. Today, microdermabrasion kits are available for home use and people can incorporate them into their normal skincare routine. The main purpose of this technology is to resurface the healthy skin that is underneath and plenty of microdermabrasion machines can serve this function through different applications. 

Even though many variations of microdermabrasion machines can be found in the market, the procedure itself is typically minimally invasive and requires very little downtime. An applicator with a special abrasive surface is used to gently remove the outer layer of the skin. Microdermabrasion is considered safe and applicable for everyone regardless of skin type and color. 
 

What Skin Problems Can Microdermabrasion Treat?

Microdermabrasion is a versatile type of treatment and people who opt to undergo this procedure might wish to address different kinds of skin conditions. The operation usually takes at least an hour and patients can typically start the recovery process at home. Here are the different types of skin issues a microdermabrasion treatment can help with:

Acne and Acne Scarring - Almost everyone has experienced at least a mild form of acne once in their life. Most acne-prone skin types are susceptible to scarring and microdermabrasion works best with superficial scars. Since the procedure can also enhance blood circulation, it can also improve the healing process and stimulate collagen production. 

Signs of Aging - People who wish to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles may find it ideal to undergo a microdermabrasion procedure. Since it helps improve collagen production, it allows the skin to become tighter and smoother resulting in a more youthful and radiant appearance. 

Stretchmarks - Typically, stretch marks are formed when the skin experiences sudden tension either from weight gain or pregnancy. Although it is quite difficult to treat, experts have found that microdermabrasion can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The improved circulation allows the skin to heal properly and increases both the production of collagen and elastin which can keep stretch marks from getting worse. 

Uneven Skin Tone - Hyperpigmentation may be caused by several factors such as aging or excessive sun exposure. Microdermabrasion can help lighten dark spots and cell turnover which is the process of replacing damaged cells. A more even skin tone is usually expected after treatment since collagen production has been improved.
 

Types of Microdermabrasion Procedures

Though there are different types of microdermabrasion procedures, all of them can deliver results efficiently. Treatments may usually take a couple of sessions depending on the specific skin condition you wish to address. Once you are through with the initial sessions, only a few occasional maintenance treatments are required. Here are some examples of different microdermabrasion techniques and procedures:

Crystal Microdermabrasion - From the name itself, the treatment utilizes a hand-held device that emits tiny crystals onto the skin. These crystals are powerful enough to remove dead skin cells and resurface the new skin underneath. Just like other treatments, crystal microdermabrasion stimulates blood circulation and also improves the production of collagen.

Hydradermabrasion - Although this method is quite newer compared to the others, hydradermabrasion is proven to be just as safe and effective in skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. This treatment works by using a strong stream of water to exfoliate the skin the same way crystal dermabrasion does without worrying about debris potentially irritating areas such as the eyes and mouth. 

Diamond-Tipped Microdermabrasion - This form of microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped handpiece that is designed to exfoliate and remove the dead skin by using suction. The pressure applied on the handpiece can control the abrasion that is required depending on the specific treatment. Diamond-tipped microdermabrasion specializes in sensitive spots such as the area around the eyes.