Youthful Skin With Microdermabrasion

By Karen Clarke-Bennett, DO

We tend to forget that skin is the largest organ in the human body. But oftentimes, the vitamins and nutrients that replenish our skin are used up by other organs, which leaves dry skin vulnerable to wrinkles, sun damage, scars and blemishes.

If you neglect your skin, you could wind up regretting it as you lose that youthful glow. But, there are ways to replenish skin cells without resorting to lasers and harsh chemicals, such as microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion is a natural exfoliation alternative to chemical peels, dermal fillers and laser therapy. There are two main types of microdermabrasion crystal microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals to remove old skin, while diamond microdermabrasion exfoliates with a diamond-encrusted applicator.

Microdermabrasion rejuvenates the skin by clearing away dead skin and producing more collagen and elastin. As new layers of skin replace dead cells, skin appears brighter, healthier and smoother.

Microdermabrasion treatments use a minimally abrasive instrument to gently sand your skin, removing the thicker, uneven outer layer.

This type of skin rejuvenation is used to treat light scarring, discoloration, sun damage, and stretch marks.

Microdermabrasion can

Improve age spots and black heads.

Improve hyperpigmentation (patches of darkened skin).

Exfoliate your skin, resulting in a refreshed appearance.

Lessen the appearance of stretch marks.

Reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Reduce or eliminate enlarged pores.

Treat acne and the scars left by acne.

Microdermabrasion helps to thicken your collagen, which results in a younger looking complexion. Collagen is a protein in your skin that's abundant when you're a child and makes skin appear taut and smooth. Collagen production declines as we age, resulting in looser, uneven skin.

Microdermabrasion works on all skin types and colors. It makes subtle changes, causing no skin color change or scarring. It is not effective for deeper problems such as scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, or deep acne scars.

Skin is temporarily pink but fully recovers within 24 hours. It doesn't require surgery or anesthetics. That may help people who cannot take “down time” for healing.