Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion was the craze in spas around the country a few years ago. It required expensive equipment and trained personnel. That changed when a smart businessperson put it in a bottle. But can home microdermabrasion treatments be as good as the professional treatments?

What is microdermabrasion?

It is an exfoliation treatment that uses crystals of many types to gently - but deeper than  than regular exfoliation - help the skin eliminate dead cells and promote cell regeneration and collagen creation. As a result, it helps to improve or eliminate appearance of dark spots, the pores look smaller and the skin looks healthier. It also helps to prevent pimples caused by pore obstruction. A series of treatment can help improve skin texture, scars, and melasma.

Microdermabrasion can be done at home or in a spa or doctor's office using a professional machine. 

Home microdermabrasion versus professional treatments? 

The home microdermabrasion system manufacturers claim that a few of the home treatments equal one professional treatment. In reality, the results, even with a series of home treatments are not as good as the professional treatments because the professional treatments use a combination of speed and high quality crystals. 

The home treatments are better than the regular exfoliation treatments but do not offer the speed of professional microdermabrasion. This results in lesser skin improvement, but there is improvement especially in the texture of the skin.

How does home microdermabrasion work?

You can purchase a microdermabrasion system that includes a cream and a small machine or just a cream that you will apply with your hands.  

These are some options:

1- Derma New. This was one of the first brands and it is still one of the best. They have many kits.  The price varies from $ 80.00 to $140.00

2- Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion in a Jar. This is a high-end cream that you apply with your hands. $ 75.00
     
3- Neutrogena. It comes as a kit with the machine and cream, and afterwards, you can purchase the cream refill and additional sponges. $ 39.00

4- Youthful Essence. This is the Susan Lucci brand. It has good quality crystals and includes the machine and a moisturizer cream. It costs about $ 100.00 but it goes on sale for much less.

How to use it?

Each cream has instructions by skin type. Usually you use it after cleaning your skin once or twice a week. It takes only a few minutes and after the treatment you apply a gentle moisturizer, preferably without fragrance. You can also apply natural face oil. 

Contraindication of home microdermabrasion

If you have sensitive skin, apply the cream gently. If you have a choice, buy a product for sensitive skin - they have fewer crystals. If you have active acne, consult with the doctor or an esthetician. 

If you use other exfoliation systems or creams with retinol, glycolic acid or similar ingredients, do not use microdermabrasion as often, as you are already exfoliating your skin. Be careful not to overdo it. In general, depending on your skin type, three times a week is the maximum you can safely exfoliate your skin. 

Is home microdermabrasion worth the money?
Yes, it gives good results to most people. It is especially recommended for those people who are not likely to have a professional treatment.