Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure used to renew overall skin tone and texture. It can improve the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring, melasma, and other skin-related concerns and conditions.

The procedure uses a special applicator with an abrasive surface to gently sand away the thick outer layer of the skin to rejuvenate it.

A different microdermabrasion technique sprays fine particles of aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate with a suction to accomplish the same outcome as using the abrasive surface. Read on to learn more about the procedure.

How does microdermabrasion work?

Microdermabrasion is an in-office procedure that usually takes about an hour. It’s typically performed by a licensed skin care professional, who may or may not be under the supervision of a healthcare provider. This depends on what state you live in.

It’s not necessary to use anesthesia or a numbing agent for microdermabrasion.

During your appointment, you’ll be seated in a reclining chair. Your provider will use a handheld device to gently spray on the particles or sand away the outer layer of skin in the targeted areas. At the end of the treatment, a moisturizer as well as sunscreen will be applied to your skin.

Microdermabrasion was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1996. Since then, hundreds of microdermabrasion devices have been produced.

There are a few different ways to do the procedure, based on the specific device used:

Diamond-tip handpiece

A diamond-tip handpiece is designed to gently exfoliate dead cells in your skin. At the same time, it will suction them off immediately.

The depth of the abrasion may be affected by the pressure applied on the handpiece as well as how long the suction is allowed to remain on the skin. This type of microdermabrasion applicator is generally used in more sensitive facial areas, like close to the eyes.

Crystal microdermabrasion

Crystal microdermabrasion uses a crystal-emitting handpiece to gently spray on fine crystals to rub away outer layers of the skin. Like the diamond-tip handpiece, dead skin cells are suctioned off right away.

The different types of crystals that may be used include aluminum oxide and sodium bicarbonate.