Microdermabrasion for Cosmetic Skin Problems

Microdermabrasion is a physical exfoliant that removes the dead skin cells with minimal disruption of the skin barrier.  It removes the uppermost layer of the epidermis, accelerating the natural process of exfoliation.

It’s a manual  skin exfoliation technique that improves the tone and texture of the skin.  Treat surface problems such as dullness, acne, hyperpigmentation and fine lines.  By exposing fresher living skin cells, the skin looks more radiant and feels smoother. 

Get the picture!  

Microdermabrasion is not the cure all by itself. 

It is only the exfoliant part of a facial.  Although it is an excellent step to prepare the skin the building and repair phase of the facial using active topical serums. 

The addition of a polyphenolic antioxidant serum to a facial microdermabrasion regimen enhanced the clinical and histological changes seen following microdermabrasion alone. This combination should strengthen the use of microdermabrasion as a non-invasive facial rejuvenation tool and support the role of topical antioxidants as anti-aging factors.     The Dermatologist   

What benefits do you get from Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is the exfoliating step that helps to improve surface texture and very superficial fines lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation.

· It stimulates  an increase in collagen and elastin production for plumper softer looking skin. 

· Removing dead skin cells from the stratum corneum, your skin will be able to absorb your skin products much more efficiently, consequently you’re able to apply a smaller amount of products while receiving the maximum benefits.

Cosmetic benefits:

• Scars, including acne scars
• Acne
• Uneven skin tone/texture
• Photoaging
• Seborrheic skin
• Fine wrinkles
• Enlarged pores

Pigmentation Problem

Some skin discoloration exists in dead cells in the epidermis, the top layer of the skin.  By removing the dead cell from the surface, allowing  healthier to come to the surface, you may see a temporary lightening of pigmentation.   However, the dermis, the deepest layer underneath, also has excess melanin that produces uneven pigmentation. 

To address the deeper levels of excess melanin in the dermis, melanin inhibitors and sun protection should be part of any skin care routine to control the overproduction of melanin. 

Don’t forget sun protection

To protect the newer healthier cells, sun protection is a MUST.  Exposing these new cells to UV rays only defeats the purpose of getting Microdermabrasion.

Should African Americans consider Microdermabrasion?

For people of color, getting Microdermabrasion comes with the risk of  post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

During a procedure, the utmost  care should be taken as not to irritate the skin, triggering the production of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin.

African Americans may want to consider dermaplaning as an alternate treatment in order to reduce the chance of PIH.  Both are physical exfoliants, but dermaplaning causes less friction.

Contraindications

Rosacea and telangiectasia (broken capillaries) are considered contraindications. Microdermabrasion is also contraindicated in an area of active cutaneous infection, warts and other viral infections, such as herpes simplex, varicella-zoster virus, human papillomavirus, and impetigo.

Individuals  with rosacea should avoid microdermabrasion since the redness from telangiectasia can be enhanced from the negative pressure of the vacuum.  Microdermabrasion is also contraindicated for anyone with active skin infections of any type.