Crystal Clear Skin

Posted Tuesday, September 11, 2007 to PROCEDURES > Face

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Microdermabrasion used fine diamond crystals to resurface the skin & repair the skin's appearance, especially helping problems of acne and aging, tells Holly O'Neill.

Microdermabrasion is a way to resurface skin using a special machine designed to refine the epidermal layer. At a low level it is useful as a beauty treatment to cleanse and exfoliate the skin encouraging increased circulation. It can be used as a cosmetic treatment for people who want to keep their skin in peak condition; dead cells are removed leaving a healthy glow to the skin.

Performed at a deeper level,microdermabrasion can be used to treat acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, eczema and other skin conditions. It is also effective in reducing the signs of aging. Almost everybody's skin will improve with a series of microdermabrasion treatments - it's good for people who want regular boosts, or to freshen up. It's also effective for skin problems - open pores, acne, blackheads, pigmentation, over exposure to the sun or acne scarring.

Microdermabrasion works by sending a flow of aluminum oxide crystals across the area of skin being treated. The crystals are then "vacuumed" off the skin. The crystals, and suction, have an abrasive effect on the skin and refine the epidermal layer. The crystals remove dead skin cells and the suction removes both the loosened dead cells and crystals. There is no other technology that vacuum cleans the skin.

The Diamond Dermabrasion microdermabrasion machine has two grades of crystal. The finer crystals can be used for cosmetic procedures and the coarser grade crystals are more appropriate for scar treatment.

It can be used almost anywhere on the body. It is mainly used on the face, neck and decolletage, but is also a useful tool for refining the hands and forearms and the back and chest for acne.

It is not only an exfoliator/conditioner for the skin, it can be used as a therapeutic tool as well as specifically in treating acne. The advantage of dermabrasion as opposed to the traditional use of antibiotics for acne, where results aren't evident for at least three months, is after about 2-3 treatments patients can see a distinct improvement and are quite happy with the results. The Diamond Dermabrasion machine removes all clogging material and comedones (blocked pores) and takes away the top dead layer of cells.

Many doctors with Diamond Dermabrasion machines are also impressed by its performance when treating acne scarring. One microdermabrasion treatment for acne scarring is not going to give the same results as a laser resurfacing but a series of treatments may, without the down-time and also without the significant risks of laser resurfacing. Many people are opting for microdermabrasion, at least as a first measure, to see if they really need a laser resurfacing.

Some doctors are conducting trials on different parts of the body for stretch marks.

The number of treatments required with Diamond Dermabrasion depends not only on what condition is being treated but also on the patient. 4-6 treatments are recommended for sun damaged skin, six treatments for active acne (though some require more, and ongoing maintenance treatments are necessary) and 6-10 treatments for scarring. Most people can see some results after the initial treatment.

There is very little down-time after a Diamond Dermabrasion treatment. A little redness is usually the only tell-tale sign. Patients who have been treated for acne may be a little red and any open pustules may be weepy for a short time. people with very sensitive skin may experience puffiness the first night after treatment - this can be relieved with a cool compress.

Dermabrasion is an effective non-invasive treatment to correct a a number of complaints involving the surface texture of the skin. With little down-time, minimal pain and satisfying results, it is often chosen as the first and sometimes final procedure for refining the skin.

Add Comment

To discourage SPAM, we ask that you type your code (displayed below) in the text box.

Your Code:
Enter Code:	*