Understanding The Benefits of Microdermabrasion
Many folk include an expensive skin care product in their daily skin care regime. They have regular facials and other treatments, such as microdermabrasion, in their battle against the signs of aging. Some folk claim that expensive products work while others say they are little more than basic skin care products which have been over packaged and over priced.
When it comes to professional skin care treatments the results are often much easier to assess but still we see opposing reviews, success stories and failures but why is this? This article discusses one of the most popular skin care treatments of today and attempts to explain how and why there appears to be disagreement about the benefits of microdermabrasion, especially when compared to other treatments.
What is Microdermabrasion
Simply put microdermabrasion is a mechanical method of deep exfoliation of the skin. The microdermabrasion machines create a vacuum which propels crystals, via a hand tool, onto the surface of the skin and then sucks them back up, along with any resulting debris, in a continual circular motion. While there are machines which are classed as crystal free most aesthetic technicians, cosmetic surgeons and salon beauticians still use the machines based upon crystal technology partly because the machines are extremely expensive (many thousands of dollars) and also because the crystal microdermabrasion machines are known to work well.
The microdermabrasion crystals act as an abrasive to remove the very top layers of the skin to promote new growth. Many consultants choose to use the treatment in conjunction with others to further enhance the skin's surface. By blasting away the top layer the procedure also helps to clear out blocked pores resulting in fewer open pores and a vastly reduce risk of new lesions developing amongst those who suffer from acne (this has led to the procedure being extremely popular in the treatment of acne).
What are the Benefits of Microdermabrasion
As mentioned briefly above this treatment has been successful in the treatment of acne but in this article we are more interested in the anti-aging aspects of benefits. While there have been many claims of incredible success (I know of at least one star of TV and film who publicly said that she owed her life to the treatment) there has also been an amazing number of success stories hidden from the public because publicists have aggressively protected the identity of those famous stars who use it regularly (I know of one male Hollywood superstar who, allegedly, used microdermabrasion to clear his skin of minor blemishes and maintain his youthful looks but does not allow his name to be used in conjunction with any mention of the word).
This wonderful skin care treatment is known to vastly improve the texture, as well as the appearance, of the skin and is often compared to other skin resurfacing treatments. It has also been clinically proven that the treatment can vastly reduce the depth and visibility of fine lines and wrinkles as well as being effective against stretch marks and even acne scars. While these facts have been clinically proven it is incredibly difficult to show these improvements other than by the use of before and after photographs.
More about microdermabrasion benefits below this video
Understanding Microdermabrasion Benefits
Unfortunately the results of the treatment can vary drastically from one person to the next simply because there are an incredible number of influencing factors. Many clinics will promote the procedure on their web sites often displaying before and after photographs. Unfortunately proper clinical before and after photos are incredibly expensive to produce as they have to be taken under the exact same conditions both times (same light, same facial expression, no make-up etc.) and it is not uncommon for 'digitally enhanced' images to appear on a site. Furthermore it is not uncommon to see before shots without make-up and after shots with, or before shots with the subject frowning in severe light with the after shot showing an open eyed subject in bold bright light. Such photographs give a false impression of the possible benefits of microdermabrasion and can sadly inflate the expectations of the patient.
Key to understanding which benefits you are likely to gain after a number of microderm (another common name for the treatment) sessions is a good honest consultant. True professionals will not carry out the procedure without first having a comprehensive consultation beforehand. During your pretreatment consultation your microdermabrasion expert will closely examine your skin and discuss your medical history with the aim of gaining an understanding your skin type. He/she will then explain what you should reasonably expect to achieve after about 10 sessions. They will also advise how you should treat your skin during the treatment period and even advise some skin care products with the sole aim of gaining the most benefit and best results possible.
Sadly many folk who claim that their skin care treatment has not worked well (or has not worked at all) have often had unreasonable expectations before starting. They may have seen some photographs and expected the same level of improvement while not having a consultation. Like all skin care treatments microdermabrasion is not a miracle cure all treatment. Microdermabrasion is extremely effective on younger skin which needs a little helping hand while not so effective on older, or badly damaged skin. For such skin microdermabrasion may not be your best option and more radical treatment may be required.
Conclusion
Microdermabrasion has an incredible number of benefits but, unfortunately, not all patients are likely to achieve the spectacular results sometimes witnessed. With the help of a consultant it is possible to assess the likely improvements before treatment commences. By following his/her advice we can hope to achieve the optimum benefits for our skin type and age. Yes microderm can be extremely effective but not for all people, some people may need sessions more often while others may need some other skin care treatment to achieve their desired level of improvement. Understanding likely benefits means that we will not have false expectations and we will, therefore, be more likely to be pleased with the final results.
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