Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion Kits

Contents [Hide]
1 What's Microdermabrasion?
2 How It Works
3 Home Kit Types
3.1 Mechanical Wand
3.2 Cream
4 Related Products
5 External Links

Sick and tired of uneven, rough or wrinkled skin? Whether you are 20 or 60, a microdermabrasion treatment can't hurt, and in fact, it doesn't. It's perfect for anyone with normal, aging, dry, or blotchy skin. It's best to avoid dermabrasion kits should you have any skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, keratosis or psoriasis, since intense exfoliation may cause irritation or breakouts. Consult your dermatologist should you have any concerns about starting a new skin care routine.

What's Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is an advanced skin resurfacing technique (a.k.a. exfoliator) for removing the outer layers of skin. Using microdermabrasion kits can help diminish fine lines, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acute scarring caused by acne or the sun. During this process the dead skin is exfoliated to reveal a younger skin beneath, which is naturally more radiant.

Microdermabrasion techniques have become so popular in spas and beauty salons that a wide variety of inexpensive kits for home use have been created. Competition has driven prices down substantially making home kits incredibly accessible whereas salon procedures may cost more than $100 per session. Most professionals will recommend an average of six to 10 microdermabrasion sessions to actually see results, making professional microdermabrasion a costly procedure over time.

Home kits are inexpensive compared to salon treatments, nonetheless you should note that to achieve the same results at home as you would in a salon, it may take anywhere from 10 to 12 treatments and you still won't be able to get the same type of results since professional treatments not only slough off the dead skin on the surface, but suck dirt and dead skin out the pores.

In short, younger women looking for a quick skin pick me up or general exfoliation maintenance would be more than suited for a home kit. Those with a limited budget would be best with a home kit too. For those with substantial wrinkles or scarring, it would be best to seek professional treatment at least initially to quickly get the skin into better condition. A home kit can then be used for maintenance between professional treatments.

The home microdermabrasion kits usually include a rotating sponge or brush attachment to which an abrasive scrub is applied. The circular motion of the spa devise actually serves to polish the skin and to remove dead skin cells. The result is a smoother, brighter appearing skin tone. Exfoliation is a key cornerstone to skin cell rejuvenation. Including a home microdermabrasion treatment once a week can have significant results in achieving healthier looking skin

For the most intense results a surgical dermabrasion treatment will penetrate the furthest into the skin, requiring a local anesthetic and a week and half of recovery time. This is only recommended if you have had severe skin damage. Consult your doctor or skin specialist to learn more.

How It Works

Unlike chemical peels or exfoliants like AHAs, microdermabrasion usually employs a special machine to help slough off the skin. In a professional treatment, an oscillating device blasts aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate crystals across the skin like a sandblaster. In some cases crystal free diamond tips are used instead. As for home kits, there are two types. One employs the same type of wand that is used by professionals that usually comes with either a cleansing gel or a special scrub and attachments. The other type of microdermabrasion comes in a cream form and can be applied either with your fingers or a washcloth.

The main difference between these two types of products is that the machine, often more expensive, will be more effective at evenly sloughing off the skin. You can apply more pressure and be assured that it will really get deep down into the pores. It is as close to a professional dermabrasion treatment as you can get at home.

Home Kit Types

As mentioned above, there are two different types of kits; those that require a machine and those that don't. Below you will see the most popular microdermabrasion products on the market.

Mechanical Wand

Neutrogena Home Microdermabrasion Kit ($35)

DermaNew Acne & Oil Clarifying Microdermabrasion Kit ($100)

Youthful Essence System ($40)

GiGi Microdermabrasion Instant Skin Renewal Kit ($35)

Clarisonic Skinbrush ($200)

Cream

Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System ($27)

Physician's Complex Microdermabrasion Cream ($55)

Dr. Brandt Skincare Microdermabrasion Polish & Moisture Kit ($95)

Mary Kay's Timewise Microdermabrasion Set ($30)

L'Oréal Dermo-Expertise ReFinish Micro-Dermabrasion Kit ($23)

External Links

PlasticSurgery.org: Find a plastic surgeon in your area for cosmetic treatments at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Web site.
HowStuffWorks.com -- How microdermabrasion works.
WebMD.com -- Watch a video of how microdermabrasion works.
About.com -- An article cautioning AGAINST home dermabrasion kits.
The Skin Care e-Learning and Resource Center - An educational site on anti-aging skin care and facial rejuvenation.


Neutrogena Home Microdermabrasion Kit ($35)	DermaNew Acne & Oil Clarifying Microdermabrasion Kit ($100)	Youthful Essence System ($40)	GiGi Microdermabrasion Instant Skin Renewal Kit ($35)	Clarisonic Skinbrush ($200)


Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System ($27)	Physician's Complex Microdermabrasion Cream ($55)	Dr. Brandt Skincare Microdermabrasion Polish & Moisture Kit ($95)	Mary Kay's Timewise Microdermabrasion Set ($30)	L'Oréal Dermo-Expertise ReFinish Micro-Dermabrasion Kit ($23)