What is Microdermabrasion?
Prior to go to discuss microdermabrasion for acne we must first know about microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is an abrasive skin treatment and exfoliation process to remove uneven and thicker skin. It is done by the combination of crystal, abrasive tip or vacuum suction. The vacuum pressure is adjusted according sensitivity and tolerability of the skin.
Hence, it is a machine used technique to sand skin for rejuvenated and young look. Fine lines, acne, photo aging and age spot is treated by microdermabrasion. It is a noninvasive treatment, so no need of needles here. Moreover, it is a painless treatment. Sometimes we become confused about mechanism of dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. The basic difference is numbing medicines are required in dermabrasion, in contrast, no medicine are required in microdermabrasion. Comparatively, microdermabrasion is less aggressive than dermabrasion.
How Microdermabrasion Technique does work?
Microdermabrasion system is composed of a pump, a connecting tube, a hand piece and a vacuum. This process is a combination process where there are two steps:
1) Using tiny crystals: High pressure streams of crystals are used which touches the skin to do initial work of dermabrasion that is exfoliation. The layer of skin touches in superficial part (10-15 micron). So, it has no risk on live cells. Different kinds of crystals are used here such as aluminium oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate. Sometimes, crystal tip may be replaced by diamond. Diamond is also used as crystals in this dermabrasion system for its special advantage. It doesn’t produce particles like other crystals and help your eyes and nose from toxicity.
2) Using vacuum sucks: Vacuum part clears skin debris and dead skin cells leaving skin brighter and shiner. The level of suction pressure should be adjusted. The pressure should starts at slow motion and adjust periodically to avoid skin bruising. Vacuum part do work in following ways. Firstly, it targets the area and spread crystals. Secondly, it stimulates blood flow and swells skin. And finally, it collects dead skin cells and debris.
How specifically work Microdermabrasion for acne
Microdermabrasion is very helpful for who are suffering from acne whatever it is mild or active acne or skin discoloration due to acne or acne scar. It is mainly work by clearing or unclogging acne pores. However, microderm activity increases when it is combined with glycolic peel or medical acne treatments.
In microdermabrasion for acne treatment, suction pump should be stronger than conventional vacuum sucks to unclog deep acne pores. Doctor suggest that, microdermabrasion for acne is best suited for mild acne than severe condition.
It may take longer period of time for the treatment of acne scars. In case deep acne scars combination treatment do better work. Here, microdermabrasion may be combined with laser, subcision, punch excision.
It increases rate of production of collagen and elastin which makes faster the healing process. This is done by two ways one by increasing lymphatic drainage, another is by increasing blood flow. Lymphatic drainage removes waste and debris from cell. In contrast, Increased blood flow carries oxygen and nutrients to increase metabolism of cell and give energy and it helps for the production of collagen and elastin.
How effective it is to cure acne (Data from study)?
We can discuss microdermabrasion efficacy through a clinical study which was performed by scientist from Northeastern Ohio University and The college of medicine in ohio. This study was conducted among 25 patients who are suffering from different types of acne. After the study result was published of 24 patients where only 3 patients get poor result but 21 patients (88%) got better result. This is why, Medical microderm is been treated as effectively used treatment in mild acne.
Side effects of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion shows mider side effect than other acne treatment option such as dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. It’s side effects are visible only on outermost layer of skin known as epidermis. Common side effects are as follows:
- Skin tightness
- Redness
- Bruising
- Skin sensitivity
- Hyperpigmentation
- Irritation on eyes if eyes remain unprotected.
Safety Issue
Other than some minor issue it has good safety profile comparatively than other treatment option such as chemical peel and laser. Only some skin tightness and redness are appeared but for short period of time. On the other hand, recovery time is very good. Hence, it is a tolerable treatment option.
Costing of Microdermabrasion
Costing of microdermabrasion is affordable. It is about $100-$250. The average price is $100. Price has been reduced in recent years due to increase of this treatment. However, the mentioned price is much lower than other alternative acne treatment such as laser peel, dermabrasion where average cost is $2500. In the year 2016, the average cost was $138. If you need 5-12 session than you will have to expense $1658.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ-1: What age is perfect to receive Microdermabrasion?
Ans: 12 years to 65 years. Older people who has mature skin face bruising and abrasion.
FAQ-2: What should people expect from Microdermabrasion?
Ans: Soft, smoother, rejuvenated and fresh acne free skin.
FAQ-3: How often should one take Microdermabrasion for acne?
Ans: It literally depend on your skin tolerance and effect of treatment. Normally, most of the people take microdermabrasion weekly. Three session in consecutive three weeks is good. Then, monthly maintenance may be used.
Other treatment of Acne except Microdermabrasion
- Among many other treatment options over the counter (OTC) drugs are very popular. Gel, moisturizers are used for acne. There many home remedies are available.
- Antibiotic and prescription medicine may be used after consultation with registered physician.
- Nutritional supplements such as vitamin A, C, E, Zinc are helpful to alleviate acne.
- Chemical peel and laser beam are also used where peel goes to pores of acne to unclog and minimize it. In contrast, laser emits light, pierce into skin’s oil gland to restore its overreaction.
Also Read:
How to Cure Acne Naturally in 3 Days.
Avocado and Honey Face Mask for Acne.