Microdermabrasion is a type of skin treatment that treads the fine line between "cosmetic" and "medical." Perhaps it should be called a "cosmedical" procedure. It can be described by breaking down the word into its component parts.

"micro" of course, means "small." This process uses very small, fine particles.

"derma" refers to the skin, where the procedure takes place.

"abrasion" means "scrubbing," similar what you do to pots and pans with stuck on food. The only difference is that microdermabrasion very gently scrubs away dead skin cells and dirt from the skin.

Microdermabrasion can make skin more radiant by clearing away dead skin cells and dirt and imparting a healthy glow from increased circulation. In some cases it can be used to minimize the look of acne scars. The fresh skin revealed by microdermabrasion takes up moisturizers and acne medications more readily, helping them work optimally.

While skin treated with microdermabrasion may be slightly sensitive, it should not be rubbed raw. It is very important to protect skin by using sunscreen, and it is even more important to use sunscreen on skin that has recently undergone microdermabrasion. Sunburn is that much more painful on tender skin.

The process of microdermabrasion used to be confined to the offices of dermatologists and some cosmetic surgeons, but there are now home microdermabrasion kits that achieve results very comparable to those achieved in a dermatologist's office. The main danger from home microdermabrasion is that of overdoing it and causing the skin to become irritated and inflamed. But when used as directed, the kits are effective and safe.

In-office microdermabrasion and some of the at-home kits include a battery-operated device that spins and helps the tiny particles in the microdermabrasion cream work better. But there are also over the counter scrub creams that contain the tiny particle, but are applied and massaged into the skin by hand. The results are not as obvious, but the risk of irritation is lower, which is a good trade-off. The other option would be to consult a cosmetic surgery clinic, like Transform in the UK, as they can offer a better and more qualified experience, however the cost incurred may be greater than many of the of the other home products available.



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