Stop Acne Forver

Microderm or microdermabrasion treatments, as they are more often referred to, is a category of procedures that are quite popular in today's cosmetic dermatologists offices and day spas. With these procedures the top most outer layer of non living skin cells is removed by way of abrasion.

This procedure is noted for being quite painless and thus requires no anesthetic. However; in some instances a mild topical anesthetic can be applied, if it is requested. Also, although it's commonly believed so, there is no evidence that a topical non invasive procedure of this type in any way stimulates collagen production.

On the other hand, it has been demonstrated in controlled studies that microdermabrasion can have a positive effect on acne infection but it must be performed regularly to do so. However; this treatment should never be done on a person with acne who has taken the acne drug Accutane within the previous year.

Various Methods of Performing the Procedure

While the end results are the same, there are none the less several ways of accomplishing them procedurally. For instance, one type of system involves “sandblasting” the skin with jets of fine aluminum oxide crystals or zinc oxide powder. This is not done out in the open. Rather, its restricted an enclosed casing on the end of a hand held device that's used.

Then there are other systems that use a direct contact surface to physically sand away the dead skin cells that have built up on the outer surface of the skin. New systems that use a wand with an abrasive surface that are none the less, still controllable and safe enough such that they can be performed without anesthesia in a non medical setting.

With so many new systems and machines available there is no one set standard in the industry to go by regarding their use and the results they deliver. This is why it's always in ones best interest to have any microdermabrasion treatments performed by a qualified aestheticism. As it stands right now, crystal microdermabrasion is the most popular method being requested and performed.

Chemical Peel or Microdermabrasion Treatments?

There's a good handful of reasons why people in general consider having the top layer of dead skin cells removed from their face or other body area. As indicated above, doing so can in many cases can lead to a reduction in the severity of an acne condition. Also with dead skin cells removed, the skin becomes brighter in tone as wrinkles are also greatly diminished.

Because chemical peels also deliver the same results, the decision has to be made between chemical peel and microdermabrasion treatments. So what's the difference, aside from the obvious procedural differences? The following a list of both pros and cons that highlight some important points that set them apart.

To begin with, chemical peels come in different strengths. In a non clinical setting you would be dealing with the mildest because there are regulations in place that dictate that stronger peels must be done by a doctor. In fact you can even now buy very affordable peel kits that can be used in your own home.

Another thing to consider, is that there will be some level of pain involved with even the mildest chemical peels, while the worst discomfort you'll experience with microdermabrasion treatments is a mild tingling. Also there's more recovery time with a chemical peel. Redness that can last as long as 1-2 weeks with even the mildest peels.

On the other hand, chemical peels tend to deliver much more immediate results than microderm treatments' that can take up to 6-12 sessions to deliver maximum results. Also microdermabrasion requires periodic upkeep treatments on a more frequent basis than chemical peels. Even so, one important benefit that microdermabrasion has over chemical peels is that chemical peels can't be done on skin that's close to the eyes.