We’ve been hearing a lot about microdermabrasion, and it’s fast becoming a popular skincare procedure. But how much do you actually know about it? We did some research and asked Dr Maureen Allem from Skin, Body & Health Renewal for some more information.
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a quick, no down-time procedure that renews the skin by polishing dead cells off the surface with gentle crystals.
What does the procedure involve?
There are to different types of microdermabrasion procedures. The first involves a hand-held device that streams tiny crystals onto the skin. A little vacuum simultaneously suctions the crystals and loose, dead skin back into the device.
The second involves a wand-like device with a diamond tip. The tip of the “wand” is gently moved across the skin to exfoliate.
The procedure generally takes about half an hour and you will feel a light scratching / exfoliating sensation on your skin.
What skin types is it suitable for?
Microdermabrasion can safely treat all skin types without any pain or down-time. It can improve acne, stretch marks, pigmentation, texture, enlarged pores and surface irregularities. Four to six treatments are recommended two to four weeks apart.
What skin issues can it repair?
Microdermabrasion can successfully treat sunspots, sun-damaged skin, dry, ageing or oily skin, enlarged pores and acne scarring. Dr Maureen says that at Skin Renewal, the Mattioli Crystal or Medical Microdermabrasion devices are used and are able to perform a much stronger exfoliation. This procedure also treats stretch marks and deeper wrinkles.
How many years can it take off a person’s appearance?
With a series of microdermabrasion procedures, you can quickly achieve substantial improvement in the appearance of superficial lines and uneven pigmentation, while making your skin look and feel softer, smoother and more radiant. Acne scars and enlarged pores may become less noticeable and acne breakouts may be reduced.
With each additional treatment, you should see incremental gains in the overall appearance of the skin. Skin starts to feel tighter and smoother. After treatment, it is imperative that you use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
To ask Dr Maureen Allem a question about skincare, click here.
Other articles you may be interested in:
The top anti-ageing procedures
Our top five skin-saving facials
Acne 101
Treatments to avoid when pregnant
Everything you need to know about keratosis pilaris
10 Responses
This is a must once a month, such a nice feeling when completed.
Great article.
This sounds like a must try. I wish we had the Clarisonic locally.
Oh my goodness this sounds so amazing. I’ve heard about it but was not quite sure what exactly it was.
This treatment sounds great, I would love to try it out.
How expensive is it and how often do you need to go for the treatments?
Hi Mpoyif. The cost of microdermabrasian will differ depending on what skin specialist you go to. As for how often you will need to go, that will depend solely on the therapist’s diagnosis is of your skin.
Love this article. A treatment I’m going to try out for sure.
This sounds so fascinating. I’m keen to know how much each treatment costs since it would determine if I could possibly even consider this to treat the many stretch marks on my thighs.
I love this treatment, I have had a few before, my last one about a month ago. My skin is so smooth, and glowy after the treatment. I am sure to use good products after it for easy absorption