Bay Area begs to know…I am 22 and recently went to a spa for a free consultation. It was recommended that I try the photofacial with the microdermabrasion. I am mostly interested in removing the fine lines on my forehead and the fine lines under my eyes!
The Left Brain responds:
When done properly, microdermabrasion is a legitimate way to significantly improve the appearance of skin. However, keep in mind that home microdermabrasion kits are not the same quality as treatments performed by professional dermatologists. Those treatments, which use a diamond studded tool to abrade the top layers of skin, have actually been shown to change the way skin grows and heals itself.
Microdermabrasion magic
According to the October issue of of Archives of Dermatology (via ScienceDaily) researchers have discovered that microdermabrasion really works because it triggers the same kind of skin restructuring process that occurs during wound healing. The study, led by Darius J. Karimipour, M.D. at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, involved a biochemical analysis of skin specimens from forty different adults aged 50 to 83. Each person had sundamaged areas of their arms treated with a diamond-studded handpiece of either a coarse-grit abrasiveness.
Results showed increased production of many of the biochemical markers that are linked to wound healing such as cytokeratin 16, antimicrobial peptides that fight infection, matrix metalloproteinases that help control skin’s structural proteins, and collagen precursors that are the foundation of healthy skin. It’s amazing how the complex biological structures of the skin react to such a relatively simple surface treatment.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
While this research indicates microdermabrasion can help rebuild aged skin it does not necessarily mean you’ll see benefits at the young age of 22. Rather than relying on a spa consultation, it’s best to check with your dermatologist for treatment options for your particular condition. And, of course, you can prevent some of the aging process now by starting to use a good sunscreen.
What do YOU think? Have you ever tried microdermabrasion? Leave a comment and share your experiences with the rest of the Beauty Brains community.
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Did the study include a variety of skin tones and textures? I have always wondered if one is prone to scarring if microdermabrasion would be beneficial – perhaps its the hand the does the procedure or the process is so define it affects the skin differently?
I wonder if skin really likes to be treated that way on a regular basis. Are there any long-term studies? How will my skin look when I’m 55 if I have been abrasing it for the past 30 years?
well, i can answer that one. It will look good. Your skin naturally turns over (self-resurfaces in a way) about every 30 days on average. As you get older, the cell renewal process slows, and it takes 45 to 60 days or more to renew. So, by abrading it manually, you are speeding up nature. Your skin will always repair itself. The abrading of it on a regular basis will also allow you to nourish it more effectively with serums and moisturizers. So, microderm away.
A lot of things make your skin look really good and fresh if you do them once – like, spending time in the sun, having a day out on the sea shore, hot baths, etc. If you do them repeatedly, it will be too much to take for your skin and make it trifle weather beaten. That’s why I would really like to see and hear from people who have been repeatedly doing this for a longer period of time.
Completely agree with “About Face.” We’re long term users of microderm. Your skin will look great.