Guide to the Costs and Benefits of Microdermabrasion

If you want to give your skin a boost, but don't have thousands of dollars to spend on costly cosmetic procedures, or don't want to go under the knife, you might want to consider microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that can add the glow back to your complexion, minimize fine lines, reduce pore size, lighten acne scars, and even out skin pigmentation. Microdermabrasion has two very important pluses - it does not hurt and can be done on your lunch break from work. This "lunchtime peel" requires no recovery time. Don't let the lack of recovery time fool you - microdermabrasion, while not as intense as some facial treatments, will improve your complexion, but over time with several treatments. If you have heavy pigmentation problems such as melasma, or very deep acne scarring, microdermabrasion will not completely eliminate either condition and you may opt for a more invasive procedure. If you have superficial skin problems and want to aid skin cell turnover, a series of microdermabrasion treatments will provide noticeable results.

Microdermabrasion is performed by a trained esthetician (skin care professional who has had special training) who uses a hand held wand that sprays crystals onto the skin. Think sandblasting and you'll be close to the concept. The machine blasts the skin while simultaneously vacuuming up the crystals and dead skin cells leaving you with smoother, more radiant skin. I tried the procedure a few years ago and as advertised, it did not hurt, took only about 30 minutes, and did refresh the skin on my face. I felt a slight tingling sensation during the procedure and my skin was slightly red as with mild sunburn for about 24 hours after.

Most estheticians recommend a series of six to ten treatments for optimum results. A series of treatments is often priced at a discount when compared to buying each treatment at the single price of $200 - $250. You may find treatments priced as low as $75, but be wary. Some salons offer microdermabrasion but do not use the safest and most effective equipment. This is your face after all - do not trust it to just anyone.

Microdermabrasion is safe for all skin types including sensitive skin and black skin. It can be used safely on the face, neck, chest, and hands. Be careful if you have taken Acutane in the last year or have had any laser procedures on your face since your skin will be hypersensitive and you run the increased risk of permanent pigmentation damage.

While Microdermabrasion is one of the least expensive facial treatments, you may still balk at the $200 per treatment price tag. There are now home microdermabrasion kits that range from $25-$75. As you might imagine, these vary in effectiveness and risks. The two biggest downsides to going the do-it-yourself route are skin irritation and wasting your money. Yes, an at home treatment is cheaper, but also less effective without the professional equipment; thus it takes about four at home treatments to equal the effectiveness of one professional application. The lotions provided with the at home kits can also be a problem for sensitive skin. If you want to try the do-it-yourself route, Neutrogena and Youthful Essence (Susan Lucci's brand for any of you All My Children fans) offer the most effective treatments.