Author: Rodney Stewart
Most people suffer from some type of skin problem during their lives. The most common epidermal condition or disorder is acne. About eighty percent of Americans experience outbreaks during their teenage years. Eczema, dermatitis, skin cancer, and psoriasis are all less common, but more serious diseases. What is causes them?
There are many suspects. But at the end of the day, it often comes down to anatomy and environment. Skin is our integument. It is our protective barrier against the elements. As result, it takes a beating on a daily basis. Most skin problems are relatively minor and can be treated with non-prescription medications. However, if over-the-counter products are ineffective, it may be necessary to see a dermatologist.
Dermatologists are medical specialists, which means that most of their patients have chronic skin conditions. In recent years, however, these doctors have turned their attention to repairs. Millions of Americans have scars from their teenage battles with acne. It is now possible to remove or at least lighten these scars with a dermatological procedure called microdermabrasion.
What is it?
It may sound complicated, but microdermabrasion is really nothing more than an aggressive and intensive skin-exfoliating procedure. The treatment is nearly painless and is completely noninvasive, since only a small layer of the skin is actually removed. There is rarely any need for an anesthetic and recovery time is short. Most patients walk in and walk out in less than an hour.
The treatment works best when the scars are superficial, i.e., when they only affect the epidermis. According to its practitioners, microdermabrasion can quickly and painlessly remove minor acne scars, sun damage, age spots, fines lines and some winkles. It is generally used on the face, though it has proved effective on other areas of the body.
Is it worth it?
Microdermabrasion is a temporary solution. After the top few layers of skin (the stratum corneum) have been removed, the skin will generally look much smoother and healthier. But the results don\'t last long. These top few layers of skin will grow back in about a month, which means that repeated visits are needed to maintain that satiny smoothness. Most patients have at least one treatment each month. They are also instructed to stay out of the sun and to use skincare creams and sunscreen every day.
Patients who have mild acne scars or dull, discolored or sallow skin can benefit greatly from microdermabrasion. The procedure is far less successful when dealing with age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. It is not, after all, a fountain of youth. Removing the top layers of skin also will not efface deep acne scars and pockmarks. With that said, the treatment is still one of the most popular dermalogical procedures going.
Cost
Most dermatologists charge about $100 for each microdermabrasion session. This is a fairly reasonable fee, but it can add up, since multiple visits are necessary. Not to mention the fact that treatments are not covered by insurance. Microdermabrasion is considered a cosmetic procedure and all patients who receive it must pay out-of-pocket. On average, a year of treatments can cost well over a thousand dollars! That is why many people are turning to home kits.
What are they?
The first thing people want to know about home kits is if they are safe. Because it is a minor medical procedure, microdermabrasion can be completed at home, just like tooth whitening or most acne treatments. These simple kits contain most of the same chemicals and some of the same equipment that are used by dermatologists. But just like home tooth whitening systems, the chemicals and solutions are typically a bit weaker than those that are used by doctors. However, they are still effective.
The average microdermabrasion kit contains an abrasive cream or scrub and a tool that is designed for application and removal. The active ingredient in most solutions is aluminum oxide crystals, which is what licensed dermatologists use. According to our research, the only real difference between office and home treatments is how the chemicals are removed. Doctors have a powerful vacuum that was specifically designed to remove all the dead skin cells, while the kits contain a simple manual tool—a scrub cloth.
With that said, it is the opinion of most experts that it is possible to get a thorough microdermabrasion treatment at home. The most important advice we can give you if you are considering a home kit is to take your time. Dermatologists spend about a half an hour with each patient, which makes all the difference. If you rush through the microdermabrasion at home procedure and cut corners, you will not get the results you expect.
Microdermabrasion treatments can be safely and affordably completed at home with the help of a kit.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/spa-day-treat-yourself-to-microdermabrasion-at-home-5547349.html
About the Author
Rodney Stewart is a freelance writer who writes about beauty and fashion including products like microdermabrasion at home.
Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Most people suffer from some type of skin problem during their lives. The most common epidermal condition or disorder is acne. About eighty percent of Americans experience outbreaks during their teenage years. Eczema, dermatitis, skin cancer, and psoriasis are all less common, but more serious diseases. What is causes them?
There are many suspects. But at the end of the day, it often comes down to anatomy and environment. Skin is our integument. It is our protective barrier against the elements. As result, it takes a beating on a daily basis. Most skin problems are relatively minor and can be treated with non-prescription medications. However, if over-the-counter products are ineffective, it may be necessary to see a dermatologist.
Dermatologists are medical specialists, which means that most of their patients have chronic skin conditions. In recent years, however, these doctors have turned their attention to repairs. Millions of Americans have scars from their teenage battles with acne. It is now possible to remove or at least lighten these scars with a dermatological procedure called microdermabrasion.
What is it?
It may sound complicated, but microdermabrasion is really nothing more than an aggressive and intensive skin-exfoliating procedure. The treatment is nearly painless and is completely noninvasive, since only a small layer of the skin is actually removed. There is rarely any need for an anesthetic and recovery time is short. Most patients walk in and walk out in less than an hour.
The treatment works best when the scars are superficial, i.e., when they only affect the epidermis. According to its practitioners, microdermabrasion can quickly and painlessly remove minor acne scars, sun damage, age spots, fines lines and some winkles. It is generally used on the face, though it has proved effective on other areas of the body.
Is it worth it?
Microdermabrasion is a temporary solution. After the top few layers of skin (the stratum corneum) have been removed, the skin will generally look much smoother and healthier. But the results don\'t last long. These top few layers of skin will grow back in about a month, which means that repeated visits are needed to maintain that satiny smoothness. Most patients have at least one treatment each month. They are also instructed to stay out of the sun and to use skincare creams and sunscreen every day.
Patients who have mild acne scars or dull, discolored or sallow skin can benefit greatly from microdermabrasion. The procedure is far less successful when dealing with age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. It is not, after all, a fountain of youth. Removing the top layers of skin also will not efface deep acne scars and pockmarks. With that said, the treatment is still one of the most popular dermalogical procedures going.
Cost
Most dermatologists charge about $100 for each microdermabrasion session. This is a fairly reasonable fee, but it can add up, since multiple visits are necessary. Not to mention the fact that treatments are not covered by insurance. Microdermabrasion is considered a cosmetic procedure and all patients who receive it must pay out-of-pocket. On average, a year of treatments can cost well over a thousand dollars! That is why many people are turning to home kits.
What are they?
The first thing people want to know about home kits is if they are safe. Because it is a minor medical procedure, microdermabrasion can be completed at home, just like tooth whitening or most acne treatments. These simple kits contain most of the same chemicals and some of the same equipment that are used by dermatologists. But just like home tooth whitening systems, the chemicals and solutions are typically a bit weaker than those that are used by doctors. However, they are still effective.
The average microdermabrasion kit contains an abrasive cream or scrub and a tool that is designed for application and removal. The active ingredient in most solutions is aluminum oxide crystals, which is what licensed dermatologists use. According to our research, the only real difference between office and home treatments is how the chemicals are removed. Doctors have a powerful vacuum that was specifically designed to remove all the dead skin cells, while the kits contain a simple manual tool—a scrub cloth.
With that said, it is the opinion of most experts that it is possible to get a thorough microdermabrasion treatment at home. The most important advice we can give you if you are considering a home kit is to take your time. Dermatologists spend about a half an hour with each patient, which makes all the difference. If you rush through the microdermabrasion at home procedure and cut corners, you will not get the results you expect.
Microdermabrasion treatments can be safely and affordably completed at home with the help of a kit.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/spa-day-treat-yourself-to-microdermabrasion-at-home-5547349.html
About the Author
Rodney Stewart is a freelance writer who writes about beauty and fashion including products like microdermabrasion at home.
Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
