Microderm what? The very first time I ever heard someone say this word my mind filled up with crazy thoughts of scientific experiments gone wrong. It sounded like something creepy and painful and I wanted no part of it. However, my mind changed once I really understood what microdermabrasion was all about.

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that gently removes the outermost layer of the skin. The procedure is simple and not very painful and allows you to undergo anesthesia-free treatment. This is great news for those too afraid to undergo invasive treatments.

How Microdermabrasion works

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure that is administered by spraying micro-crystals onto the skin to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. This non-aggressive treatment is also thought to encourage skin renewal by stimulating the production of a new underlying layer of skin cells with higher levels of collagen and elastin. This does not mean that microdermabrasion should be confused with dermabrasion which is a more intensive procedure for skin tissue removal and used to treat deeper facial lines and scars.

In a microdermabrasion treatment, the dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will use a handheld device that will spray fine crystals onto the surface of your skin. Each treatment will take about 30 minutes to an hour. In order to achieve optimal results, you will need to submit yourself to at least five to twelve microdermabrasion treatments.

Home microdermabrasion - The best treatment for your skin

Not everyone has the time or patience to go to a specialist for treatment. If you consider yourself among this group of people then you might want to look into a home microdermabrasion treatment. It could save you time and money. There are various exfoliation treatments to help remove dead skin cells, but when you are trying to remove acne scars, for example, you'll require the help of a home microdermabrasion cream for acne scars.

Acne scars are a sign of damaged skin tissue and an indicator of lost elastin and collagen in the skin. This is why you need a special treatment that can penetrate deeply into the skin and restore the cellular processes that are common in young skin.

An effective microdermabrasion treatment should contain skin renewal activators that cause the skin cells to increase the filtering of toxins and free radicals. The rate of skin cell production and shedding should be increased while old, damaged skin cells and other toxins are flushed out and rapidly stripped away.

This will help the skin to replenish itself with elastin, collagen, and its own natural moisturizers. In essence it will be able to replace the old dull layer of skin with new skin cells.