| Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion |
|
Microdermabrasion There are two basic methods of altering the surface of the skin: chemical and physical. Chemical alterations are accomplished by applying acids to the skin causing the cells of the stratum corneum to separate and slough off. Superficial chemical peels using glycolic and salicylic acid make the skin smooth and soft by this mechansim. Another mechanism of removing the stratum conreum cells is to physically rub, blast or grind them off. This physical type of removal is used in mircodermabrasion and dermabrasion. Modern dermabrasion equipment resembles a habd-hled rotary motor drill with a small diamond-coated bit that is used to grind off the skin. The small diamond pieces are sharp, but can be easily controlled as the bit is moved over the surface of the skin. Dermabrasion was the standars treatment for deep wriknles of the face to severe photodamage until the carbon dioxide laser was adapted for dermatologic use. For a time, dermabrasion was rarely done, but it is making a resurgence, especially for wrinkles on the upper lip that do not respond to many other modalities. The concept of dermabrasion was adapted for use by skin care professionals with the invention of the microdermabrasion machine. This machine removes the top layer of the stratum corneum physically, but not enter the living part of the skin like medically administered dermabrasion did. Microdermabrasion operates on the premise that encouraging exfoliation of the skin is desirable. The word"micro" is used to separate this procedure from true dermabrasion, where the deeper layers of the skin are removed. Microdermabrasion improves the appearance of several aspects of the skin, such as increased pigment, which may be contained in the outer corneocytes. This pigment may make the skin look freckled due to the presence of lentigenes, the medical term for brown spots, and scaling brown growths, known as seborrheic keratoses. Microdermabrsion can remove the skin scale that contains the pigment, making the skin more evenly colored. Treatments result in improved skin texture, smoothness, pigmentation and possibly function, however microdermabrasion must be properly and safely performed. Microdermabrasion is a versatile procedure. It can be performed on people of all ages, sexes and skin colors. Although microdermabrasion can smooth skin color, it cannot lighten pigmented areas or skin color. Microdermabrasion is a versatile and safe. This prosedure can be easily incorporated as part of a professional skin care routine.
Article written by: Zoe Draelos, MD & Peter T. Pugliese, MD |
