Microdermabrasion is a treatment where tiny rough grains of varying materials are used to “buff” away the surface layer of skin. It is used to clear the outermost layer of the topmost layer of the skin ie the stratum corneum which consist of mainly dirt and dead skin. The stratum corneum forms part of the skin’s waterproof physical barrier and as such, it keeps all but the smallest molecules from getting through.
It is a more effective form of exfoliation compared to home scrubs but does not go as deep as chemical peels. As such, it’s use is limited to maintaining skin hygiene and to be used as a preparatory procedure before other skin treatments as removing the stratum corneum allows the skin to absorb creams, reagents and light energy better. However, being a very superficial exfoliator, it leaves minimal downtime and is safe to be done up to weekly.
*Important note : Microdermabrasion should not be confused with Dermabrasion which is a much more invasive process and is rarely done nowadays due to the long downtime, risk involved (scars and disfigurement) and the availability of better alternative treatment methods.
