Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a popular treatment procedure which helps to rejuvenate the skin making it look younger, healthier and attractive. It works by using abrasive materials like aluminum oxide crystals to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin wand then vacuum away the dead cells. The procedure is done with a small hand held device which is called microdermabrasion machine. There are several varieties of microdermabrasion machines available in the market today but basically all of them have similar design.

A microdermabrasion machine generally consists of mainly four components which include a vacuum or air pump, a tube or hose, wand and the crystals used for exfoliating the skin. The purpose of the vacuum or air pump is to spray the oxide crystals on to the skin through the tube. After using the crystals for exfoliating the skin, the same pump is used to suction the crystals along with the dead skin cells into a collecting container which is then later discarded. The tube is the portion that connects the pump and the wand.  These tubes may be a collection of two or three tubes in one.

While one tube is used to send the crystals from the pump to the wand, the other sends used up crystals and the dead skin cells to a container. The third tube may not be available in all machines. If there is a third tube, then that tube is reserved for other electrical components. The wand, which is made of stainless steel or glass, is the part of the machine that is held by the operator to carry out the procedure. The tip of the wand touches the patient’s skin. The crystals are used to exfoliate the skin and they are sprayed on to the skin at high speed and after the job is done, they are sucked away and removed.

 The working of the microdermabrasion machine is fairly simple. Crystals are sprayed onto the skin surface at high speed which causes the skin to exfoliate. Once the process is completed, the machine vacuums away the dead skin cells and the used crystals. Pumping of the crystals and the vacuuming of the dead cells occur when the tip of the wand touches the skin.

Microdermabrasion machines can be divided into two types.  The first type uses crystals for exfoliating the skin whereas the second type uses an abrasive tip containing diamond particles. The different crystals that are used in the procedure include Aluminum oxide, Sodium chloride, Magnesium oxide and Sodium bicarbonate. Aluminum oxide is comparatively cheaper and safe and hence it is the most commonly used crystal in microdermabrasion machines.
The cost of microdermabrasion machines ranges between $2000 to $30,000. Lower grade microdermabrasion machines are available in department stores and pharmacies whereas professional grade machines are very expensive and are available in professional stores or can be ordered online.

Even though there are home kits available for skin treatment, nothing can produce the same effect as that of a microdermabrasion machine. This is due to the fact that these machines are more powerful and deliver amazing results even after a few treatment sessions. Another advantage is that they can effectively suction away the dead skin cells offering smooth and radiant skin.