excerpt: Microdermabrasion: Sandblast Your Face

Imagine lying on the beach wriggling your hands and feet deep into the warm sand. It’s going to ruin your new pedicure but it feels so good and your hands and feet are oh-so-soft afterwards. Maybe you rub a little bit of sand on your elbows and your knees to smooth out flaky rough skin. “Hmm. Soft smooth skin…” you think to yourself, “I wonder what a little sand could do for my face…”

STOP. Do not rub sand on your face!

If your at-home exfoliation routine isn’t working for you anymore or if you need a more powerful solution consider having a cosmetic professional “sand-blast” your face with microdermabrasion or a chemical peel.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion, also called a power-peel, is a gentle yet powerful sandblasting type therapy. It is not a surgical procedure and it doesn’t require anesthesia or really any downtime for recovery.

The Results

Glowy and dewy skin! However, because it is so gentle, to see true improvement in age spots or fine lines you may need 6-10 treatments.

The treated skin will look pink for about a day and it will feel wind-burned for a few days so a good moisturizer is recommended. Also, use sunscreen to protect the fresh delicate skin.

Cost: $100-150 per treatment 45-60 minute treatment.

Risks: This is not completely a risk free treatment option. An inexperience operator may lead to burns, bleeding and scars. Ask your clinician for references and degree of experience.

DIY Kits

Over the counter microdermabrasion kits are readily available if you would like to try this treatment at home on your own. Most of the kits include a crystal scrubbing cream and an after-treatment moisturizer or gel. Some of the creams are applied by hand and some of the more expensive kits come with an applicator wand.

In order to get good results from the DIY kits it is very important to follow the instructions and the recommended schedule of use. The chemicals and scrubbing agents in the at home kits are less powerful than the agents used by professionals, so it often requires several applications before you see results.

• These kits are most effective on younger skin that only needs a polish or as maintenance between professional treatments.
• There are many brands on the market and the user reviews vary widely. You may need to try a few brands before you find one that works for your skin.
• The kits are very affordable, ranging from $25 to $75.
• Some of the user reviews include complaints of breakouts or irritation from the chemicals in the product.

Just Say No to a Beach Exfoliation

While your hands and feet may be soft and beautiful after a day in the sand, when it comes to your face leave the sandblasting to the pros. Whether you chose microdermabrasion or a chemical peel, or both, you will love your beach-fresh glowing complexion. Remember to wear sunscreen.

Sources

www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/guide/cosmetic-procedures-chemical-peel-treatments