Microdermabrasion - is it effective to use do-it-yourself products?
I want to try microdermabrasion just to make my skin look healthier not for a specific problem, but my doctor charges over $100 per session and I don't want to pay that much. I have seen a lot of different microdermabrasion products that I can use at home for a lot less money, but my doctor says do-it-yourself microdermabrasion treatments don't work very well. Is this true, or is he just trying to get me spend money at his office???
Asked by: Duane from Union City, NJ
Answers (4)
Home Kits vs. Professional Microdermabrasion - Apples and Oranges
Professional microdermabrasion modalities and home microdermabrasion kits are quite different. Your home kits usually employ abrasive scrubs or skin polishing brushes that promise glorious results.
Without a professional consultation and skin analysis, you are leaving youself open to potential damage to your skin and wasted dollars on a product that will sit in the bathroom drawer. Exfoliation is key to healthy skin. Seeking out a professional whom you trust and believe in is the wisest thing to do.
Microdermabrasion is one of the top cosmetic treatments the industry has to offer, and for good reason - they get results. Shop around. Some medical spas offer package deals for multiple treatments. Make sure the technician is knowledgeable, and certified to do the procedure.
Microdermabrasion Should be Left to a Professional.
In my opinion, microdermabrasion is not something that should be attempted at home. We have seen patients come to the office with broken capillaries and pitting of the skin because of inappropriate use of do-it-yourself microdermabrasion kits.
There is plenty that you can do at home to help your skin with good skin care products such as vitamin C serum and retinoids, but more invasive procedures like microdermabrasion should be done by a professional.
Microdermabrasion is best left to experts
We offer microdermabrasion treatments along with a full-service list of skin care treatment options.
Microdermabrasion is an excellent treatment to exfoliate the surface of your skin, removing dead skin cells and providing a healthy appearance to your skin. Microdermabrasion is often combined with full service facial and peel treatments to provide a more effective treatment to the living and healthy tissue.
This treatment is not to be misunderstood for dramatic resurfacing of acne scars or pigmentation concerns. Microdermabrasion may also be recommended to many patients but is often oversold in the industry.
Do-it-yourself kits that are sold over the counter are often very questionable; what is used in the product to exfoliate may do more harm than good.
It is often possible to avoid microdermabrasion treatments by using active ingredients, such as products with:
- Alpha hydroxy acids
- Beta hydroxy acids
- Vitamin A (retinals/retinaldyhydes,retin-A, etc.)
These ingredients provide correct turnover and exfoliation of the skin, are available in medical spas and physician offices, and offer tremendous benefit without the additional expense of microdermabrasion treatments.
Following the recommendations of your physician or qualified skin care expert is wise.
Use Caution When Considering Home Microdermabrasion Systems
Patients often ask me about “home microdermabrasion systems”. My opinion is that microdermabrasion in a doctor’s office will always get safer and superior results, especially when combined with a chemical peel.
Here’s why:
- Many “home microdermabrasion systems” run on battery power. As the batteries weaken, there’s less power output. This makes for a system with unreliable pressure - and results vary with each treatment.
- If you’re doing any treatment yourself, it’s hard to see everything you need to in your bathroom mirror. You won’t catch me doing microdermabrasion, Botox or chemical peels on myself for the same reason. Medical grade skin care is best done by someone who can see your face under optimal examination conditions.
- It’s not just the view that matters. It’s who’s looking at you. Sometimes, microdermabrasion is not the answer to your problems. This is especially true if you have undiagnosed rosacea or particularly sensitive skin. Find a Medical Doctor experienced in skin care to give you an expert opinion. (Duane, you appear to have already done this.)
- Technique obviously matters for microdermabrasion. If you start treating at home with a “home microdermabrader”, you may end up penetrating the skin deeper than you should, which can irritate skin, and also increases risk of infection.
Everyone likes saving money. Skin care companies like to profit off the effectiveness of medical grade treatments. Unfortunately, you usually get what you pay for. If you decide on a home microdermabrasion system, be cautious, follow the directions, and don’t operate the unit in a way that causes pain or injury.
Remember- It’s Your Face! For the best care of your skin, always seek the help of an experienced Medical Doctor.
Check out more Q+A about Microdermabrasion
Will Microdermabrasion treatment be helpful for someone with Rosacea?
Answered by Virginia Stevens, MD, Seattle Doctor
Read all 6 answers
Microdermabrasion - what's the best method?
Answered by George J. Beraka, MD, New York City Plastic Surgeon
Read all 4 answers
Confused about Microdermabrasion
Answered by Ronald Shelton, MD, New York City Dermatologist
Read all 3 answers
Can you use microdermabrasion for stretch marks?
Answered by Lori Haney, RN, Los Angeles Registered nurse
Read all 3 answers
Write a comment