Is microdermabrasion damaging to healthy skin?

Most everyone can benefit from professional skin treatments whether it is microdermabrasion, laser, or chemical peels. I do not recommend, however, purchasing a " home microdermabrasion" system as this can tear the skin, it may have harsh particles, and products in it and most likely is not as effective and efficient as a professional treatment. It is best to start treating the skin while it is still healthy because treating the skin early can help to prevent future problems and premature aging. As I tell my clients, it is easier and more affordable to prevent than it is to correct. Good luck to you! 

No not at all! When microdermabrasion is done properly and
by a well trained, experienced individual, it can be extremely effective for
helping acne, acne scarring, pore size, fine lines and wrinkles. It helps
slough dead skin and has a rejuvenating effect on the appearance of skin.

Microdermabrasion performed at home can give the skin a smoother look and feel. This is achieved, however, at the cost of:-- micro-abrasions and fissures which can increase the evaporation of water and the penetration of whatever else is put on the skin thereafter, causing dryness, increased sensitivity, and contact dermatitis-- plugging of follicles with bits of dead skin, which can lead to whiteheads, acne, and even cysts that can only be removed surgically, with a scalpel and sutures.This is true of facial skin as well as of skin anywhere on the body.  It is far better to have a microdermabrasion treatment at a doctor's office since as the skin is bombarded with crystals, these crystals along with the bits of dead skin are immediately vacuumed away. Physician's models are stronger than the aesthetician's models that are permitted to be sold to spas, and do not result in increased sensitivity.  As an alternative, there are many creams, gels and lotions containing glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and/or retinoids that safely and quickly exfoliate the skin without causing the problems I listed above.I see patients every day with acne, whiteheads, cysts, and sensitive skin whom I must convince to stop all scrubs, loofahs, and microdermabrasion.  Please never, ever physicallly scrub your skin or allow facial or body scrubs to be performed on your skin.

Microdermabrasion is a popular in-office treatment used to gently buff away the dead surface skin.  It is best performed by a professional.  The at-home microdermabrasion kits should be used very carefully since harsh particles can tear the skin.  At your age, a treatment with the Clear + Brilliant laser will stimulate more collagen than microdermabrasion and leave you with glowing, fresh skin.

Just about everyone can benefit from microdermabrasion. If you have sensitive skin, let your physician or medical aesthetician know about this as settings can be adjusted. Also, more advanced microdermabrasion systems such as the SilkPeel microdermabrasion can be used to infuse substances such as hyaluronic acid concurrently which is beneficial to everyone.