How Microdermabrasion Really Works

When I had my first microdermabrasion treatments, I didn’t really understand why periodically removing a thin layer of skin could have the results that it does – results like clearing mild acne, reducing oiliness, shrinking pores, smoothing out wrinkles, fading discolorations such as age spots, and generally rejuvenating the skin. It’s really kind of an interesting process. There have even been studies done to examine what happens to the skin through the microdermabrasion process.

The outer layer of skin is the epidermis and this is where the effects of microdermabrasion first appear. The treatments make the epidermis thicker since each time dead cells are removed, new cells are being generated more rapidly than they normally would. Apparently, the new cells are joined in a more consistent and tighter way than they older cells were. Even though in the first day or so after microdermabrasion the skin is drier than usual, within a week it start to become more hydrated.

The middle layer of skin is called the dermis and this goes through the biggest transformation with microdermabrasion. This layer of skin also gets thicker and healthier, but more importantly, the treatments increase the number and thickness of the skin’s collagen fibers, and they, too, are more tightly packed. Microdermabrasion also increases elastin in the skin, making it more supple. According to the studies, microdermabrasion also increases the blood flow in the dermis, which helps the skin repair itself more efficiently.

All of this adds up to skin that not only looks healthier, but is healthier.