Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical technique which is non-invasive, and is accessible in plastic surgery clinics, spas, and private health clinics. The process involves using a rough surface to remove the upper-most surface of the skin (the part with the blemishes). The abrasive surface can consist of zinc, aluminium oxide crystals, and even micro-diamond surfaces. Most physician clinics that carry out microdermabrasion use aluminium oxide crystals to remove the dead skin layer, but at the same time a strong vacuum pump (normally termed a 'wand') sucks up the crystals as they do their job after they annihilate the dead skin cells. Although your skin will look a bit red for 1-2 days, after recovery, your skin will be smoother, cleaner and will be left looking more natural. There will also be a reduction in the number of fine lines and wrinkles, scars and acnes.

Microdermabrasion at home is a growing trend among those who want to beautify their skin with ease and within the comfort of their own home. There are several ways in which a microdermabrasion at home system differs from going to a physician. Let us cover the disadvantages first, and advantages later.

Firstly, even though it is effective, it is unlikely that you will be as satisfied as the result you see from a clinic. Second, it may get a bit messy with a home system, and if you are not careful enough, you may ruin the whole procedure by mixing up the wrong solutions. However, if you are careful, the whole procedure doesn't entail much difficulty. You may also wonder how the home systems differ from those that are used in clinics. Well, some kits use a mechanical battery powered crystal blower, whereas other kits and creams are applied directly onto the skin (instead of being sprayed on) with a pad or simply the user's fingers. It only takes about 10 minutes in total, once you get used to the whole process, and you only have to carry out the procedure once or twice a week to see maximal benefits.

Further, you can choose when you want to do it, and it is cheaper overall to buy microdermabrasion at home systems than going all the way to a special clinic; although remember that you are likely to note differences in skin texture post-procedure. You can also improve the results with microdermabrasion at home systems with glycolic acid or salicylic acid ointments, further use with products containing retinal will also make you look younger.

Asanka Samaranayake (BSc Hons Neuroscience) and Darren Patten (Bsc Hons Surgery & Anaesthesia)have a specialist interest in microdermabrasion and provide you with an indispensable resource at Microdermabrasion Info. Net